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“Perhaps. Would that you can speak sense into the men with the votes who keep anyone oppressed who isn’t like them.

It is madness women are not allowed into medical school.

” Or do other things such as own property, but that was how the world was.

Did she have the strength to keep fighting and essentially banging her head against the wall where her words fell on deaf ears? That remained to be seen.

“Change is sometimes slow, but mark my words, poppet. There will be change. Perhaps not in my lifetime but in yours. I welcome that day when women can work alongside men in professions where that unique insight will be useful.”

“We can only hope. The female mind is not small or delicate, and I am growing tired of being told so over and over.” If given half a chance, women could put forth answers and ideas that would enhance and change practically everything, but for some reason, the powers-that-be wished to quell them beneath thumbs and blustering orders.

Go ahead and fear us, you bastards. Many of our mothers were considered witches.

And that meant women wielded power, which they couldn’t cope with.

“I can imagine, but you must wait. Your time will come when you can use your skills and talents. After that, you will be unstoppable, and the world will be better for you and all the others like you.”

“Not soon enough.” A long-suffering sigh escaped her throat. “I’ve the same medical training and knowledge as the men, yet my sex prevents me from acting upon it, and as much as I loved Mama, I am more than just a healer with herbs. Effective though they can sometimes be.”

“I am well aware of that.” He appeared as if he were wrestling with a problem. “Barring that, and in the interim of waiting, you can allow one of the men I keep inviting to dinner to court you.”

Not you too, Papa. “Oh, not this again.”

It wasn’t that she was opposed to marriage—much—it was that she didn’t wish to enter into that state right now.

And the thought of bearing and rearing children almost made her want to run screaming from the room.

Her life was fulfilled as it was now with the work at the clinic and her patients.

Having domestic duties placed upon her shoulders would get in the way of that…

or demand she quit altogether, and she’d worked too hard to gain even the tiny foothold she had.

Absolutely, she wasn’t willing to give it up merely to do what society expected of a woman.

“Hear me out.” Her father raised a hand, palm outward. “I want to make certain you are taken care of once I can no longer do that.”

Some of her ire faded. “I shall be fine. Aren’t I always?”

“Yes, but unfortunately, we both know what society is. You need a man in some capacity, if only to help you meet your dreams. Take you further than I have been able to.”

It was so dratted maddening. She huffed. “Would that it wasn’t so.”

“As do I. If worse comes to worst, you can work with Ian.” For long moments, her father rested his sad gaze on her.

“Since I’ve already given up your dowry…

” He shook his head. “I can provide another, of course, because you are worth that, but I would rather not advertise such a thing, since your last engagement ended in disaster, and I want the next man you choose to want you instead of the coin.”

“Thank you.” It was all so… ridiculous. “I won’t change my mind, Papa. You know this.”

“Oh, I am well aware of how stubborn you are. After all, you have your mother’s spirit and her hair, but if said man happens to tug at your heartstrings in the process?”

Love . That was always the fly in the ointment, wasn’t it? Once love came ’round, everything would change, or perhaps nothing would, it depended upon the man. Perhaps. “I don’t know. Romance is a distraction to all that I want to accomplish in my life.”

“While I understand that, consider that it can prove a help instead of a hinderance. I once thought as you did, but then I met your mother, and I went tip over tail and forgot which way was up for a bit.”

Her parents’ romance was something she did wish to aspire to, but perhaps not just now. “You were happy though. That isn’t the guarantee, and I wouldn’t have had that with Colin.” Thus just one reason for the breaking of the engagement.

“Of course we were. Your mother helped me to see that life isn’t an all or nothing proposition. Once you find the right fit, it is much like magic, and not even medical science can explain it.”

It made sense, and yet it didn’t. Lydia sighed. “Still, I’d rather not chance it.”

“Ah, poppet, please keep an open mind. Not all men were put on his earth to distract you or set you back or keep you under their thumb.”

“I can take care of myself,” she reiterated but she might welcome a distraction if it wasn’t permanent.

Romance was one thing, and something she wanted to avoid, but a fleeting tryst that could help to refresh her mind?

Perhaps she might entertain that. The one secret she’d never told her father about was the fact she wasn’t an innocent any longer.

She’d attained the age of six and twenty without falling pregnant by the few indiscretions she’d indulged in, but then, she had taken precautions, and was a sight more intelligent than the usual na?ve debutante.

Everyone had physical needs of the body, and to her way of thinking, there was no shame in having those needs met, even if society deemed them as shocking or scandalous.

But when had she ever cared what the matrons of Almack’s or other places thought?

“Yes, yet there is more to live than that, my girl. Promise me you will think about what I’ve said. And perhaps humor me.”

She gave him a smile, for how could she not?

Her father was one of the most fair and honorable people she’d ever met.

He never played favorites and always was the first man to offer help should anyone need it.

“I promise to think over your words. However, to date, there hasn’t been a man yet who’s captured my heart.

” Inflamed her body yes, and she’d had fun sowing wild oats over the years—which had led to her horrid engagement— but once she found herself married, her freedoms would vanish as soon as her name changed.

“I made that mistake with Colin. I was merely infatuated instead of in love. I don’t believe my heart was in that relationship, and that is something I am not willing to repeat. ”

In fact, the man in question would need to set himself apart enough to capture her attention and her imagination for her to even give him a second look let alone a chance to win her heart.

“Understandable.” He gave her a rueful glance. “Trust me. When the man who will change your life comes along, you’ll know deep down, and your heart will clamor to tell you.”

“I will take your word for it.” The number of exceptional men she’d met could be counted on one hand.

“Oh, and there is one other thing I wished to ask of you.”

She tamped down the urge to groan. “Oh?”

“It might prove interesting, but I’ve been asked to provide medical care at a bare-knuckle boxing bout tomorrow.

You are welcome to attend with me if you’d like, just make sure you come dressed as a lad to prohibit any gossip that might get out.

But it will provide you with the opportunity to dress wounds in the field and perhaps set a bone or two if you’re interested. ”

How interesting! “Of course, I’ll come with you. Though I think boxing is childish and reckless, it will be entertaining to watch the proceedings and perhaps lecture the boxers.” Then she frowned. “As long as Colin isn’t one of the competitors. If that proves true, I might wait in the carriage.”

“I can’t say that I blame you. The man’s a bit thick in the head.”

“I’d like to say it’s a result of being hit with repetitive blows, but I think he’s never been as bright as he wishes folks to think.” Still, he’d been impressive enough in body that she’d given him a chance.

I won’t make that mistake again.