Magnate by Joanna Shupe Read Free Book Online Page A

the Delmonico’s dining room. “Mr. Cavanaugh, thank you for dinner. I think it would be best if I saw Mr. Rutlidge home.”
    Emmett’s jaw clenched, and Lizzie pleaded with her eyes for him to understand. She had known Henry forever, yet she’d never seen him like this. Who knew how many more insults he would lob at Emmett before things took a disastrous turn?
    Emmett signaled a waiter. “I’ll take you both in my carriage.”
    â€œNo, that is unnecessary,” she rushed out. “I am perfectly capable of getting him into a hack.”
    â€œNevertheless, it would be my pleasure, Miss Sloane.” She opened her mouth to refuse, but his cold, dark gaze stopped her flat. His tone brooked no argument as he said, “And I insist.”

Chapter Three

    Men will seek the essential principles, but all the nicety and elegance of polished manners must and do come through woman.
    â€”American Etiquette and Rules of Politeness, 1883

    Henry lapsed into unconsciousness on the ride home, thankfully preventing any further interaction between the two men, and Lizzie breathed a sigh of relief. Noting Emmett’s rigid jaw, she deduced he was still quite angry—not that she could blame him. Henry’s appearance and drunken, rude comments had upset her as well. For some reason, Henry had been determined to insult Emmett into a reaction, which made no sense.
    This new side of Henry worried her. He was usually so jovial and sweet. Of course, she’d never seen him inebriated before.
    Since Henry was sprawled on one side of the opulent carriage, Emmett and Lizzie had been forced to sit next to one another on the other side. With his huge shoulders and long limbs, Emmett took up a good amount of space. She tried to put distance between them, but there was no place to go.
    He stared out the small window, more remote, more untouchable than before. An incredible gulf had risen between them, and she found herself strangely eager to breach the distance.
    â€œI’m sorry our evening was cut short,” she said.
    â€œAre you?”
    â€œOf course. I wouldn’t say the words if I didn’t mean them.”
    When he turned, his expression revealed nothing. His emotions were completely under control, and she couldn’t read him. “Are you truly considering marrying that imbecile?”
    â€œHe is not an imbecile. And I have never seen him intoxicated before. He’s not a habitual drinker.”
    â€œOh, yes,” Emmett remarked with a disbelieving roll of his eyes. “No doubt this was a celebration of some kind. There’s always one to be had for men like him.”
    She cast a glance at Henry’s sleeping form. He looked so boyish and young, like the Henry she remembered while growing up. “He’s not a bad sort.”
    â€œUndoubtedly—until the liquor kicks in. Elizabeth and Henry,” Emmett drawled dramatically, as if on the stage. “You should marry him. You’d be the darlings of New York society.”
    â€œThat’s a terrible reason to marry someone.” The only reason to marry was for love, in Lizzie’s opinion. And as fond as she was of Henry, she didn’t love him. That information, however, was none of Emmett Cavanaugh’s business.
    â€œI can’t think of one better, actually.”
    â€œYou’re a cynic, then,” she returned.
    â€œIndeed, I am. Among other things.”
    â€œSuch as?” He didn’t answer, just stared down at her. So she elbowed him in the ribs. “Come, now. I’ll trade you my faults for yours.”
    Even in the low light she could see his mouth quirk. “Did you just jab at me with your elbow, Miss Sloane?”
    She did it again. “No.” He jerked in surprise, and she had to bite her lip to keep from giggling.
    His focus settled on her mouth, where her bottom lip was currently caught between her teeth. “Have dinner with me again,” he