“We can help each other,” he said with the first lightness she’d seen in his eyes.
That was the best response Cora could expect from such a proud man. “I’d like that.”
“We’ll put on this party to find investors and potential husbands.”
Cora shook her head. That wasn’t the answer she’d hoped for. Yes, she wanted a family, but she didn’t want to be auctioned off to some stranger. “I already took a chance crossing the country to meet a husband I didn’t know. What if I want to meet someone and have time to get to know them? To make sure he’s a good match. I could stay here and help you with the business and with entertaining.”
“How long do you think you can live in this house without getting married? Imagine the scandal.”
“Then I’ll find accommodations outside here. We’ll simply state that we chose to have a long engagement to get to know each other.”
“I can’t protect you beyond this house. If Grous finds you…” Ed’s face turned red, a vein pulsing at the edge of his temple.
“I’ll be more careful.” Cora decided she’d pushed too hard, and the progress she’d made getting him to open up would be lost if she didn’t give him room. “Let’s get through the party and then go from there.”
“Fine. But I’ll be inviting suitors as well as investors. I won’t be the one responsible for you long-term. If I couldn’t care for my own family, I can’t care for you. Don’t put your trust in me. I’ll only fail you.” Ed slid his plate away and rose. “I need to go out to see to the docks.”
Cora rose and dropped her napkin at her side. “I’ll go with you.”
“The docks are no place for you.”
She took him by the elbow and escorted him to his office. “I’ll be safe with you, and besides, I need to see what inventory we might be able to borrow for our event.”
Ed stopped in the hall and turned her to face him. His eyes were wide, and was that an actual smile on his face? A broad, heart-thumping smile. “You’re brilliant.” He kissed her forehead and then stepped away, his cheeks flushed. “Sorry. I forgot myself.”
“It’s fine.” Heat surged up her neck and down her body. “I’m glad you like my idea.” He stood so close, she found it difficult to find breath, but she didn’t mind. She hadn’t felt this way since she’d courted before the war, if even then. She was a girl, and now she was a woman. A woman who’d seen and experienced more in the world, and the way she connected with Ed was in a new, exciting, heart-palpitating kind of way.
He slid away and straightened his jacket. “You’ll have to remain close by my side, and Ghost will be around if we need anything. San Francisco can be a wondrous and dangerous place.”
“I won’t let go of your arm.” Cora liked the idea of clinging to him. Could she see a life with him someday? Perhaps. For now, she needed to help him recover his business and buy some time to figure out her own life.
Ed tookher hand to help her into the carriage. They rode down the hill, bouncing on the plush seats. He pointed out the window. “Each hill houses prominent, important people, and in the lower areas, you’ll find more poverty.”
“The homes are impressive.” Cora studied him, the way he moved like a fine gentleman, but beyond that, she saw more depth. The Irish boy who fought for all he could. “But I think your home is the prettiest.”
Her words drew his attention into the carriage. “You do?”
“Yes.”
“It’s low on the hill and not the largest.”
“That view from your study is breathtaking. And the size is perfect. Too large, and it wouldn’t feel like a home. And in case you didn’t notice, it’s one of the largest that’s completed.”
“True.” Ed’s gaze dropped to her dress all the way down to her shoes before he snapped his attention back to the window. “That’s Alcatraz Island. It houses prisoners of war and traitors. That way is Chinatown, which holds mostly Chinese immigrants.”
“Yes, I think I stumbled onto that.”
“You what?” Ed’s head whipped around, his hat teetering on his head.
Cora held up her hands. “I surrender. I’m not to leave the house without an escort.”
He straightened his hat. “And only to areas suitable for you.” Ed resumed his tour. The way he spoke of the city and its eclectic heritage invigorated her with the thought of new beginnings.
“So the stories are true. From the start of gold being discovered to today, people travel to this part of the world to make their fortune. Some find great wealth like you, and others don’t, like Captain Wilkins.”
Ed quirked a brow at her. “Who?”
“The homeless man and his wife I met on the street. He served our country, yet he’s left to live like an animal. The way my family was forced to live after the war.”
