Read Online A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Whitson - Free Book Online

morning. A stubborn assurance that Mother loved. Fannie trusted Hannah to speak the truth as she saw it. But increasingly, what Hannah thought just wasn’t enough. If Mother loved . . . why didn’t I know it? If she loved . . . why didn’t I ever meet my own aunt? If she loved . . . why didn’t she show it? And why was Mr. Vandekamp so upset right now? What was he hiding?
    “Actually,” Fannie said, “I think I’d like to meet her. Perhaps I’ll invite her to visit when I write about Mother.”
    “Nonsense.” Mr. Vandekamp dismissed the idea with a wave. “She isn’t there anymore, Miss Rousseau. The gold rush in Montana Territory has nearly played itself out. Even now, we are noticing a huge decline in river traffic.” His lip curled as he said, “Edie was never one to wait around when the excitement faded.” He paused. “It would do your mother’s memory a great disservice for you to go in search of someone she took great pains to protect you from.”
    “I’m not talking about going. I only want to write a letter. Surely Mother would understand that. She might even be grateful. I’d think she’d want her only sister to know about her passing.”
    Vandekamp rose from his chair. “Think whatever you like, but I promised my friend Eleanor Rousseau that I would see to things, and I intend to keep that promise. I must forbid you to attempt to contact Edith LeClerc.”
    Fannie stood up. Somehow, she mustered the courage to look him in the eye. “I beg your pardon, Mr. Vandekamp, but I am of age, and while I acknowledge that Papa and Mother trusted you, I don’t believe you have the authority to forbid me to do . . . anything.” Surely he could hear her heart hammering. Surely he knew her knees were quaking. And yet . . . he was the one to look away first.
    “Please, Miss Rousseau. Fannie.” He gestured at the chair. “Sit back down. Let’s not war over this. You have far more important things that require your attention.” When Fannie didn’t move, he changed the subject. “Mr. Beauvais tells me that you’ve been poring over certain papers on your father’s desk. That you have questions.”
    “Yes. As a matter of fact, I have an entire list of questions. But I don’t want to talk about that without Mr. Beauvais and Mr. Hennessey present.” I don’t trust you anymore, Mr. Vandekamp. You’re holding back, and I just don’t trust you.
    Vandekamp’s jaw clenched. The spots of color reappeared on his cheeks, but his voice remained calm. “Mr. Haversham has spoken with me in regard to your account at his establishment. I would imagine you’ve already deduced that your situation isn’t getting any better.”
    Fannie nodded. “The question is, what’s to be done about it. Which is why I’m grateful that Mr. Beauvais and Mr. Hennessey seem willing to lend their assistance. I believe I remember Papa saying something about there being wisdom in many counselors. I’m grateful those two gentlemen have offered to help us.” She hoped the word us would smooth a few of Mr. Vandekamp’s ruffled feathers. Something told her she didn’t want this man as an enemy.
    Vandekamp sighed. “The losses you saw represented in those papers on your father’s desk tell only a small part of the story. This nonsense about finding a long-lost aunt is a most unwelcome distraction.” He paused. “I believe I have a plan that will enable you to maintain through the end of the year until we can effect a suitable match—if only you will concentrate on the matter at hand and make a few adjustments.”
    “Adjustments? Why? And . . . what kind of adjustments do you mean?”
    “If you delay past this season, it will become readily apparent to all the most desirable suitors that not only are you not a young woman of means, you are, in fact, one who comes with a great many liabilities, not the least of which are a house and grounds in need of extensive repairs. Forgive me for being blunt, Miss