“Absolutely. And it isn’t insanity. This method has worked for thousands of years in Europe,” Reese informed his cousin.
“With one important modification,” David reminded him. “Marriage.”
“Granted,” Reese agreed. “But that’s one modification I’m not willing to make.”
“Why?” David asked for the thousandth time.
“You know why. You above all people should understand how I feel about this.” Reese ran his fingers through his black hair.
“I remember a time when you couldn’t wait to tie the knot.”
Reese’s brown eyes narrowed into slits. “That was a long time ago. I’m not that stupid or naïve anymore. This is the only method I’ll consider. I’ve thought this through, David. I know what I’m doing.”
“You want a son and heir?”
“Yes,” Reese said with a finality that warned his cousin the discussion was over. “Send the women home for the night. Tell them the qualified applicants may report here at ten tomorrow.”
“Ten?” David asked. Reese habitually began his work days before dawn.
“I have to attend a reception at the British Embassy this evening. It’s going to be a very long night.”
“That long, huh?”
“I plan to meet an old acquaintance after the reception and I don’t want to disappoint her.” Reese smiled suddenly.
There was a wealth of promise in Reese Jordan’s wicked smile, and David understood why women found his cousin so irresistible.
Reese gestured to David. “Go ahead. Send the applicants home. I have to dress for dinner. It’s been a long day for both of us and it’s going to be an even longer night.”
“For one of us.” David chuckled. “All right, Reese. Until ten tomorrow.”
Reese nodded, then turned back into the next room.
David Alexander moved forward to address the crowd of women. “I’m sorry, ladies, but that will be all for the day.”
An irate voice resounded through the crowd. “What do you mean that will be all?”
“I mean that we’ve finished taking applications and interviewing for the remainder of the evening. Those of you who are qualified and still interested in the position may report here at ten tomorrow morning to resume the screening process,” David said calmly.
“But we’ve been here all day,” wailed a big-boned blonde in the back of the room.
“As have I, miss,” David acknowledged, “and I’m sure you must be even wearier than I. Go home. Get some rest. I assure you I’ll await you in the morning.” David dismissed the women from his mind and began gathering the applications and handwritten notes scattered across his desk.
Faith stood rooted in place, too tired to move and too numb to think. Women jostled her on all sides as they made their way toward the stairs. She caught snatches of conversation and tired grumbling through the rustle of skirts and belongings, but little penetrated. Her brain struggled to comprehend David Alexander’s words. Tomorrow. Come back tomorrow at ten. Tomorrow the screening process would resume. Faith was torn. She couldn’t afford to stay overnight, but she couldn’t afford not to. How could she abandon her plan? It was the only plan she had.
David placed his papers in his satchel. He looked up in time to see the young woman swaying on her feet.
“Miss? Is there something you wanted?”
“No,” Faith replied. She continued to stare at him.
“Are you sure?”
I want the job! Faith’s mind screamed at him. I need the job! But she couldn’t form those words.
“Miss, are you all right?” David asked.
“I’m fine.”