Page 120 of Corrupting his Duchess

Henry didn’t sit.

He chuckled, “I must say, I’m gratified. The match is an excellent one– for Anna, naturally, but also for the families. Stability is a rare commodity these days.”

Henry said nothing.

Isaac took a sip. “And with that stability comes opportunity. You and I both know how valuable aligned interests can be. Family, business, reputation– one strengthens the other.”

He smiled faintly. “I’ve made some preliminary notes, of course. Nothing binding. Merely thoughts for a future discussion. I assumed we’d formalize a partnership after the banns.”

Henry snorted.

Isaac went on, undeterred. “It’s rather remarkable what she’s made of herself under pressure. I’m not sure she would have turned out half so useful without a firm hand. But I suppose you’ve seen that now.”

Henry’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing.

“She’s a bright girl,” Isaac continued. “Stubborn, of course. Prickly, when challenged. But the key is consistency. Don’t let her talk you into every impulse. She thrives with boundaries.”

Henry’s voice was calm. “You speak of her as though she’s a ward. Or a dog.”

Isaac gave a short, indulgent laugh. “Oh, come now. We both know women like Anna need management. She means well, but she’s been stretched thin. You’ll need to keep her grounded. Keep her reminded.”

“Of what?”

Isaac blinked. “Her place.”

Henry took one step forward. “And what, in your opinion, is her place?”

Isaac tilted his head, as if humoring a child. “With you. Beside you. That’s the best place for her. Just so long as she remembers she’s not your equal. No one expects that.”

He didn’t wait for a reply.

“And now that we’re to be family,” he continued, moving to the desk, “we can solidify the investment side of things. I’ve spokento several men who’d be eager to lend their weight once the match is announced.”

He reached for a folded sheet of notes. “Yeats & Stenton…it has a ring to it, doesn’t it?”

Henry’s voice was quiet. “No.”

Isaac straightened. “I beg your pardon?”

“There will be no business arrangement,” Henry said. “No investment. No partnership. Not now, not ever.”

Isaac frowned. “But we’ve been discussing– ”

“You’ve been presuming,” Henry cut in. “I listened, Lord Stenton. I allowed you your ambitions. I allowed you your theatre. And now I am done, I owe you nothing.”

The pause that followed was sharp as broken glass.

The room stilled.

“I see,” Isaac said after a moment, lips tightening. “So you mean to marry the girl, but cut me out entirely? Decline the natural consolidation that comes with it?”

Henry’s gaze didn’t waver. “Anna is not a commodity. And she is not the result of your efforts. What she is, what she’s become, she did in spite of you. Not because of you.”

Isaac gave a clipped smile. “Of course. I merely hoped our families might move forward with... mutual benefit.”

Henry let the silence stretch. Then, “I find that all my benefits lie elsewhere.”

Isaac inclined his head, jaw taut. “You’re certain.”