“Good,” he said. “The body will be laid out in the chapel afterwards as I explained to you, which means we need to ensure they’re presentable for visitors. I’ve some figures to go over first, however; accounting business. My trustedfriend is coming over later today to complete some tax summaries.”
“I’d be glad to help with that,” I said softly, as if worried the statue might hear me. As if Louisa would know I was eager to please her fiancé, and not just for the career benefits, either.
Nick furrowed his brow, glancing up and to the right, as if mulling something over.
“You’ve a head for accounting too, Grace?”
“I do, sir,” I said, forgetting myself again. Heat came to my cheeks. I realised I enjoyed calling himsirtoo much. “I’m skilled with figures. My father taught me from an early age to balance the books for our small farm, and how to scale for larger businesses.”
“Were you home-schooled?”
“I was. The schooling which really mattered occurred at home, anyway. Later I attended a small community school in the Dales with just a few pupils.”
Tom being one of them.
Nick chuckled. “And to think of the boys I attended boarding school with, struggling away with the most elite education money could buy. Perhaps the remoteness of your location lent itself to proper focus?”
“It did,” I said, remembering it well.
My father pacing while I sat at his large wooden desk, completing my sums. I’d lived for the small tid-bits he’d give me, the little compliments, the small nods of approval, that came from completing my work.
“He taught me to be frugal, too.” I added, blushing slightly as I smoothed down my skirt.
Nick smiled fondly, nodding his head. I could see headmired these qualities in me, even though he couldn’t relate to them. He’d grown up exceptionally wealthy. His clothes were exquisite, woven with expense and good taste. Even his haircut, loose and tousled, looked as though every strand had been carefully considered and groomed by the barber; every lock intentionally placed.
“You – ” Nick’s smile faded as he looked at me. He approached me suddenly, his fingers probing at the collar of my blouse. I flinched at his touch, but stood stock still, enjoying the warmth of his body close to mine. He smelled of a deep, expensive cologne. He peered at my neck, his fingers gently tracing the exposed skin.
“Something appears to be burning you, Grace. How could that be?”
I covered the skin he’d traced with my hand, feeling humiliated. Nick caught my hand and held it. I locked my eyes on his, trembling slightly under his gaze, ashamed of what he’d seen.
“The light pouring in through the smashed glass – if it’s concentrated, it damages my skin. I’ve a difficulty with sunlight, even in clouded skies,” I said, my voice timid.
“Oh, Grace,” he said softly, guiding my hand aside so he could look again. “Have you ever seen a doctor?”
“I have, sir. They couldn’t help.”
The fatherly concern in his eyes made me feel small, and like I wanted to cry. I disliked the feeling. I enjoyed my independence, away from this scrutiny...and yet I didn’t want to shake him off. I wanted him close to me. My womb tightened, pulsing in my middle.
“We’ll get you to Harley Street. A dermatologist, who will determine what this is and how to help you.”
“Sir – ”
“Nick.”
“Nick, please – it won’t be necessary.”
“My staff’s health is absolutely necessary,” he said, cutting me short. “Consider it a working benefit, I insist.”
I lowered my eyes, unable to look at him. The shame was too acute.
“I’ve heard about your father’s kindness to Maggie,” I said, unsure if I was overstepping the mark.
Nick tucked my neck away behind my collar, before letting his hand rest on my cheek. He watched me as I spoke, his eyes misting over. He stroked my skin, and I didn’t stop him.
“You’re a kind family, sir. You’ve inherited your father’s heart.”
Nick closed his eyes and smiled just a little, before his expression turned pained. He sighed.
