One day.
With each deep breath, I remembered my goal: Business first.
ChapterTen
Anna
Tabitha—Tabs, as Graham called her—walked carefully upon the rounded rocks like she was as familiar with this shore as she was the floors of her own home. Her little feet and thin form moved, crouched, even sometimes hopped to and fro over the bigger rocks. She was beautiful, kind, and just ornery enough to keep life interesting.
I missed my younger days with Papa, when I could speak my mind and the adults would either take me seriously or laugh congenially at my silliness. A girl as free-spirited as Tabs should not have to fear taking off her stockings at the beach.
“Careful, Tabs,” Graham called, despite a servant walking behind her. “Not too far from us. And not too close to the water. The rocks are slick.”
I groaned internally. Did Graham have to control every second of every day—what it looked like, felt like, smelled like? The man needed to let loose. “She is only having fun,” I muttered.
He tensed but ignored me.
Tabs shrieked as the tide swept in and splashed the brown, earthy rocks at her feet, and I laughed at her joy. Shewas being herself, and it filled up the deep crevices of my heart.
“Brighton’s other beaches are similar,” Graham said with a sideways glance and a frown. “Others have the society and economy tourists crave, so there is something for everyone here. This particular shore has a little rougher terrain, but it is more private, as you’d desired. And I believe the sea is a little greener here because there are not as many fishermen, nor boats, to stir up the water. Altogether, this beach has a more natural and calmer feel.”
Would heneverrelent? Did he think of nothing besides his precious investments? I sighed. “Please do not ruin my view by telling me how I should feel about it, Mr. Everett.”
He startled, taken aback. “On the contrary, Miss Lane. I merely wish to share it with you.”
I gave him a look. His pretense was not lost on me. Flattery, always with the insincere flattery. After Mr. Lennox, how could I trust any man who wanted to dip into my father’s pockets? Graham was tolerating me just as I was tolerating him. Without Papa here, why did we have to pretend otherwise? Why did we have to converse at all? And if we did, why could I not speak as freely as Tabs? Bitterness took hold of me, and I said, “Perhaps you should keep your thoughts to yourself and stop trying to control mine.”
Well, that came out cross.
I risked a glance at Graham. His brows furrowed, and his nostrils flared as he took a breath. “Have a care with your words, Miss Lane. My sister is near.” Frustration colored his tone.
I’d bristled him, hit a tender nerve. I felt the heat of embarrassment from being chided burn up my neck, but I didnot give it notice. “Then please do not try to bend my ear for the next five days while I experience this town. I have a sound mind all on my own.”
He shook his head. A bit of him unraveled as he said, “I did not mean to suggest otherwise. I was merely ... having a conversation.”
“A conversation?” I laughed half-heartedly, looking over at his shoulders hunched, lips pursed. He truly did not see it. “A conversation with an intent to bait or persuade my good opinion is not one I am interested in having.”
He motioned toward the sea. “I assure you I had no motivation by stating that the water appears greener here.”
“Everythingyou say has a motivation.” My lips twitched, happy to release the words I’d been dying to say. Graham would never tell Papa of my impertinence. He wanted everything to be perfect—or at least he wanted things to appear that way. “I know for a fact you hate me as much as I hate you. At least be honorable and admit it.”
“Hateyou? What the devil are you talking about?” His cheeks reddened, and he raked a hand through his billowing hair, like a kettle about to blow. A war seemed to rage in the thoughts behind his eyes. Clearly, there were thingshewanted to say, but he fought to hold them back. After a moment, he said, “You are the daughter of a man I revere. A man I engage with regularly in matters of money and business. Out of respect for him, I try to be polite. To be amiable toward you.”
I looked back out to the sea and shook my head, frustrated with Graham’s denials and growing too emotional so far away from home. Polite and amiable. Exactly as I’d feared. How could I ever make a match, keep a genuine friendship, when everyone—including myself—hid behind a mask? Iclamped down my feelings and looked away. “You are the biggest fraud I have ever met.”
He reared back and squinted his eyes. “Why? Because I think through what I say before I say it? Some would call that wise.”
“Or cunning.” I pursed my lips.
He scoffed and looked at the sea. “I amcunningfor trying to have a conversation.”
I scoffed right back. “Oh, please. If you truly want to have a conversation, then say something genuine for once. I dare you.”
There was silence for a beat, save for the restless sea and the birds flying above in the distance.
His jaw ticked as he ran his hand through his hair again. “Something genuine?” He looked at me. His eyes were blazing, but his features were smooth, revealing nothing. “About what, precisely? As always, Miss Lane, I am entirely at your service.”
I let my lips form a smile. “Sarcasm suits you better than false flattery.” Indeed, even his countenance seemed more genuine. More relaxed.I doubted he was capable of relaxing into himself fully. Would I even recognize him if he did? Still, I cast the bait. “Very well, then. Tell me something personal. Something that ... embarrasses you.”
