Lydia recognized the tactic. It was the same one Samuel Garrett had used when trying to intimidate her family. Denver is impressive, she said. The growth is remarkable, but I'd be cautious about calling mountain life rustic. The skills required to survive in isolation, resource management, weather prediction, emergency medicine, construction, animal husbandry, those aren't simple country skills.
They're sophisticated knowledge that most city dwellers would find invaluable if they ever had to fend for themselves. Are you suggesting city life makes people less capable? Mr. Whitmore's tone was offended. I'm suggesting different environments require different capabilities. You're likely excellent at navigating banks and businesses.
I'm excellent at surviving when there's no bank or business to navigate. Neither skill set is superior. They're just suited to different challenges. Several people at the table were nodding. Mrs. Nukem was smiling openly.
But Caroline wasn't finished. As the main course arrived, roast duck with elaborate sauce. She addressed Lydia from the head of the table, her voice carrying to everyone present. My dear, I'm curious. How much education did you receive before marrying my nephew?
I assume mountain settlements have limited access to proper schooling. The table fell silent. This was the real attack, questioning Lydia's intelligence, her fitness to be Ethan's wife in a world where education and breeding mattered. Lydia set down her fork carefully, meeting Caroline's gaze. I had 6 years of formal schooling before the school closed due to lack of funding.
After that, my father taught me from his own books, history, literature, mathematics, basic sciences. My mother taught me practical skills, accounting, contract law, negotiation. I'm not formally educated in the way you mean, Mrs. Crowe. But I can read, write, calculate, and think critically, which respectfully is more than some formally educated people manage to accomplish. But surely you must feel overwhelmed by the business aspects of Ethan's work, Caroline pressed.
The contracts, the financial matters, the strategic decisions, those require years of training and experience. Do they? I learned the entire timber operation in a week. Profit margins, contract terms, resource management, labor relations. If it only took me a week to understand, how complicated could it really be?
Someone down the table coughed to cover a laugh. Caroline's face had gone pink. Understanding and managing are very different things, she said sharply. True, but I didn't claim to be managing anything. Ethan manages the operation.
I support him, offer perspective, and handle matters he doesn't have time for. It's called partnership. Mrs. Crowe, I believe it's how most successful marriages function. The woman next to Caroline, someone Lydia hadn't been introduced to, spoke up. Actually, that sounds remarkably sensible.
Most of the marriages I know operate on the husband making decisions and the wife nodding along. Your approach seems far more practical. Caroline looked furious, but she couldn't attack a guest for agreeing with Lydia. She changed tactics, turning to another guest and deliberately excluding Lydia from the conversation. Mrs. Nukem leaned close again. "
You just made an enemy. " Caroline doesn't forget being embarrassed at her own dinner table. " She was already my enemy, " Lydia whispered back. " At least now she knows I won't be an easy target. " After dinner, the party moved to the drawing room for coffee and cordials.
The men gathered at one end, discussing business. The women clustered at the other, discussing whatever wealthy women discussed when men weren't listening. Lydia found herself surrounded by curious women, all asking questions, some genuinely interested, others clearly looking for ammunition to use in future gossip. " Is it true you married Ethan after knowing him less than a day? " One woman asked.
It's true, we married quickly, but we were honest about what we each needed. I find that more important than a long courtship built on illusions. But how can you possibly love someone you barely know? I never claimed to love him. Love, if it comes, takes time and shared experience.
Right now, we're building respect and partnership. That's a better foundation than infatuation, don't you think? Another woman, older and sharp-eyed, studied Lydia closely. You're remarkably honest, Mrs. Crowe. Most young brides pretend to be madly in love, even when everyone knows it's a practical arrangement.
I was raised to believe lies, even polite ones, create more problems than they solve. If people think less of me for being honest about my marriage, that tells me more about them than it does about me. The older woman smiled. I like you. You remind me of myself 40 years ago before society taught me to soften every truth with pretty words.
She extended her hand. I'm Margaret Chen. We met briefly at the territorial meeting. Lydia's eyes widened. Mrs. Chen, I didn't realize that I'd be at Caroline's dinner party.
She and I have been acquaintances for years, though not friends. I came tonight specifically to meet you properly. Your performance at the meeting was impressive, but I wanted to see how you handled social warfare and your assessment. You're rough around the edges, but you have good instincts. You don't apologize for who you are, and you don't let others define your worth.
Those qualities will serve you well. Margaret glanced around the room. Most of these women would fall apart if they had to survive what you've survived. They mistake privilege for strength. You have actual strength.
Thank you. That means more than you probably know. I suspect I know exactly how much it means. Margaret lowered her voice. I mentioned at the meeting that I wanted to discuss something with you and Ethan.
The offer stands. Come to my office tomorrow before you return to the mountains. I have a proposition that might interest you both. Before Lydia could respond, Caroline appeared at her elbow. Mrs. Chen, I'm so glad you could attend.
Are you enjoying yourself? Very much. Your new niece is delightful. I can see why Ethan married her. Caroline's smile was glacial.
How wonderful. Though I must say, I'm surprised Ethan didn't choose someone from his own social circle, someone with more appropriate background. Appropriate for what? Margaret asked mildly. Ethan doesn't need a society ornament.
He needs a partner who can handle the realities of running a frontier business. Miss, excuse me, Mrs. Crow seems ideally suited for that role. Of course, you would think so, coming from trade yourself, Caroline began, then seemed to realize her mistake. Margaret's expression didn't change, but her eyes went cold. Yes, I come from trade, as does your nephew, as do most successful people in the territories.
The only difference is that I don't pretend my money makes me better than those who work for a living. " She turned to Lydia. " My dear, it's been a pleasure. I look forward to our meeting tomorrow. Shall we say 10:00? " "