“No, I haven’t had the pleasure.”

“I had thought not.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“Only that if you had met Miss Barton, you would know she doesn’t allow men to guide her affairs.” The man on her right chuckled. Many of the other spectators, as well as some of the Lords, made similar noises. Perhaps having Lord Bryant in charge of her defense wasn’t the best idea.

Lord Rayleigh cocked his head to one side. “That doesn’t exactly sound like a glowing recommendation.”

“Ah, but it is. You argue that if a man were to marry her, he would exercise control over her business.”

Lord Rayleigh was too far below Diana for her to get a clear view of his face, but his movements started to look more agitated and less sure. “I’m not merely arguing that: it is reality. Under the law, husband and wife become one flesh, but within that flesh, it is the husband’s duty to sign for documents and control the finances.”

“Lord Rayleigh, from the sound of it, it almost seems like you have someone in mind for her.”

Diana did not like where this was going. She did not want Parliament to start throwing out names of possible husbands for her, but she had no way to stand up and speak for herself.

“My only stipulation is that he be someone well acquainted with the industry—perhaps someone who owns a successful company himself. That way, he will be able to ensure that this line gets built as originally intended, according to these documents.”

Lord Bryant turned and looked slowly around the room, as if trying to look each Lord in the eye. “If our intent is to ensure that Miss Diana Barton builds the railroad line in the manner that she documented and designed, then, Lord Rayleigh, I have a different proposal that I think you will find more rational than your own.”

“What do you propose?” Lord Rayleigh’s words were low, and Diana could barely make them out.

“She should marry a man with absolutely no interest in running a railroad company. Then he can simply stay out of her way.”

Most of the Lords on the lower level chortled and whispered to one another at his suggestion. A few people around Diana snorted. Diana put her head in her hand. How had her personal life become a topic for Parliament?

“This is the man you trust your heart and reputation with?” Nate’s voice was more of a growl than a whisper. “He should learn to keep his mouth shut.” Diana lifted her head, but she had no response to give Nate.

Lord Rayleigh looked around as if to judge Parliament’s reaction to Lord Bryant’s suggestion. “That is an interesting proposition.”

“It is more than just interesting; it is the only proposition that holds merit, and since we would all like the reassurance that such a man might be found, I would like to make a suggestion. Miss Barton is here, is she not?” Lord Bryant had seen her—she had caught his eye several times while he spoke. But being theatrical seemed to be a part of his true nature, not just a part of his façade. Her heart and Nate’s accusations pounded loud in her ears. Did she trust Everton? Everton’s eyes were fastened on her, and though he was too far away for her to see his expression, she could feel his intensity.