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make sure this engagement didn’t happen and to end this night as soon as possible. “I don’t think you are good-looking enough for me either. I am much prettier than you are.”
    “Well, now, let me answer your question.” Grant rose from his chair and walked toward Mia. With each word he spoke, his voice grew louder. “I was raised in an orphanage and worked odd jobs till service, not unlike that waiter you’ve been staring at, I’m guessing. I made a name for myself during my tenure in the marines, and after I got out I developed some important machinery for the men. I made a hefty profit from my inventions and now I’d like to find a wife. I built a life on my own, I am a friend of this country, and I’ve earned respect.”
    Mia looked down, hoping he wouldn’t get any closer. But he reached toward her and grabbed her chin in his hand, tilting her head upward. She wanted to call out for her mother—he was touching her and that was against the rules. She had a feeling this wasn’t the type of touch her mother had warned her against. Mia’s voice caught in her throat. She seemed unable to make a sound. His eyes glittered coldly.
    “As for your rude comments, we both know they are lies. I am aware of my features and I am also aware I am much younger than the average groom. I am sure you are sensitive to these facts, too. I am driven, smart, resourceful, and a bit of a perfectionist. But notice nowhere in there did I say I am nice . So I recommend you watch your mouth.”
    With that word the door swung open, and Andrew entered with the wine.
    Grant dropped his hand from Mia’s face and returned to his chair. Mia glanced up at Andrew. For a moment he looked angry, like he was readying to pounce on Grant, but then his gaze shifted and the blank expression returned. He set down the bottle and walked out of the room.
    Mia rubbed her jaw where Grant’s hand had been.
    “Now then, let’s start over, shall we?” Grant poured himself a glass while Mia nodded her head. “My name is Mr. Marsden, but you may call me Grant if you like.”

Chapter 7
Respect and honor your elders who have served their time. They are great men who fought bravely. Someday you will be in their position.
—The Boy’s Guide to Service
    A ndrew struggled against a wave of anger that took him completely by surprise. He focused on his breathing to calm himself down and told himself his fury was because the man was using unfair force against someone smaller and defenseless. It had nothing to do with this girl in particular or the fact that he’d seen her spark fade when Mr. Marsden grabbed her. For a moment he considered telling Mr. Morrissey, but he doubted his employer would do anything.
    Andrew had to remind himself he owed Mr. Marsden a large amount of respect. He had served his time in the military, while Andrew was still unserved. But Mia looked so scared, like pure terror was pulsing through her veins. He told himself that she was obviously breaking the rules when she told the man about her flaws and spoke first. He had never known she was so rebellious. Actually, he didn’t know anything about her.
    He breathed deeply again, forcing himself to calm down. He couldn’t help her and she didn’t need his help. This was what girls went through; all he could do was remember when it was his turn to find a mate to treat her fairly.
    He smiled at the thought of how beautiful she looked, almost statuesque. But something seemed off about her. He thought she had looked better when he ran into her the other day, more natural.
    He ran his hands through his mop of hair. He was sure his outfit made him look just as awkward as Mia. The two of them would make quite the pair tonight. His smile dropped. They would never be a pair and he’d never want that anyway.
    Andrew felt his rage slip away and congratulated himself on keeping his cool in the dining room. He remembered his place in the world and he always did a good job of maintaining his