Scandalous Wager: A Whitechapel Wagers Novella by Christy Carlyle Read Free Book Online

deep sigh. “I am well aware of my daughter’s, shall we
say, independent nature. Though I acknowledge that venturing to a bachelor’s
lodgings unchaperoned is beyond any measure of independence I can condone.”
    All of this would be irrelevant if Lizzy was his. Why wait for
promotion? Every day he saw evidence of life’s fragility. Happiness, a lifetime
of it, was just within his grasp. Ian could not let it slip by him.
    “I am more than fond of your daughter, sir. I would like to marry
Lizzy. I would like your permission to ask her.”
    He expected hesitation, perhaps an outright refusal. But Ainsworth
continued to surprise.
    The man had been sitting forward at his desk, speaking to Ian with
an earnest intensity. Now he leaned back in his chair, steepled his fingers over his chest, and opened his mouth as if to speak. But what came
out was not a word. It was a deep, rumbling belly laugh that shook his whole
body. In between the steady bellows of laughter, he issued short barks of
mirth, as if he had just thought of something even more amusing. The sound of
his laughter built to a crescendo until his eyes began to well with tears.
    Ian did not know whether he should throw cold water on the man to
stem his fit or laugh along with him. He settled for letting him go. He had
never seen Ainsworth in such a state and rather hoped he wouldn’t again.
    Ainsworth finally got hold of himself and
leaned forward.
    “Do forgive me, Reed. I can see you are quite sincere. And I have
no doubt you hold my daughter in high esteem, despite the lack of sense both of
you displayed this morning.”
    He stifled another giggle before continuing.
    “Your words reminded me of the day I approached my own
father-in-law to make the same request regarding Lizzy’s mother. I thought
convincing the old man would be my greatest challenge. He was child’s play
compared to the struggle to convince my wife to marry me. Like my daughter, she
was quite committed to her work. I fear you have a similarly difficult road
ahead.”
    “Lizzy is worth the effort.”
    “Indeed.” On that, at least, they both agreed. “Can you provide
for my daughter? Living near the station was commendable when you were an
unmarried man, Inspector, but I would prefer my daughter reside closer to her
family.”
    “And not in Whitechapel.” Ian had no particular love for the
district, though he had come to respect those he met who worked hard and
remained hopeful despite their circumstances. Still, he would not expect Lizzy
to live there and had already considered the prospect of providing a home for both
of them. He nodded his head at Ainsworth. “I have already considered new
lodgings, sir.”
    “Excellent.”
    “Then you consent? Earlier you said you would not.”
    Ainsworth smiled at Ian. “Man can change his mind, Reed. Let’s
hope for your sake the same is true of woman.”
    ***
    “You cannot be thinking of marriage!”
    Mary Ledbetter was the most outspoken opponent of marriage among
Lizzy’s friends. Though she asserted her reasons were based on the betterment
and rights of women, Lizzy believed it might have something to do with the
handsome journalist who had broken her heart two years before. She spoke of him
occasionally, a Mr. Wynter , usually holding him up as
a prime example of the kind of man who would expect his wife to give up
everything after wedlock in order to serve as his housekeeper and care for his
children. Even to Lizzy’s ears, Mary’s reasoning sounded more emotional than
logical.
    Now Mary was confronting Eleanor Walker, the third member of their
small circle that convened every few weeks following their larger women’s
suffrage group meetings. Gathered around a small table at a tea room in
Bloomsbury, they would discuss politics, books, art, and their work. Today
Eleanor had surprised both Lizzy and Mary with news of her upcoming nuptials.
    Lizzy laid a hand over Eleanor’s and turned to Mary, trying to
deflect her attention. “She