This was surprising news. “And did you go?”
For a moment, George Lake just sat silently, contemplating his hands. Finally, he looked up and nodded. “I did. Although even as I approached the building, I was arguing with myself to turn back.”
“What happened?” She couldn’t believe her cousin would go to the men he deemed his enemy.
“They were very gracious. They told me they were heartily sorry for my loss and commended me for my excellent candy.”
Kenzie smiled. “So they weren’t seeking to destroy you after all?”
George shook his head once again. “No. In fact they offered me a position.”
“A position? At Ghirardelli? Doing what?”
“They want my help developing new recipes. They want to buy some of my recipes while I develop additional ones. They will give me a contract for the next ten years with an option to renew if I desire.”
Kenzie considered this news for a moment. “But if you work for them and sell them your recipes, then you wouldn’t be able to continue with Lake Boxed Candies.”
“But I wouldn’t be able to anyway.” He looked at the table. “My insurance company isn’t going to pay anything. They’ve been completely ruined by this earthquake and fire. My meager savings isn’t enough to entice a bank to give me a loan to rebuild, so I am unable to move forward.”
“I’m sorry, Cousin George. This must be a terrible blow.”
“The worst of it is that I would actually consider their proposal if I thought it was trustworthy.”
“Why do you suppose it’s not?” Micah asked. “The Ghirardellis are good people. They are known to be generous to their employees and customers.”
“But I know they wanted me out of business. They must have. There were far too many incidents that had to come at the hands of a saboteur.”
“Cousin George, isn’t it possible that those incidents were just the normal things that happen in business dealings?” Kenzie gently asked. “Machinery breaks down. Parts wear out. People leave employment without warning. It doesn’t mean that anyone is seeking to harm you. Don’t you think maybe it’s time to put the past to rest? If these people are offering you a legitimate contract and you would like to take them up on it, then I think you should. And even if someone did try to hurt you in the past and ruin your business, that doesn’t mean you should mistrust everyone.”
“Kenzie is quite right,” Micah said. “Sometimes people hurt us, but that’s no reason to believe everyone will do likewise. Sometimes you have to let go of your fears and step out in faith that something good can come of your trust.”
Micah’s words cut Kenzie to the heart. Against her will, she met his gaze. His expression was void of emotion, but his eyes bore into hers. He was talking to her—she knew that full well. She also knew he was right. When was she going to heed her own advice?
Victoria Whitley stared in silence as the schoolmistress explained the details of her situation. Her grandmother, father, and brother were dead. Well, good riddance. Equally good—wonderful, in fact—was the news that her engagement had ended. Piedmont Rosedale had dissolved their agreement due to his certainty that Victoria’s grief would be overwhelming and the time needed for mourning would interfere with his plans for marriage.
Fool. She knew very well that he was concerned about whether or not she would inherit the Whitley fortune. Frankly, it was something she’d like to know the answer to herself.
“I am sorry, my dear. This is difficult news to bear. However, you should not worry about your future. Your solicitor has assured us that your expenses will continue to be covered.”
“I want to go home.” Victoria met the schoolmistress’s surprised expression. “Imustgo home.” She knew if she wanted to get anywhere, she would have to play up her devastation.
“But, child, there’s nothing you can do there. Your home was destroyed. You wouldn’t even have a place to go to.”
“I must see my papa’s grave. I must kiss his headstone.” Victoria squeezed a tear from her eye. “And my dear brother—oh, my heart is filled with grief. My sorrow is too great. Bill was my dearest friend in all the world.”
“My poor child.” The headmistress touched a lacy handkerchief to her own eyes. “Of course you must return home, if that is your desire.”
Victoria nodded. “I will never find comfort until I am there.”
“I’ll prepare things immediately. You will need someone to accompany you. I’ll see if I can arrange that as well.”
Victoria didn’t want to argue with the old woman that she was more than capable of traveling without a nursemaid. Better to remain silent and endure whatever the schoolmistress deemed necessary. Victoria knew very well she could finagle things to her liking later.
“Why don’t you go ahead to your room? I’ll have your dinner brought there and speak to your roommates about what has happened.”
“Thank you.” Victoria put her hand to her eyes and walked slowly from the office.
It was difficult to keep her steps slow when she felt like running and shouting for joy. Ever since her engagement was announced, she had been plotting ways to rid herself of that fat toad, Piedmont Rosedale. Bill had suggested she could always kill him after they wed, and then she’d inherit his wealth and be set for life. Bill never had trouble considering the option of murder, but such things left a bad taste in Victoria’s mouth. She didn’t mind people dying. In fact, it was welcome news when the dead included those who had made her life miserable. However, she didn’t want to be the one responsible.
