After the kiss they’d shared, she had every right to ask. “I inherited a good deal from my father. I have some property.” Not everyone who owned property was a noble. “Have a few tenants working the land. I meet occasionally with my man of affairs to discuss ways to make the property more profitable.” How to ensure his income could cover all the maintenance costs associated with having an earldom, an estate, a manor house. “I’m also keen on investing, and I’m rather good at it.”

“So you’ve never actually worked?”

“It takes a great deal of effort, insight, and skill to manage property, people, and money. I would have thought your brother would have taught you that.” Not to mention his duties in the House of Lords, not that he was ready to tell her about that portion of his life.

“I didn’t mean to insult your efforts.” She took a sip of her wine, glanced up at the tree. “The gentleman I marry will no doubt partake in similar endeavors. Or perhaps none at all. Lords don’t generally engage in labors. I can’t imagine what he will do with his day.”

“Don’t underestimate what they contribute. They have their duties in the House of Lords. They provide work for laborers and farmers. Think of the people in this country who are employed as servants. A good many of them work in noble households. Lords always have some matter with which they must deal. It’s not as though they loll about in bed all day. They have responsibilities. Sometimes it’s a heavy burden.”

“You truly do have respect for the aristocracy.”

He hadn’t meant to go on about it, but it was imperative she realized she was seeking to marry more than a title. While her siblings had married into the aristocracy, with the exception of Thornley, none of their spouses were active participants in it any longer. Granted, for the women, their choice of husband had created scandal, and the aristocracy was not a forgiving lot, but still they were seldom seen in the thick of things. Straightening, he set his glass aside and edged over until his hip was close to hers, with her facing one way, he the other so he had a better view of her. He cradled her face. “You will be responsible for tenants, farmers, laborers, servants. They’ll come to you when they have problems, when they are ill. You’ll manage a manor house, perhaps more than one. It depends on how many titles or estates he has. You’ll oversee his London residence. Wherever you go, you will represent him, people will associate you with him. I know you’re up to the task, but just take care in the choosing. He will be as much a reflection of you as you are of him.”