“Respectable. But foolish.”
I held his stare. “I want to be the man she expects of me. I want to deserve her.”
“You will never deserve her,” he said blankly. “No matter how much money you make. You could shower her in jewels, buy her every convenience, and it will never be enough.”
I blanched. The man was cutting my legs from under me. “I want to try.”
He shook his head and rubbed his tense jaw with a hand. “I do not mean to be cross. I have traveled far this morning, and I fear I am not adequately prepared for this conversation. That is not to say that the idea of an arrangement between thetwo of you has not crossed my mind.” He started to laugh, then clasped his hands together. “I simply thought the chance had run its course.”
He sighed then, sinking back into his chair. “You have little to offer her, Everett. No title. No holdings. Little wealth.”
I nodded once, returning to my chair. Back to where we’d started. I knew his arguments all too well, for they ran the same circles in my head.
“And yet.” Mr. Lane leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as his eyes locked with mine. “I can think of no better man to give her to.”
A rush of emotion washed over me. Gratitude so deep it ached. I swallowed hard, exerting every effort to vanquish the prickling in the corners of my eyes. “Thank you, Mr. Lane.”
“Tell me, then. As a friend. What can I do to help you?” He straightened his back and looked around as though he might find the answer hidden in the shadows of my drawing room. “A loan that you could pay back over time?”
I shook my head. “To be indebted to you further—”
He furrowed his brows. “A far cry better than to the bank.”
I could not argue. But again, my problems were not his to solve.
He leaned forward, serious again. “Sell Highcliffe House to fund your half of the Brighton investment. Move into my home in London with Anna. We shall find a reasonable apartment for your mother and sisters to rent nearby. I mean to ask Ms. Peale to be my wife, and I shall live with her in Bath until her mother leaves us. Having you watching over my home, protecting Anna—you would be doingmea favor.”
Oh, how I wanted to. What he offered was better thanmy family could dream of. Unequivocally better than I could give them. But it wasn’t, would never be, ours. “Highcliffe House belongs to my mother and sisters as much as it belongs to me. I could not sell it.”
Mr. Lane harumphed. “Egad, man. Are you making this difficult on purpose?”
I blew out a breath, half laughing, half moved to tears. “Anna told me that she felt like her suitors were encouraged by your wealth and connections. I want her to know that I could take care of her without your interference. Before yesterday, we could have built something wonderful. Now, I worry if you save me from this, she will never see me as capable.”
Mr. Lane leaned back. He nodded, contemplating my words. “You truly do not want my interference.”
“Your advice, I will accept gratefully. But your money ...” I shook my head. “I would respectfully decline.”
Mr. Lane sat back, drew in a long, steady breath. “So this is what my father spoke of. All those years ago. What it feels like to become an old man.”
I measured his words, still coming up short. “Sir?”
“You have been like a son to me, Everett. But now, you’ve outgrown me.”
I reared back, overcome with surprise and pride to be called anything close to a son to this man. “On the contrary,” I said, my voice hoarse with emotion. “I aim to be like you in every way. You are the closest thing I’ve ever had to a true father.”
Mr. Lane met my eyes, and an understanding seemed to pass between us. “If youweremy son, I’d tell you you’re being a stupid fool for not accepting my help.”
I laughed, and nodded.
He stood, and I followed suit. “But I have seen you make responsible choices and change the course of your own life. I respect you. I respect your decision. And I am so proud of you, Everett. This loss will be but a minor bump in the road. I wish you prosperity in every form.”
“Thank you, Mr. Lane,” I breathed. A larger honor could not have been bestowed upon me. To be awarded Anna’s love, then Mr. Lane’s pride would be enough to see me through any hardship. I would spend the rest of my life aiming to become the man they saw in me.
Mr. Lane straightened his jacket and took a firm step back. “AsAnna’s father, however, I must also say, that if you cause my daughter much more pain than she is currently experiencing, we shall have to part ways for good. And that would be a devastation beyond repair. Should you change your mind and desire a loan, advice, anything at all, you know where to find me.”
Another nod, and I followed him through the foyer and to the front door. He grasped my arm, and I his, in some semblance of an awkward embrace, then we offered bows in equal measure, and Roland showed him out.
Almost immediately, my mother and sisters ran out into the foyer, breathless.
