Her Lady's Fortune

by Renée Dahlia

  “What do you have to prove?”

  Priya held out her hands. “Are you serious? Everything. I’ve had the world handed to me on a silver platter. I’m the third generation of the Carlingford fortune, which was built on luck and hard work, and I’ve always known that it was our destiny to build on those beginnings. Mother did her part with her education and proving that she could run the business in a skirt; and I’ve always known that I could do that too if I wanted to.”

  “Don’t tell me you feel guilty because it’s Ashwin, not you, running the family business?”

  Priya winced. “Yes and no. Yes, because there’s nothing stopping me.”

  “Why the no?”

  “Honestly?” Priya shrugged. “Ashwin is much better than me at it. I dither too much over difficult decisions, I...”

  “Care too much about everyone.” Rosalie knew the answer before Priya had a chance to articulate it. Priya would get destroyed by the competition in business because she was too kind, too good hearted, and cared too much for the people who relied on the business for income. A cutthroat competitor would take Priya’s empathy and use it against her.

  “I think that’s it. Ashwin makes the hard calls. He decided we needed to build war ships in our shipping yards because we needed to keep people employed, and we needed to help win the war. I would’ve worried for too long about the long term impact and those contracts would have gone to other ship builders.”

  “To be a business success is not the measure of someone’s value. Fraud Finder made that mistake; he sees himself without value unless he’s tearing down someone else’s success. He points the finger and blames others instead of looking at his own mess. You aren’t like that. You know your own strengths, your own value, and you’ve used that to build a brilliant group of charities.”

  “Thank you?”

  Rosalie ignored the question. “You talk about building on your family’s success and finding a way to make that your own. Don’t you see that you are already doing that? Your philanthropy will help so many people—more than just those who are deemed employable by the business—everyone. You are building on the foundations created by your grandfather and by your mother. Perhaps not in the same way as them, for sure, but definitely in your own way. You matter.”

  Priya smiled, a long slow realisation that grew into a glowing joy spread over her face and her brown eyes lit up. “You are right. For so long, I’ve defined success as the traditional success that Grandfather, Mother, and Ashwin have. That’s why I felt so deeply about my role in the war; that I was somehow responsible for all those deaths, even though I didn’t send all those young men to fight. Because if I was to be successful and of value, then that was tied to the success of Carlingford Enterprises. Yet, my true joy is in helping people. There is a value in that, and it matters.”

  “Together we can do amazing things.”

  Priya’s smile disappeared. “I don’t want your money.”

  “I didn’t say that. I...” Rosalie had no idea what inspired that train of thought.

  “I’m sorry. It’s all very confusing for me. I can’t run my charities without money, obviously, and I don’t know...”

  “I’m not asking for your money or for you to step away from your family business. I believe in you and your work. You can take your brother’s business success and use it as a foundation for your own success. Those things can co-exist.” The together Rosalie had meant was more of an emotional relationship type than the charitable partnership they’d set up, but given that Priya seemed unable to see past the current business dilemma, she was willing to wait.

  Priya nodded slowly. “Yes. Yes, they can. I think at the core of everything, I want to be independent, and the nature of my work means that it will always be reliant on income from others. I’m not sure what that says about me. Does not wanting to rely on someone else make me strong, or a coward?”

  “Strong. And more than that, you can be strong while working together in partnership with others.” It was one of the benefits of the dreadful legal situation around relationships between women. Rosalie knew someone wanted to be with her because they chose to be there, not because they were tied to her legally and financially. It was why she’d never been threatened by Priya’s money. Having her own money meant Priya would choose her for herself and vis versa. Now she just needed Priya to realise it.

  “Have you always been so wise?” Priya’s lips quirked at the corner. “I don’t have to do this alone and needing help doesn’t make me weaker.”

  “Older and wiser, that’s me.” Rosalie paused. “I jest. You already know what you want. Go and get it.” Rosalie held her breath as she took the greatest risk of her life. Would Priya chose her? How could she when they’d been talking about business, not love?

  Priya’s smile burst across her face. “Surely you know that it’s you I want. I’ve wanted you for a long time and every time we talk, it cements my feelings for you.”

  Rosalie couldn’t speak—did Priya truly love her as she’d always wanted to be loved?

  “I choose you. I love you. I want to keep choosing you.”

  Everything Rosalie had ever wanted stood before her as a gift and she rushed into Priya’s outstretched arms so fast that she almost stumbled. She held Priya tight and close against her, not wanting to let her go. Priya stretched up and kissed her and Rosalie knew she was home, that she’d found the person who would be her companion and lover for the rest of her life. After a long kiss, she lifted her head.

  “Shall we go home?”

  “Oh.” Priya looked around. “Yes. Let us go to your house. I feel like we have a few details to work out.”

  “We do?”

  “Of course. I love you and I want to live with you.”

  “In my house?” Rosalie dared not hope.

  Priya grinned. “Yes. I don’t imagine you are overly keen to move into my family’s residence. I do have my own suite, but your house has a certain privacy that might work better.”

  “So practical. Yes. Please move in.” Rosalie let out the breath she’d been holding. This was everything she’d ever wanted. She kissed Priya once more, a quick kiss that sealed their deal, then grabbed her hands and started to walk out of Ashwin’s office.

