The Merchant of Vengeance Read Online Free Page B

to make a good marriage for you. He has tried again and yet again to arrange a suitable match."
    "Aye, much to our mutual regret," Elizabeth replied. "I have told you of the disaster that was so narrowly prevented not so long ago, thanks to Tuck and his friend Will. I shudder to think now that I could easily have been killed by that impostor posing as a nobleman. As a result, it seems my father has learned his lesson and has at long last stopped trying to arrange a marriage for me.
    Besides, I told him that I would sooner die a spinster than wed a man I did not love."
    "But if you were to tell him that Tuck's father is a gentleman, then surely he would be more amiably disposed toward him," Antonia said.
    "Just so long as I conveniently neglected to tell him that Tuck's father is also destitute, you mean," Elizabeth replied. She shook her head. "'Nay, I could never do that to him. I could not mislead my father so, nor would Tuck stand for it even if I could. He is proud and honest to a fault. And for all of his insufferable pomposity, Father tolerates Tuck now, in part because he is indebted to him and in part because he knows now that Tuck is honourable and would never do anything against his wishes. Father trusts Tuck, as he trusts me. In truth, I do believe he trusts him more than he trusts me. 'Tis the only reason he allows our friendship, albeit he does not entirely approve."
    "But you would like it to be much more than just a friendship." said Antonia.
    Elizabeth sighed. “I do not know. In truth, I am not certain what I want."
    'Well, do you love him?"
    "At times, I think I do. And yet, at other times, he vexes and exasperates me so, I think that if I were a man, I could take a club to him and beat him senseless!"
    Antonia laughed. "That sounds very much like love to me."
    "Oh, and you know so much about it!"
    "'You might be surprised at what I know," Antonia said slyly.
    "You may be older, Elizabeth, but do not forget, I am the one who is married."
    "Everyone is married," Elizabeth replied dismissively. "Marriage merely teaches a woman what it means to be a wife. I have not observed that marriage has much to teach a woman about love."
    "Once married, a woman can learn to love her husband, even if she does not love him from the start," Antonia said with a shrug.
    "I suppose that one can also learn to love a tonic of tart vinegar and scurvy-grass if one must drink it daily," Elizabeth replied dryly. "However, that still does not make it a pleasant-tasting brew."
    "You shall make a fine spinster, methinks," Antonia replied.
    "You already have the tongue for it. Here I am trying to help you with my best advice, and you abuse me for it."
    "Forgive me, Antonia," Elizabeth said. "'Twas unkind of me, I know. I am simply in a dreadful humour. Perhaps 'tis my lot in life to be a spinster."
    "Oh, what arrant nonsense," said Antonia. "You have had more than your share of suitors. And if you had not frightened all of them off with your shrewish tongue. and wilful manner, then you would have an army of them still. Why, you could have a husband at any time you chose, if only you would behave more amiably toward those who came to court you. The trouble with you is not a lack. of suitors. What you seem to want, Elizabeth, is what you cannot have."
    "And what is that, do you suppose?"
    "You want a man, but you want him only on your terms. What you want is a husband who is not a husband, one who is strong enough to tame you, but at the same time does not attempt to rein you in. You want a man with whom you can discourse as an equal, and to whom you do not owe obedience, unless it be your choice.
    You want someone who can provide for you, but at the same time with whom you can feel passion." Antonia shook her head. "Elizabeth, my dear, you do not want a husband. 'What you want is a lover."
    "Antonia! That is a scandalous thing to say!"
    Antonia merely shrugged. "Nevertheless, 'tis true. 'Tis what you truly seem to want. And 'twould seem