Ghost reminded him of something he’d only recently realized. “Don’t know that a woman has much options unless she can marry another and quick.”
“I know.” Ed let go of the telegram, which floated down to his desk. “I’ll figure something out after Saturday. For now, send this.”
Will make arrangements. Give me a week.
He had no clue what kind of arrangements he’d make, but certainly he’d have money to send her by next week to keep her comfortable and happy until she could find another husband.
“I can’t fail my sister again.” He rubbed his forehead and tried to calm the nerves that were revving up his agitation. “One thing at a time. I’ll go speak to Cora. It’s even more important now that we work together if I hope to save us all.” He needed to calm Cora’s anger.
“Do you want me to send word up for her to come to your office?”
“No, I don’t want her to feel like she’s being summoned here. You’re right. I need to make an effort to be kinder and gentler and less of a boss.”
Ghost moved to the doorway, blocking his exit. “Sir, you can’t go up without someone with you.”
“What? Why?”
Ghost twirled that darn hat of his.
“Tell me.”
“Miss McKinnie has requested a chaperone be present whenever you’re with her. She thinks it’s proper.”
“You mean she thinks I’m going to try to take advantage of her.” Ed took a swig of that drink Ghost had poured. “Does she really think so ill of me?”
“Wait here, sir. I’ll see if Grace is available.” Ghost raced out the door and returned a minute later. “Grace is upstairs and will let Miss McKinnie know you’ll be up to speak with her, so you can go up, sir.”
“So I have permission to climb my stairs to my second floor now? Perfect.”
“Soft-spoken and kind,” Ghost reminded him before Ed could plow past him like a bull charging.
“Soft and kind.” Ed stretched as if preparing for a morning run then made his way upstairs, pausing outside her bedroom door to cool his temper and remind himself that he needed to make Cora feel safe, not judged or mistreated. He’d made the bad investments, not her, and she was the only way he’d be getting out of his mess. He needed her as much as she needed him.
He rapped his knuckles lightly on the door and waited and waited and waited.
The door finally cracked open, and Grace stuck her head out. “I’m sorry, sir. Miss McKinnie retired early. She said she’d be happy to speak with you tomorrow morning at breakfast when she’s dressed appropriately and awake.”
Ed wanted to shove the door open and yell at her for playing games when his fortune was on the line, but he couldn’t, and that’s when he realized he had little control over his own destiny. In that moment, he caught a glimpse of what every woman had to face, relying on a man to care for her. His sister had to have a husband to escape the orphanage, and now he was dead. What would that mean for her? And Cora had traveled all this way in hopes of securing her future, the one he’d lied about to get her to make the trip, and now he offered her nothing but the promise of money if they succeeded. “Tell her that I understand and that I’ll be waiting for her downstairs in the morning. And please tell her I wish her a good night.”
ChapterTwelve
Cora madeher way down the steps for breakfast, still confused by Ed’s visit to her door last evening. He’d sounded humbled and soft and vulnerable. Not like the man she’d experienced so far. Sure, he had shown moments of gentleness and made thoughtful gestures, but never had he sounded defeated or wounded.
She’d been so drawn to his kind words that she almost went to the door but decided it best she kept her distance, especially dressed in her nightgown. But not this morning. This morning she wore the same dress as the day she’d arrived, but by tomorrow the blue one would be complete. It was so beautiful, she thought she’d never owned one of such elegance for everyday wear.
She liked the new fashion and found it more flattering than the huge, troublesome hoop skirts of her past.
Ed waited at the bottom of the stairs with Ghost behind him. “You look lovely this morning. I hope you had a pleasant night’s sleep.”
“Yes, thank you,” she lied, but how could she tell him that each time she closed her eyes, she saw their almost-kiss in her dreams. By morning, she had to face the fact she was less upset with him for his insulting words than at herself for wanting him.
“Ghost will be accompanying us to the dining room since Grace is tending to an errand.”
“Yes, of course. He’s welcome to join us.”
Ed escorted her to her chair and situated her before going to the end of the table to his own. She regretted her fit last night that had caused the rift between them.
“Miss McKinnie, I hope that you’ll allow me the opportunity to apologize for my deplorable behavior yesterday. It was never my intention to insinuate anything untoward. I respect and value your assistance. You are a fine and equal business partner in this arrangement.”
