The Bride Goes Rogue (The Fifth Avenue Rebels #3)(67)

“Hello, Lockwood. And it’s Mrs. Mansfield these days.”

“I still cannot get used to it.”

“Neither can I, and it’s been years.” She struck out her hand. “You must be Miss Delafield. How do you do?”

They shook hands and Katherine said, “Thank you for coming. It’s an honor to meet you.” It was true. Katherine had been researching Mrs. Mansfield ever since Lockwood mentioned her. The architect had stayed busy since coming to America five years ago, from Philadelphia department stores and Newport cottages, to New York City hotels and office buildings. She was making her distinct style known all across the country.

“The duke has told me a bit about your project, but I’d like to hear about it from you.”

Katherine launched into her vision for the museum, which would feature classics as well as unknown artists looking for a break. The museum would work on donations and contributions, allowing it to remain free to visitors.

“And you wish to put it here?” Mrs. Mansfield asked as she studied the buildings behind them. “On this block?”

“Yes. My father owns the land and we’ll be taking down everything you see here.”

“It’s an outstanding location,” the architect said, walking a bit back and forth. “A bit small, but with the convergence of streets and access to the park, you would have plenty of foot traffic.”

Was it too small? Katherine had no idea if the museum would be popular enough to warrant more space.

Still, it was much better than Preston’s idea of the world’s tallest office tower, which could literally go anywhere in the city. Katherine’s museum needed people and restaurants and the subway trains—basically everything happening right here at Twenty-Third Street.

“Have you thought about the style of the building? Lockwood mentioned you had another architect before, but didn’t agree on a vision.”

“My father’s architect, Mr. Jennis.”

“I’m afraid I don’t know him,” Mrs. Mansfield said.

“He was very . . .”

“Rude?” the other woman finished.

“That’s a nice way of putting it. I prefer your style, something more modern, like the Mansfield Hotel. But Mr. Jennis only designs in the classic Empire style.”

“And he probably treated you as if you had no idea of what you were talking about.”

Katherine nodded, impressed that Mrs. Mansfield had guessed correctly. “That’s exactly what happened. He told me to leave it to the men who do this for a living.”

Mrs. Mansfield’s mouth curled derisively. “Men are very dismissive of women, especially when it comes to architecture and construction. If I had a dollar for every man who tried to prevent me from accomplishing my vision, I’d be one of the wealthiest women in the city.”

Lockwood made an amused sound in his throat. “You are one of the wealthiest women in the city.”

“See,” Mrs. Mansfield said to Katherine, holding up her hand. “Take it from me, you’ll have to fight tooth and nail to get what you want, Miss Delafield.”

“I’m prepared to do whatever it takes. I just want for someone to love this project as much as I do. A partner who will make it as beautiful and modern on the outside as the art on the inside.”

The architect sighed heavily and stared at the street traffic. “I fully intended to come today and say no. I’m incredibly busy with several upcoming jobs, not to mention my children and husband, and I hate to disappoint anyone.”

Katherine’s heart paused, unsure of what was coming next. “But you’ve changed your mind because I’m so adorable and charming?”

Mrs. Mansfield laughed. “Now I can see why the duke is so fond of you. No, I like your vision. I think these egalitarian buildings and spaces are what the city needs more of, not office buildings and towers.”

“Precisely!” Katherine put her hands together, pleading. “Please, Mrs. Mansfield. I think we would make a wonderful team and money is no object. Whatever you want. Let’s put up a building that everyone will be talking about for the next hundred years.”

The other woman looked at the duke. “How on earth am I supposed to resist her?”

Lockwood shrugged, his handsome face breaking out into a grin. “Come now, my lady. You don’t really want to sit home and play housewife. This will be a monument to modern art, a building for the ages. Are you planning to let Stanford White overshadow you?”

At the mention of the famous architect, Mrs. Mansfield’s mouth pinched. “He’s such a cad,” she murmured. “Just absolute rubbish. I wish he weren’t so bloody talented.” Turning back to Katherine, she said, “All right, I’ll do it.”

Katherine clapped her hands and let out a tiny squeak. “Oh, that’s marvelous news. Thank you, Mrs. Mansfield.”

“You might as well call me Eva. We’re going to be spending a lot of time together.”

“And please, call me Katherine. I’ll have my father’s team send over the site survey.”

“No need,” Eva said. “I’ll have my own people do one. They know what I want. I apologize for intruding, but I have to ask. Is there a special man in your life?”

“No,” Katherine said almost too quickly.