Chapter 6

"Fathers. Mothers. With all their caring and attention. They will f--- you up, every time." Chuck Palahnuik, Snuff

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Chapter Six

Kit had never entertained the idea of his life taking an alternate course. He was always supposed to return home to help his father run the textile business. That was what his life would be. And so he had never imagined what else he could be if he had the freedom to choose.

Kit's start in life had been miserable. He was named for the day he was found. It was highly likely that July twenty-fifth was not his true birthday. Christopher was not the name his first mother had given him. He was raised in a home with dozens of other children and was never afforded an ounce of genuine affection.

In fact, Kit had never felt like he mattered until Cassian had offered him the opportunity to learn to read. Kit had always believed that people like him were not important. It was a common understanding.

And how was that right? Was not it the responsibility of one's elected representatives to advocate for those who did not have a voice?

Kit would not wish the feelings of such insignificance on anyone. It was a harrowing and empty existence. He was going to do something about it.

Kit was going to become an MP. He was going to represent a county or borough fairly and he would do his best to hold himself accountable to the needs of the people. It was important for someone to be elected that knew the plight of the everyday Englishman and woman.

Was this how Olivia felt all the time? Kit had such a rush of energy. It was as though purpose was flowing through his veins.

Olivia's cheeks were still red having just learned of Edward's deception. How shocking it must have been to suddenly realised royalty had graced one's hall. His own mother had reacted quite the same when she had first become acquainted with Edward. It was odd now, really how accustomed he had become in having a prince as a friend.

Kit had to admit that the red was quite becoming on Olivia. Her passion and focus could be construed as a little intimidating. But underneath it, she was still a human girl, and Kit found her to be just as extraordinary as the girl she was in conversation.

"How do I go about this?" Kit asked. There was a hint of embarrassment in his voice. He wanted to be an MP, but had no idea, really, of how to enter the House of Commons.

"You essentially buy your way in," replied Edward, who pursed his lips distastefully. "There is a reason why those who sit in parliament are all sons of peers, or corrupt gentlemen out to sway the majority towards their own interests. Anyone with money can have a say in government these days."

Kit's heart immediately sank. Perhaps it was naïve of him to think he could triumph because he was good.

"Yes, it is true money has a say in things," retorted Olivia, "but anyone with property worth forty shillings or more can vote in an election Kit. If you are able to persuade them towards your cause then you have just as good a chance as any."

Kit had witnessed his father conduct many business transactions. There was always give and take involved. He would have to represent all the people, including the rich, and so he would need to understand what they required of him, whilst not compromising his advocating for the poor.

"I understand it is not my business, but you do have an income of six hundred pounds annually, yes?" asked Edward.

Kit frowned. "What does my income matter?" What a highly inappropriate topic to discuss.

"It matters because MP's must have an income of six hundred pounds a year to represent a county. Do you have such funds?"

Kit did not know why, but he felt very uncomfortable revealing his income in front of Olivia. Olivia seemed nonchalant. Such things, obviously, did not matter to her, and he admired her all the more for it.

"I am one of the owners of my father's estate, Norwood Cottage, and as such I draw a sufficient income from it." Kit cleared his throat awkwardly. "Above six hundred a year." Closer to a thousand a year, though Cassian had intended to quadruple that number once Kit had undertaken a significant work load within the factory business. "How is it you are so knowledgeable?" he asked suddenly, changing the subject. "I thought you were meant to be above all this."

"Just because we are meant to be above politics, does not mean that I am ignorant. I did attend Cambridge for a year, you know." Edward smiled, amused.

"Is that how you two know each other?" asked Olivia. "You are school friends?"

"Oh, no, Lady Olivia. Kit, here, is much older than I," gasped Edward.

Kit scoffed. "Three whole years." The nineteen year old prince could show his immaturity at times.

"There was an attempt on my life a few months ago," Edward explained seriously. "Kit came to my rescue. Surely you read it in the papers? My father knighted him. The he promptly went back to favouring the good son." He murmured the last part under his breath. Kit was unsure if Olivia had caught it.

She did not seem to. "Oh, my. Knighted?" She seemed very impressed. Kit enjoyed the expression on her face. It seemed to take a lot to impress someone like Olivia. "No, I did not know of it. You must have been very brave."

Kit felt almost childlike with the giddy sense of accomplishment he felt at receiving Olivia's approval. To have in his possession her good opinion seemed like an achievement of its own.

Olivia's blue eyes surveyed him as she offered him a warm, satisfied smile. She cocked her head a little to the side and said, "If your beliefs do not see you elected, your decent character will. You have such an opportunity." Kit could have been wrong, but he could have sworn he heard the slightest hint of envy in her tone, but he promptly dismissed it.