  “Relax. You don’t need to drag me. I come willingly.” Priya laughed as Rosalie dropped her hands. Priya reached out and gently held Rosalie’s left hand. She brushed her thumb over Rosalie’s galloping pulse and the connection helped ease Rosalie’s urgency.

  “I’ve waited so long for you. I want to take your yes and hold you tight.” Rosalie hoped her enthusiasm didn’t push Priya away again. But she simply smiled.

  “Please. I’ve run away from this for long enough and now I’m ready.”

  Somehow they walked out of the office building without touching each other, and Priya drove her car back to Rosalie’s house. The sun shone bright in the sky, one of those glorious English summer days where everything felt like a possibility. The sun bestowed warmth and happiness on the world. It was barely even lunchtime.

  ***

  Priya parked her car in the mews behind Rosalie’s house. She’d always imagined that a declaration of love would happen at night, under the romance of a full moon, after a shared dinner. Not in the middle of the day, in her brother’s office, after they’d discovered their nemesis. Or rather, he’d allowed himself to be discovered, because his ego wasn’t going to let himself stay anonymous for too long. He wasn’t going to be easy to keep quiet, and Priya knew there would be more angry words sprayed in her direction over the next few months. It didn’t matter though. She had Rosalie to support her, to listen to her grumble about him, and to be there for all her joyful days and all her stressful ones too.

  “This is so amazing. I want to shout out loud for everyone to know.”

  “Please don’t. It’s not exactly safe.” Rosalie’s logical reminder couldn’t possibly dampen the joy Priya felt at loving her.

  “I know. I would nev
er risk you like that.”

  Rosalie stepped out of the car and walked towards her front door. She opened it with a little nod. “Welcome home.”

  Priya walked inside, glancing around with fresh eyes. The couple of times she’d been here, she’d been overwrought with lust and hadn’t really noticed the surroundings. She scoffed at her nonsense. She’d definitely noticed the décor in Rosalie’s bedroom.

  “Would you like some tea?”

  “Yes please. It’s quite thirsty work.”

  “What is?”

  “The vanquishing of enemies.” Priya couldn’t help play with words as her joy at being here bubbled out. And Rosalie’s laughter was worth it.

  “Mr Flannery barely ranks high enough to be called an enemy. More like a nuisance.”

  “Well, that is certainly true.” Priya started opening cupboard doors.

  “What are you doing?”

  “If I am to live here, I ought to know where the tea cups are.”

  Rosalie laughed again, sending warmth through Priya’s torso. “Just ask. You don’t have to hunt for them.” She pointed to a cupboard, and when Priya opened them, there were several lovely tea sets inside.

  “Oh. These are gorgeous.”

  A faint shade of pink flushed across Rosalie’s cheeks. “I collect them. I know, it’s embarrassing.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m a bank manager.”

  “And that means you can’t have hobbies? Is that a law?” Priya loved this teasing. It was almost a new thing, something that had emerged now the tension between them had been resolved by their love for each other.

  “Priya. Of course it’s not a law. It’s just very feminine.”

  “Feminine pursuits are not embarrassing. You should see how much I spend on fashion. Why be embarrassed by the things that make you happy?” Priya cringed at the irony of that. She benefited from all that money, and she was embarrassed by her connection to the war. No, not embarrassed. Responsible.

  “Thank you. I am surprised that you would say such a thing.” Rosalie saw through Priya and that’s how she knew this relationship would help keep her balanced.

  “Because I worry so much about where all the money came from? I know. It’s a dilemma.”

  “And I love you for it. You care so deeply for everyone and it’s a blessing.”

  Priya almost swooned at how easily Rosalie spoke of her love. “Sometimes it’s hard, because it feels like I’m carrying a burden. And then, I’m reminded of the good I do, and the burden becomes a...” Priya paused. What was something light that carried her along? “A hot air balloon, lifting me up over the fields and helping me see properly.”

  “That’s a beautiful way of putting it.”

  Priya needed to touch Rosalie, and she rushed across the kitchen and flung her arms around her. Their kiss was spontaneous, a homecoming, and a delight. It was filled with love and the best kiss of Priya’s life. The kiss went on and on until Priya ran out of air and her lungs burned.

  “I knew from the moment we met and you spoke with such certainly about being defined by men... I knew this would be incredible.” Priya breathed in deep. “I just needed to be ready.”

  “And are you ready?”

  “Absolutely. I’m ready to spend the rest of my life being challenged by you, being loved by you, and to gift you all the love I have to give.”

  Rosalie blinked, and Priya reached up to wipe away the tear shimmering in the corner of Rosalie’s eye. “I’ve waited so long to find someone to love. Someone who is worth my attention and how understands the weight of expectations around my work. Until I met you, no one else understood the load I carry, and yet I know you understand because you carry a similar load. I never wanted someone who would only be here for me in the good times; like the Bloomsbury Set or like my parents. I searched for someone who knew what it was like to be a woman in a leadership position, and I’m so glad that I found you.”

