Page 4 of On the Ropes of Scandal (With Love in Their Corner #3)
Aunt Bess chuckled. “Sometimes they are, but that’s what also makes them attractive.”
This was quite interesting information. “What else can you tell me?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Why?”
Phoebe shrugged. “In the event that I’d ever want to attract a man again. And not the type like Mr. Hannerford,” she added with a little shiver. “I might want a family someday, but I want children on my own terms, not given to me immediately after a wedding ceremony.”
“Oh, I don’t blame you, and especially when referring to Mr. Hannerford. He’s as oily as they come. Why, one look at him will tell you that he won’t be faithful. It’s probably an act of God that Mrs. Hannerford left this world early.”
“Don’t say that. She has two children.” It was a sad story, of course, but she wasn’t so sympathetic—or desperate for a husband—that she’d marry their father.
“God rest her soul and keep theirs, then.” Aunt Bess’ eyes sparkled again. “Why are you so curious suddenly? You and I seldom talk about men.”
Slowly, Phoebe finished the remainder of the tea in her cup. “I still persist in dreaming of having a husband and perhaps a family. As Papa always told me, I should hope for a man of average looks and average intelligence.”
“Why in the world would he say that?”
She shrugged. “Because if I tried to land a man with a title, resentment would set in for both of us and class divide would finish us off.” That was the sad reality of their world. “He reminded me if the marriage failed, any children would go to the man’s family, and I would have nothing.”
“That sounds like my brother. Always giving harsh statements without insulation.” Aunt Bess shook her head.
“Well, I’m going to give you some of my advice.
” She drained her teacup then rested it on the saucer and put both on the table in front of her.
“In matters of the heart and romance, there are no rules. You’ll fall in love with the man you are fated to, despite what he is and what you are. ”
“What if that match is all wrong through society’s eyes?”
“In the words of my dear brother, society can go hang.” Her aunt nodded as if that put a period to the inquiry.
“In short, don’t worry about anything like that if you should wish to try and attract a new man into your life.
If said man sets a spark to your soul, then by all means, pursue him if you can. ”
Phoebe frowned. “That doesn’t make sense, for what if he’s a bounder or has pockets to let? I don’t wish to struggle merely to survive even if I do fall in love with said man.”
“Only you can decide that, but since we are speaking of a theoretical husband, consider this. The pair of you can always find ways to make a living or bring in an income, but how often will true love come your way?” One of her aunt’s eyebrows rose in question.
“Would you be haunted for the remainder of your days if you turned said man away merely due to the contents of his pockets instead of his intentions?”
For long moments, Phoebe remained silent as she thought over the words. “Why is it so difficult to know what to do?”
“Because life makes it so.” Aunt Bess shrugged. “It is full of decisions, which makes it our responsibility to puzzle out if we wish to be comfortable or happy, if we wish to have excitement in our existence or security.”
“Why can we not have both?”
“From my experience, things don’t work out that way, but you can certainly try.”
Phoebe nodded. “What is the real reason you never married, Aunt Bess?”
Her aunt dropped her gaze to the tea tray.
“It’s quite pedestrian, truly.” Then she offered a soft smile.
“Many years ago, I fell in love with a man who was completely wrong for me and the quiet life I’d made for myself here.
It was only after I’d told him of my feelings that he revealed he was already engaged to a woman his family deemed more acceptable, for she had a large dowry where I did not. ”
“Oh, that is so sad!” Phoebe laid a hand on her aunt’s. “But you just told me to go after a love that lit my soul regardless of what society wanted.”
“Do as I say, not as I do?” The older woman shrugged. “Oh, I argued and pleaded with the gentleman in question, but he was adamant, even though he did admit his heart belonged to me.”
A gasp came from Phoebe. “But if he was in love with you, why would he toss that away?”
“Society and responsibilities are sometimes difficult to ignore. And in the end, coin does make the world go ’round, unfortunately.
We are either chasing it, going without it, or have more of it than we know what to do with.
” The sadness in her eyes cleared with a soft smile.
“And if we’re honest with ourselves, this world is expensive to live in, so one needs to have coin in order to survive. ”
“Is that why you opened the bakery?”
“A bit. It keeps the loneliness at bay and keeps my hands busy.” The older woman paused for the space of a few heartbeats.
“But it also lets me earn my own coin, and because I am not attached, I have full control over that income without having a husband to command it. And that, my girl, is the most important lesson that I want you to learn. Fight to keep what’s yours, and always be mindful of that. ”
In an odd way, the advice made sense, but it left much lacking. “What of love, then? Is that not something we should want or even chase?”
“Of course it is. Love is the singular most perfect state anyone can find themselves in, but it doesn’t always come to us, and it usually isn’t perfect at all.” Her smile turned rueful. “Love just… is, and if you’re fortunate enough to find it, hang onto it with both hands, Phoebe.”
She nodded. “I thought myself in love twice before, but you’re right.
It isn’t perfect, and most of the time, it’s quite a messy prospect.
” Yet she always suspected there had to be something…
more to her life than working in a bakery with her aunt and the unrelenting sadness that came in fits and bursts from mourning.
“Still, I would rather know just a bit of a love that went by in a heated flash if that is all fate will allow than never knowing any sort of love fully.”
“Understandable.” For long moments, silence reigned between them. Eventually, Aunt Bess refreshed her teacup as well as Phoebe’s. “However, don’t become so desperate that you cozy up to the first man who shows an interest.”
Phoebe snorted with amusement. “Then not Mr. Hannerford?” Then she dissolved into peals of laughter that her aunt joined in.
“Exactly.” Her aunt nodded.
“Let’s just say, I am tired of being disappointed with what life has given me, Auntie. Surely, something will need to change.”
“I agree. Take heart. You are young yet, dear, and there is much life still to live. A husband will find you, I can feel it.” She took a deep drag of her tea.
“In the meanwhile, rumor has it that there is one of those illegal bare knuckle boxing bouts slated for tomorrow evening in a meadow not far from here. Perhaps we can box up day old pastries and sell them at a discount to some of the attendees. Clear our stock so we can start fresh the next day.”
There was no doubt her aunt would forever prove a businesswoman, but Phoebe nodded. “I’ll take care of it if you convince young Thomas to hawk them through the crowds. I don’t fancy putting myself in position for pinches and gropes.” Which had happened before when such a bout was nearby.
“I don’t blame you, but I’ll talk to him this afternoon when he comes with the flour delivery.”
“Good.” With a sigh, Phoebe finished her tea. “After this, I need to stop by the milliner’s shop. The repair to my good bonnet is supposed to be finished today.” As dull as her life currently was, it was her life, and she’d best square with it.