Free An Unconventional Courtship by Becky Lower Page B

Schoonover or one of the men in my office. You know, Theo’s father is also in shipping. We thought, if Charlotte and Theo were to marry, we’d merge our businesses and form an import and export company.”
    George cleared his throat. It was now or never, since Mr. Ashcroft brought up the subject of marriage.
    “Mr. Ashcroft, the reason I’m here today is to ask you for Charlotte’s hand in marriage. I know you have different plans for her, and I know she has other young men who are interested in her. I can’t assist you in your shipping business, other than in a financial way through the bank. I love the banking business, which my father started years ago. He’s been grooming me since I was but a lad, and I’m well suited to it. So, I have a good job and a bright future, I appreciate the women who are involved in the suffragette movement, in which your daughter is involved, and I will do everything in my power to advance the rights of women. You must be of a similar mind, because your wife is involved in many such causes. Maybe we’ll even hire women to work in the bank or your business one day. But most important, I love your daughter more than life itself. We haven’t known each other very long, it’s true, but when something’s right, you just know.”
    Mr. Ashcroft leaned back in his chair and stared at George. Assessed him, if George was reading him correctly. George tried not to squirm in his seat. Sweat popped out again on his brow, but he did not remove his handkerchief from his pocket. He would not show Mr. Ashcroft his nervousness.
    Mr. Ashcroft finally spoke. “Yes, Mr. Fitzpatrick, I do know the feeling when you find your true partner. Charlotte’s mother and I were smitten with each other right away. But we were both from less than wealthy backgrounds, which is not the case with Charlotte. Of which you’re well aware, since you handle her trust. I built my business from scratch, and it’s become highly successful. I now have wealth beyond what we ever dreamed of when Mrs. Ashcroft and I were young, and I must find ways to protect what I’ve built up. Charlotte needs to marry the right man in order to keep my company going. The last thing she should deal with is someone who only wants what’s in her trust. I need to be extremely careful in regard to Charlotte’s potential husband. Theo’s parents and I have had an understanding for years now.”
    “I understand your concerns, Mr. Ashcroft. My father has worked for years to build the bank into one of the most successful in the city, and I am poised to take over the role of president someday. I am not interested in Charlotte for her money. I have enough of a sound financial footing on my own. But let me ask you a question. Would you consign your eldest child to a loveless marriage simply to assure the future of your company? I think your daughter’s happiness is more important than that. And she would not be happy with Theo. Besides, it’s my understanding Theo’s attentions have been turned elsewhere.”
    Mr. Ashcroft raised his brow as he pondered George’s question. He remained silent.
    George continued to press his advantage. “Surely there must be another way. You are a young man yet, with many years before you need to turn your business over to someone else. Could not one of your other daughters marry a man with an interest in the importing business? Or possibly, if one of your daughters is interested in the business, place her at the helm?”
    Mr. Ashcroft stared at George. He shook his head from side to side and ran his hand over his hair. Then he grinned.
    “Nicely done, Mr. Fitzpatrick. You’ve given me a lot to think about. This is definitely not the way her mother and I thought Charlotte would end up, but you’ve proven to me she’ll be in good hands. All right then. If my daughter is in agreement, I will give you my blessing to marry her.” His eyes began to twinkle, much as Charlotte’s had a habit of doing.
    George’s