  Priya pulled Rosalie tighter. “I’m glad as well. The intensity between us scared me and I ran away—”

  “—more than once.”

  “Yes. I don’t want to run anymore. I love you and I’m not scared anymore.” Priya kissed Rosalie again until she was breathless. She broke the kiss and hauled in a deep breath.

  “I think the tea can wait.” Priya stepped out of their hug.

  “It can?”

  “Yes. There is something far more important we need to do.” Priya held Rosalie’s hands and pulled her towards the hallway.

  “Oh, good idea.”

  Never mind that it was the middle of the day, they could go to bed together and show each other how much they loved each other. Tea, lunch, all those practical things could wait. Priya wanted to shower Rosalie with loving touches.

  “I love you. Let me show you how much.”

  Rosalie giggled. “I love the way your brain works.”

  Author Notes

  In November 1918, the British Prime Minister Lloyd George gave a speech, nicknamed ‘homes for heroes’ and this led to The Housing and Town Planning Act of 1919 (aka The Addison Act). The costs of his new housing was shared between tenants, local rate payers, and the Government’s Treasury. Most construction work didn’t start until 1920, with any housing built prior to that relying on private charities, such as the fictional one run by Priya.

  Approximately one third of the 9.7million men killed in WWI left behind a widow, and in Great Britain, this amounted to some 240,000 war widows. Data from Wall, Richard / Winter, Jay (eds.): The upheaval of war. Family, work, and welfare in Europe, 1914-1918, Cambridge; New York 1988: Cambridge University Press.

  War Widows were entitled to a weekly pension, depending on the rank of their deceased husband, ranging from 10 shillings a week up to 20 shillings a week. They also gained an extra amount per child, ranging from 6 to 10 shillings per week. This pension had to be applied for within 7 years of the husband’s death and could be removed if the widow engaged in inappropriate behaviour or got remarried. By comparison, the average working women’s income was 11 shillings per week, and men’s average was 26 shillings per week. It cost the British government £100,000 to build a destroyer, and over £2million to build an armoured battleship.

  The Bloomsbury Group, or Circle, was an informal gathering of friends that began in Bloomsbury around 1908 or 1910, and steadily expanded to include more friends. Many influential artists, art critics, and writers, were part of the group, and many became conscientious objectors during WWI, moving to a farm purchased by Phillip and Ottoline Morrell.

  Read more historical notes on my website at: http://www.reneedahlia.com/books/great-war/her-ladys-melody/

  All Books by Renée Dahlia

  Thanks for reading HER LADY’S FORTUNE. I hope you enjoyed it. Reviews can help readers find books, and I am grateful for all honest reviews. Thank you for taking the time to let others know what you’ve read, and what you thought.

  If you’d like to know more about me, my books, or to connect with me online, you can visit my webpage www.reneedahlia.com and if you sign up to my newsletter, you can grab a free book Ode to the Banh Mi.

  Twitter https://twitter.com/dekabat

  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/reneedahliawriter/

  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/reneedahlia_author/

  You’ve just read a book in my Great War series. The other books in this series are:

  Her Lady’s Honor (ff)

  Her Lady’s Melody (ff)

  Her Lady’s Fortune (ff)

  His Lord’s Soldier (mm)

  Historical Series: Bluestockings

  Prequel: The Shipwrecked Earl’s Bride (fm with bisexual hero)

  To Charm a Bluestocking (fm with bisexual hero)

  In Pursuit of a Bluestocking (fm)

  The Heart of a Bluestocking (fm)

  Contemporary Series: Kapow!

  Out of Her League (fm with bisexual characters) Rekindled (ff) Short Story (also included as a bonus in Out of Her Leag
ue)

  His Buxom Beauty (fm)

  Craving His Spotlight (mm)

  Her Pregnant Rival (ff)

  Contemporary Series: Merindah Park

  Merindah Park (fm)

  Making Her Mark (fm with bisexual heroine)

  Two Hearts Healing (fm)

  Racetrack Royalty (fm)

  Contemporary Series: Farrellton Foster Family

  Betrayed (fm)

  Forbidden (fm with bisexual characters)

  Liability (ff)

  Contemporary Series: Rainbow Cove

  His Christmas Pearl (fm)

  His Christmas Pride (mm)

  Contemporary Series: Homage

  Ode to the Banh Mi (fm with bisexual heroine)

  Uplift (ff with bisexual heroines): Only One Bed anthology (KU)

  Don't miss out!

  Click the button below and you can sign up to receive emails whenever Renee Dahlia publishes a new book. There's no charge and no obligation.

  https://books2read.com/r/B-A-USSF-DUVNB

  Connecting independent readers to independent writers.

  Also by Renee Dahlia

  Farrellton Foster Family

  Betrayed

  Forbidden

  Liability

  Great War

  Her Lady's Melody (Coming Soon)

  Her Lady's Fortune (Coming Soon)

  Kapow

  Out of Her League

  Rekindled

  His Buxom Beauty

  Craving His Spotlight

  Her Pregnant Rival

  Standalone

  The Bluestocking's Legacy

  Ode to the Banh Mi

  The Shipwrecked Earl's Bride

  Watch for more at Renee Dahlia’s site.