The Lady In Question by Victoria Alexander Page B

pursue it?”
    “I grew out of it,” he said firmly, as if to put an end to the subject.
    “My sister and I used to long for adventure. We thought it quite unfair that only boys have such opportunities.” She paused. “Why didn’t you do what you wanted with your life?”
    He stared at her as if she were at least slightly insane. “One has responsibilities. To one’s family and employers particularly. I feel I have done as I wanted with my life.” His gaze returned to the board. “It is your turn.”
    She rolled the dice and moved her piece.
    “And what shall I do with my life, Gordon?” she said under her breath.
    “I thought you were refurbishing the house.” His tone was mild.
    “I shall have a few good years remaining when the house is completed. I am not in my dotage yet.”
    The man was being nothing less than obstinate. From what she knew of her butler thus far, he had definite opinions. The trick was in getting him to state them. “It’s not an especially large house and won’t take more than a few months to finish. What shall I do after that?”
    “It is not for me to say, ma’am.”
    “Surely you have some thoughts on the matter?” She huffed in exasperation. “I should very much like to hear them.”
    “Your roll.”
    She shook the cup rather more violently than necessary and threw the dice on the table, then moved a marker.
    “Are you certain you wish to do that?”
    “Yes,” she snapped.
    He glanced at her and raised a brow. “Is something amiss?
    She glared silently.
    “If I may say so, my lady, you are a stubborn sort. Very well.” He sat back in his chair, folded his hands together and rested them on the table. “I admit your pronouncement this morning that you will live a grand adventure from this moment forth strikes me as being fraught with all manner of dangers you have yet to consider. Setting that aside, I have always believed one should live one’s life in the manner that nature and tradition intended. I was intended to follow in the footsteps of my father and his father.”
    “And what I am intended for?”
    “To be a good wife and, God willing, mother. It’s what your family, your heritage and nature has prepared you for. If indeed you wish to know what I think you should do with the rest of your life, I would advise you to marry again. A lady should not live her life alone. She needs a husband’s council and guidance.”
    At once, Delia had an overwhelming urge to shake this dear old man until his teeth rattled. She would never do that, of course, yet the annoyingly sanctimonious tone in his voice set her own teeth on edge. “I suspected you were opinionated, but I had no idea you were stuffy and narrow-minded as well.”
    “I commend you on your astute assessment of my character, my lady.”
    She stared at him, then laughed. “I am exceedingly glad I have encouraged you to speak freely.”
    “And I am glad I have said nothing to offend you.”
    “Not at all. I quite enjoy a good debate.” She paused to gather her thoughts. “What if I do not wish to marry again? What if I wish to follow the course you desired as a boy?”
    “Balderdash. Utter nonsense.” He snorted in disdain. “You said it yourself: Adventure is not for women. Far too dangerous and uncertain for the fairer sex. No, marriage is the only true purpose in life for women.”
    She studied him for a long moment. “Have you ever been married, Gordon?”
    “No indeed.”
    “I see. So you have denied some poor woman from fulfilling her true purpose in life,” she said innocently.
    “Perhaps.” He raised a brow. “Or I have saved her from a long life with an opinionated, stuffy and narrow-minded husband.”
    She laughed. “Have you never wished to marry at all?”
    He shook his head. “Never.”
    “You have never been in love then either?”
    “No, my lady.”
    “Surely there was a comely parlormaid in your past?”
    “There have been several, ma’am,” he said coolly. “But none