Page 36 of Rake in Disguise (Wicked Widows’ League #33)

“You know that law is completely unfair. Women should be allowed to make their own decisions. We are as intelligent as men?—”

“—Spare me the speeches from your salon and your latest reading of A Vindication of the Rights of Women ,” her father insisted.

“Very well, how much wealth do I have that Orlando now controls?”

She didn’t believe there was much there either, but they could afford new draperies and since it was her money, she could purchase those.

“Approximately seven thousand pounds.”

Orlando practically choked on his tea.

“It has been accumulating since she was born and there have been some very profitable years.”

“Why did you not ever tell me?”

“Because of me?” Orlando answered.

“Not you, but when I met that other one, I knew that he would never know.”

“Why didn’t you tell me when I was a widow?” Blythe asked.

“What did you need it for? You hardly left the house and I doubted if having sufficient funds would have changed anything.”

Orlando arched a brow in question. Blythe shrugged. It would not have mattered.

“However, I did put off telling you after you and Orlando wed because I wanted to be certain.”

“He did not marry me for connections or wealth, Father.”

“I am aware, but he is stubborn and would never ask for assistance, unless you or his daughter were truly going to suffer. And I know that he would not allow you to spend what you have, but he is not happy in some choices that he has made and could use the financial assistance.”

Orlando drew in a deep breath.

“I know that you would rather be a doctor to those who can not truly afford one but have also started treating lords and ladies of the ton because it provides a stronger income.”

That was true.

“And you hate it.”

“Not necessarily,” he lied.

“I would. They are spoiled and pompous and wouldn’t know how to do labor even if it meant they would die otherwise.”

He simply nodded though he was in full agreement.

“It will no longer be necessary for you to do so,” Arscott said.

Perhaps he had been too stubborn in not accepting assistance but it was very difficult to let go of pride. Especially when one was from a common background such as his and the one offering is his father-in-law and also a duke.

“There is no shame in taking funds when they are for the right reasons,” Arscott said.

“Thank you, Your Grace. The funds are greatly appreciated and I can promise that they will not be spent in a frivolous manner.”

“I never thought they would be. How the two of you have managed so much on what little Orlando earns is beyond me, but I no longer need to worry if you are getting enough to eat.”

“That was never a concern,” Orlando ground out.

Arscott laughed. “I know that it was not, but what kind of father-in-law would I be if I did not find fault with you.” He stood and placed Adeline, who had fallen asleep against him, back in her bassinet. “I am off to visit your sister, Lucinda.”

“They arrived from America only a few days ago.”

“Yes, but they have been gone for months and her husband is long overdue for my meddling.”

Orlando just shook his head as he watched the Duke of Arscott exit the home that he now owned.

“It seems that our fortunes have turned.”

“Dear, they turned for me the day I paid two pounds for you.”

“Well, it has turned out to be a worthy investment indeed.”

“Blythe, you could have come to me a pauper and it would not have made a difference,” Orlando insisted then bent to kiss her. He then peeked over her head to a sleeping Adeline. “Call a maid to watch over our daughter.”

“Why?”

“I am feeling rather wicked. Are you?”

“Always, Orlando, always.”