It would occur the following Wednesday and would be hosted by Aslyn’s former guardians, the Duke and Duchess of Hedley. Again, people would come out of curiosity because the couple never entertained. But they were doing so because Mick had asked. Her family was calling in favors. She didn’t want to consider the cost to them or their pride—all so she could have the fairy-tale life they’d envisioned for her. Which made it difficult not to forgive them for tonight’s error in judgment.

“I’ve bought a bit of acreage on the outskirts of London,” Mick said. “I’ll be adding that to your dowry.”

“No.” The word came out succinct and to the point. “I appreciate it, but you’ve given me far too much already. Lessons, allowing me to use your building for my shop, a dowry that is a yearly income, not simply a sum, and now my Season. I can never repay—”

“Family doesn’t repay.”

“He’s stubborn, Fancy,” Aslyn said.

“Yes, well, so am I. For most ladies, a five-thousand-pound dowry would be more than enough. But mine is five-thousand-per-year as long as I draw breath, which I am planning to do a very long time. It’s as we discussed earlier. You can’t continue to entice gentlemen to want me. If they aren’t content with my dowry as is, then they aren’t worth considering. I’d be happier as a spinster managing my shop. Perhaps then you would let me purchase it from you.”

“You know my reason for not putting the building in your name. When you marry, your husband could do anything with it he damned well pleased. Turn it into a bordello. Neither you nor I would have any control over his actions.”

“But if I were to not marry—”

“It would break Mum’s heart, Fancy.”

What of her heart, what of her dreams? What if she found herself falling for a man who possessed no title? Still, she simply nodded.

“I remember when you were born, how she cradled you in her arms, tears in her eyes. I’d never seen her weep before. She was always so strong. From the very beginning she had dreams for you.”

“I know.”

“I’d be dead if not for her.”

She knew that as well, knew not all baby farmers took such loving care of their charges. “I’m not ungrateful, Mick. But, please . . . don’t add anything else to my dowry.”

“As you wish, but some lord is going to be very fortunate to have you, sweetheart. I intend to make certain he’s worthy of you.”