Page 4 of How to Catch an Heiress

He lifted a brow. "Indeed? You hate marriage and I have no idea why."

"It isn't that I hate marriage," she said. "I simply do not wish to be governed by another man."

His gaze softened. "Has life been so bad living under my protection?"

In truth, she had generally done as she pleased. But that she was not going to admit.

He nodded slowly. "I believe I see. Under my protection, you have lived as you wished. With a husband, however, you fear that freedom will be lost. You are right. No husband would allow his wife to do exactly as she likes in all things. I was wrong to allow you so much freedom."

"See!" she exclaimed. "That is exactly the point. Men live as free as birds. Women, however, have no power to make a man do anything—including treating them properly."

"You're wrong.” A shadow flickered across his face. “Women wield great power. Your mother owned me body and soul.”

"So you say." Chastity snorted. "Mama had to get your permission to spend your money. The property she owned became yours."

"Nae,” he cut in. "Her property remained hers. Even now, Lenydale is in your name."

"What? But the law—"

"The law does not compel me to take possession of her property."

"Perhaps not, but it allows you to take it."

"If I please. But I didn't. Contrary to what you believe, Chastity, some men do believe women are intelligent.”

"Being intelligent is well enough. But we must hide our intelligence—as you counseled Olivia to do."

"You would have sent Olivia to a university filled with men, teachers, and students, who believed she shouldn't be there? Do you believe she would have returned home unscathed?"

Chastity started. "What do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean."

"Surely you don't believe anyone would've harmed her?"

He gave her a disgusted look. "I thought you had more sense. Most men—and women—are not so enlightened as to accept that women are equal to men. She would have returned home with her dignity—and her virtue—ripped from her. Now get dressed for dinner."

"I will relinquish the title to Olivia."

"You will dress for dinner."

"What does it matter who carries on the title?" she asked.

He shook his head. "By God, you would have me leave you in spinsterhood to rely upon the goodwill of your sisters and their husbands?"

"A thousand pounds a year will support me."

"Not very well."

"Well enough," she insisted."If Sir Stirling truly does not want me, then release me from my responsibility."

He studied her. "You would rather give up your place in the family than marry?"

She scowled. “I am not giving up my place. I will still be the eldest sister of the clan."

He hesitated and she pressed the advantage. "You would be assured of the proper training for Olivia’s son as the next duke. I wouldn't be reaping the rewards without the penalty."

"You cannot avoid Sir Stirling. You cannot run away. You cannot say no if he says yes. No matter what, if he gets ye to the altar, then you must produce an heir." She started to reply, but he added, "Defy me in this in any way, and I swear on your mother's grave that I will divorce you from Sir Stirling then marry you to a young vicar who believes it’s God’s will that he govern his wife with an iron fist."