Free Armored Hearts by Melissa Turner Lee

appearance, but his glance turned into a stare, and she caught him. He had to turn his attention back to his soup.
    They finished dinner, and Grandfather invited the men to the library for drinks and cigars. Although Gareth followed, he chose not to indulge in either vice. It wasn’t long before the room filled with men’s chuckles and cigar smoke. Dizziness caused Gareth to waver and not pay close attention to what the older men discussed. A short while later, Grandfather excused himself and patted Gareth on the shoulder as he left. A cue.
    Gareth angled his chair to view Jessamine’s father. The gaslight surrounded the man in an orange glow. Gareth cleared his throat. “It has come to my attention that a match between your daughter and me would be advantageous for us all. Are you opposed to such a match?”
    Mr. Keller sat, meeting him eye-to-eye. “I’m not opposed to it, if it’s what she wants. She had her heart set on marrying an English gentleman and wouldn’t consider any of the young men back in America. Honestly, she’s the one to arrange this whole trip. I just want my little girl to be happy. It was my hope she’d find a love match like her mother and I have.”
    Gareth frowned at the man’s last statement. “And you allow her such freedoms? Too much thinking and planning is said to be unhealthy for women. Do you care so little for her health?”
    “Balderdash!” Mr. Keller’s fist slammed down on the desk beside him. The normally jovial man’s reaction took Gareth aback, but he concealed his shock. “Jessamine is just like her mother. They’re both smart and know their own minds. They are both healthy as horses. That’s fairy tale garbage spun by men with little minds. Jessamine’s mother is just as much my business partner as my life partner. I’d hoped Jessamine would find such a match in life…I still do.” The man looked Gareth in the eye on the last part. “If a stupid wife’s what you want, you best not propose to my daughter.”
    Gareth shook his head. “I don’t want any wife, stupid or smart, but I have no choice really.”
    Mr. Keller stood. “If you don’t wish to marry my Jessamine, we’ll be off. There are dozens of men back in America who do.”
    Gareth pushed his chair to block the man’s passage. “But your daughter doesn’t wish to marry them, as you, yourself, have stated. Besides, my grandfather’s ward is anxious to join you and your wife in American society. So, let’s cut to the chase. Do I have your permission to ask for Jessamine’s hand?”
    Mr. Keller studied Gareth, his cheeks red with anger. “You do. But I don’t like it.”
    “Neither do I. Have the financial arrangements been worked out between you and my grandfather?”
    Mr. Keller spoke through clenched teeth. “They have. My attorney has been in contact with his solicitor.”
    “Do you have a woman to accompany Tabitha with you back to America? I don’t want her reputation tarnished in any way.”
    “She’s two years my Jessie’s junior and I’m a happily married, faithful husband. I’d never touch the girl. But, yes, my niece is also traveling with us. They will board together on the ship. No harm will come to your niece.”
    “My aunt,” Gareth corrected and then let out a sigh. The first part of the blasted deed was done. “Then all that is left is for me to find Miss Keller and propose.”
    Gareth turned his chair to leave when the man stood and blocked his path. “Be good to her and try not to hurt her. Ever. That’s all I ask.”
    Gareth gestured toward his legs. “I’m not a man capable of violence, as you can see. Your daughter is safe.”
    “There are many ways a man can hurt a woman. If one woman isn’t enough for you, make sure my Jessie never finds out.”
    Gareth rolled his eyes. “Believe me, one woman is more than I want in my life. There won’t be any others. Now please move before I change my mind and choose starvation.”
    Gareth wheeled himself out the