Before Kit and Edward departed Olivia's home, the three agreed to keep their ears to the ground to decide on a seat worth standing for. Kit would need to scour his father's newspaper in the morning.

He would also need to tell his father the good, or rather bad, news.

"I wish you luck. I am sure your parents will know what good you can do," Olivia said as she farewelled them. Her small hand reached out and she placed it in his forearm supportively.

Kit caught and held her gaze. He could see the belief in her eyes. They looked just as strong and determined as they did when Olivia would speak about justice. Knowing that someone as strong as Olivia believed in him made him all the more determined to succeed. He did not want to let her down.

Moments later, Olivia removed her hand timidly, and so Kit caught it in his and offered her a firm handshake. Kit loved the feeling of her small hand in his. Kit liked her strong, passionate personality. It separated her from every woman he had ever encountered. But the size of her hand, the flush of her cheeks, and the fleeting glimpses of her bashful side gave him glimpses into her soft, vulnerable side.

Vulnerabilities and insecurities were normal, and Kit was curious to learn more about the Olivia underneath. Perhaps he had the ability to help Olivia, to know her, and to even share her burdens if she wished it.

Olivia seemed to snap out of her shyness as she shook Edward's hand as well.

The two men then departed Olivia's home. It was now dark, the light of the full moon above them lighting their way.

"I must say," remarked Edward as they rode, "I have never encountered a more handsome girl in my life."

Kit had never experienced real jealousy before, but he suddenly felt the urge to punch Edward in the throat. Was that jealousy?

"Such lovely red hair, and a very pretty face. Fine figure, too."

Kit felt his heart beat increase as his anger rose. Edward was not five feet from him. Kit was certain if he leapt from his own horse's back he could take the prince down with him.

Kit did not like Edward commenting on Olivia's appearance. Not only did it bother him that another man noticed her appearance, it bothered him that Olivia's appearance seemed to be the only thing Edward had noticed.

However, the primal side of him was more concerned about the former. Kit wanted to punch Edward in the throat.

Edward laughed. "I can practically smell the ire radiating off of you."

"Are you vexing me on purpose?" Kit demanded to know. "There is so much more to Olivia then her hair or her face. She is ... she is ..." What was the right word?

"Yours?" guessed Edward.

Yes, that was it!

Kit frowned. "No, no," he scolded himself. "Olivia does not belong to me. I would wager she would not want to belong to anyone." Kit could not say that he knew Olivia well, inside and out, but he could tell that she was not the type of girl to be lost in a man.

For what a shame, because Kit was growing more certain that he was the type of man who could be lost in a woman.

"Perhaps you need spectacles, my friend," teased Edward, "because she was looking at you with quite the dazzled expression. I would wager she likes you more than you think."

Kit said nothing further. He only smiled to himself, hoping that Edward was right.

Even if Edward was wrong, and Olivia only wanted to be Kit's ally in this endeavour, that would be perfectly alright with him. Olivia had helped Kit to find himself in just a few short hours. Kit had woken up this morning lost, and unknowingly so. The purpose, inspiration, and fulfilment that he was currently feeling was quite addicting.

"What are you going to tell your father?" asked Edward.

Kit's mood suddenly deflated a little. The look of disappointment on his father's face would undoubtedly be one of the most difficult things Kit would ever have to face. Knowing that in itself made Kit realise just how much he had sacrificed to please his parents. He prayed that Cassian would support his decision.

"I have no idea," replied Kit honestly. "I have never had to tell him anything like this before. I have never disagreed with him, or gone against him. Do you have any advice?"

Edward laughed half-heartedly. "My area of expertise is certainly not getting one's father to understand one's life choices. If you would like some advice on how to get your father to think you are a stone in his shoe, then please, listen to me."

Kit winced.

"Just tell your father the absolute truth. You want to work for the people, and not for him. Trust that he is a better father than mine," offered Edward.

Kit knew that Edward was talking sense. Even though Kit had always appeased his father, he never doubted that Cassian loved him.

The moonlight shone on Norwood Cottage in the distance. Kit took a deep, apprehensive breath. "Please understand, Father," he prayed under his breath.

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Hope you enjoyed!! Is anyone like me in this instance? I always manage to put parts of my personality into my characters? I'm a people pleaser. I go along with what other people want to make them happy and rarely do I say, "Hey, no, this is what I want." I really need to stop being such a push over.

Who watched the Melbourne Cup yesterday? If you don't know what the Melbourne Cup is, it's the "Race that stops the Nation" in Australia. It's the biggest horse race of the year. I had money on the horse that came second! He was literally on the home stretch and in front and the winner pipped him at the post noooo!

Anyway, I had better be off to sleep. I had work at 7am this morning which means I've had my contacts in for 18 hours and they are super dry and desperate to come out lol. Short sighted problems!!

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