Emerson's smile returned. A smile so like Uncle Ashby's that feelings of longing for her life back on the island overwhelmed her. "I did not realize you meant that sort of association. May I offer you my deepest felicitations?"
Thea summoned a weak smile. "Thank you."
Drake inclined his head to acknowledge the sentiments. "In order to prepare for the marriage settlements, I would like to spend some time looking over your books."
Emerson drew himself up. "That is quite impossible. Those ledgers are confidential, sir."
Thea cleared her throat delicately and Emerson shifted his affronted gaze to her. "As acting partner, I will of course oversee Drake's perusal of our books, Mr. Merewether."
She stressed the words "acting partner" and "our" to remind Emerson just who was ultimately in charge in this situation.
He had the grace to blush. "Yes, of course. I'm sorry if I offended you. Miss Selwyn. I have come to think of the company as a family venture, you see. I am very protective of your and Uncle Ashby's interests."
She smiled her understanding. He really seemed like a dear man.
"I should like to take the books with me today. We will return them in the next week or so after I have extracted the information I need for our marriage settlements from them," Drake said.
Emerson frowned. "Surely whatever information you need could be procured here in the offices. We need our ledgers for reference. In fact"—Emerson's frown turned to a smile—"Barton could compile whatever numbers you require and deliver the papers to your town house."
She understood Emerson's unwillingness to let the ledgers from his sight. It was really quite natural, but rather annoying. "I'm afraid Drake is a rather independent and obstinate sort of person. He will not trust the numbers compiled by anyone but himself."
"Thea is correct. I prefer to do my own accounting. My man of business finds my ways quite tiresome as I insist on double-checking all financial transactions for my company."
Emerson's face started to show signs of Uncle Ashby's temper. "I assure you, Barton is above reproach. Any numbers he supplies you with will be accurate to the pence."
Drake smiled and her heart did a small flip at the charm oozing from him. "Nevertheless, as Thea so sweetly put it, I'm rather independent and obstinate. I should like the ledgers."
"Couldn't you at least do your checking here?"
Really, it was a reasonable request and Thea was about to agree when Drake shook his head. All charm had vanished and his face took on that impassive expression she had come to think of as rather dangerous. Standing, he extended his arm to her. She took it without thinking.
Leading her out the door, he spoke over his shoulder. "Have the ledgers brought out to my curricle immediately. Miss Selwyn and I have promised Lady Boyle we will be in attendance for tea."
* * *
Chapter 13
« ^ »
I have discovered an aptitude for business. Ashby wanted to let me invest in the shipping venture, but my funds are limited. I offered to keep his books. At first, he refused, believing such a position would be beyond a lady. I proved him wrong. Now, I keep track of all inventories and accounts, and yesterday I negotiated my first shipload of cargo. It was a most amazing experience—one I look forward to repeating in the future.
July 15, 1801
Journal of Anna Selwyn, Countess of Langley
"Really, Drake. You did not need to be so abrupt with poor Mr. Merewether. I think you offended his dignity."
He flicked the reins, setting the horses in motion. Thea grabbed the side of the curricle as it lurched forward rather quickly. The ledgers, stacked between her and Drake, shifted and she put a restraining hand on them.
"To hell with his dignity. He is your employee and had no business arguing with your fiancé."
"Well, as to that. Do you think it was a good idea to tell him we are engaged? Word is bound to get out."
"Word will get out anyway. Once the ton learns of our close association aboard the Golden Dragon, you will have no choice but to become engaged to me. Like it or not, you have been compromised."
She didn't like the implacable tone of his voice. "That is silly. A few visits to my stateroom surely cannot require marriage."
"We did a lot more than just visit, or had you forgotten?"