“Or perhaps, sir, you could rearrange your meeting in Bath and take Miss Laneafterseeing Brighton,” Graham argued.
“I cannot go to Bath,” I blurted, gripping the arms of my chair. Mr. Lennox was there, and I would rather perish than be forced into his company so soon. “I simply cannot.”
Papa nodded, considering. “Well, I have been summoned, and I must go. I would trust Mr. Everett with my life, Annie. I certainly trust him with yours. You’ll take Mariah with you. His family will await your arrival.”
Graham sat back, speechless, which was entirely unhelpful, but he could not want this arrangement any less than I.
Papa glanced between us. “This plan will be perfect for us all. And, in truth, a little time together might do you both some good.”
What, did he think we could reconcile our differences? Graham and I were like a fox and a hound. Some personalities did not mix for a reason.
“Then we can finish our business, yes?” Papa raised hisbrows, then turned back to me. “You help me with this, do a good, thorough job of determining Brighton’s potential, and when I come to claim you, Annie, we shall find a perfect view of the sea and spend a full fortnight away together. Just us. There is much I fear we have missed in each other’s lives of late, and I do not wish to make a habit of continuing to do so.”
He nodded, either satisfied with the plan or oblivious to our reluctance, or perhaps both. My mind was whirling, dizzy. My shallow breaths inadequately compensated for the shock pulsing through my heart.
We’d leave tomorrow. Graham and me. The two of us ... together. Without Papa.
What would we evensayto each other?
Graham nodded, agreeing again to the plan, and I swallowed at the thought of staying under his protection for a week. Wehatedone another; neither of us had made any secret of our opinions. But alone, and out of my father’s view, how would he treat me?
Indeed, I almost wanted him to treat me poorly. Papa would expect a thorough report to support my opinion of Brighton, and part of that would be proving Graham’s poor judgment. One false move, and I’d tell my father every step out of line the man took. I’d write it all down so I wouldn’t forget. And we would not be alone. He had a mother and a sister. Perhaps two sisters? I could not recall. Were all the Everetts as arrogant as he?
One week was all I had to sacrifice. A temporary arrangement in exchange for a fortnight of healing with Papa. Away from the consequences of a foolhardy decision. Away from pretending. I’d let Graham charm himself in circles. PerhapsI might even enjoy a view of the sea from a different shore. But first, I’d disprove everything he thought he loved about Brighton.
I sat back in my seat. This was all fine. It would be awkward, undoubtedly. But what choice did I have?
I imagined an evening in Graham’s drawing room. Him, sitting by the fire with a book and an evil smile, and me, starved from the paltry dinner he’d served to pay me back for all the goat cheese.
He wouldn’t. He needed my good opinion as much as I needed his, and, judging by the fear etched in his every feature, he knew it. All would be fine. Absolutely, perfectly, wonderfully fine.
Yes?
I looked up, meeting Graham’s darkening expression. I refused to let him see my fear. For the first time in our acquaintance,Ihad the power. His aim would be to please me.
“I shall be ready early. I imagine we shall take an extra stop or two, since you’ll be traveling beside the carriage onhorseback.” My smile, at last, was genuine. Never in a million years would I share a carriage with that man for so long a trip.
His nostrils flared the tiniest bit. He wouldn’t refuse me in front of my father, especially when he wanted an investment. I could read the man like a book, and I relished in every sign of his discomfort.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said with a tight smile.
“Good man,” Papa said. “Now ... port.”
ChapterFive
Graham
I checked my pocket watch for the fifth time in two minutes. Where was she? We were set to leave a half hour ago, and I’d been standing outside by the carriage awaiting thefive more minutesLyons had promised six times over.
Typical of Anna to keep someone waiting. What was she doing in there? Adjusting her hair? Pinching bites off a crumpet? Either way, I was powerless. Forced to bend to her wishes now that she had the final say in my investment.
My stomach twisted, but I wouldn’t give in to the fear. I’d faced impossible odds before. I could do it again. I could win this game.
I’d merely have to charm the devil.
The door opened, and Mr. Lane jogged down the stairs. “She’s coming,” he assured me with a smile. “So sorry for the delay. She’s gathering things in her satchel.”
“Not to worry, Mr. Lane.” I gave him what I hoped was an amiable smile, just as a servant brought out another trunk the size of a tea cart to add to the carriage helm.
