Page 29 of Fortune’s Final Folly

“All our what?” Joshua prodded.

“Differences. You are an educated lord, while I am the daughter of an impoverished vicar and a schoolmarm.” She pursed her lips, knowing she shouldn’t have to spell everything out to him. His upbringing and station as a duke’s son should be proof enough. But his blank stare said he at least needed a reminder of where their respective positions in London society stood. “You know as well as I that our paths were never meant to cross, my lord. My life is in Cheapside, it always will be.” She swung her arms wide. “And yours is here, in this lovely home, or in your fancy office away from the working-class areas.”

“Simply because I was blessed by the circumstances of my birth, you think that means we were never meant to be friends? That friendship between us is out of the question?”

Kate wanted far more than to be simply friends with Joshua. She longed to truly belong in his home, in his world. “I am only saying that I believe our friendship is not as normal as most,” she said, averting her stare. “My class and your class…your world and my world…could not be more different, no matter what we think of it. Though I relish the notion of our friendship.”

“And what if I believe I am only able to be who I want to be in your world.” He sat forward, his frame no longer relaxed, as if what he planned to share next meant a great deal. And that, in turn, her response was important to him. “What if on the inside, I do not feel like a part of the world I was born into? What if, for that matter, you are meant to be something different, as well? Something more…”

Kate sniffed at his question, wondering what he meant by the statement but also longing for the possibility that what he said could be true. “We are who we are. One cannot change or dispel the circumstances surrounding one’s birth. A pauper can never be a prince, just as a prince cannot become a pauper simply because he wishes it so.”

“I relent, Miss Kate,” he said with a chuckle, reclining once more, though not as comfortably as a few moments before. “However, you mustn’t ignore that there is more to life and the paths we take than what is included solely due to our birthright.”

Kate desperately wanted to believe in that. She wanted to take his words to heart and live by them, especially since she could not be sure of the circumstances surrounding her birth. For all Kate knew, she was already living above the station she’d been born into. Heavens above, she wanted to defy all her circumstances and proclaim to all that she truly longed for…Joshua.

Clearing her throat, Kate changed the topic before her heart overwhelmed her good sense. “When do you think to hear from the bank?”

He shrugged. “The deposit account was recorded many years ago. It may take time to locate the original paperwork—if it still exists. They may not have the authority to release the funds prematurely and may need to locate the current duke for approval.”

“That could take a lot of time.” Far more time than they had.

“Yes,” Joshua agreed. “Until my men locate Shrewbury, or the bank responds to my request, we keep working. You can continue teaching the children in my office as the repairs progress on your home. And my townhouse is at your disposal for as long as necessary.”

“Are you certain I shouldn’t sell to Mr. Cuttlebottom?” She’d pondered the possibility the entire previous day, and Joshua would have to admit it was a viable enough option for her. As she summed up the courage to say what needed to be said, she silently hoped he’d speak out against her coming plan. Perhaps admit that he could not think of her no longer living across the street from his office. “With the money, I could purchase a small cottage outside the city or save the funds and apply for a position at one of the many boarding schools around England. I know I am not overly educated, but I am qualified to teach—”

“You cannot think to give up what your parents left to you, even if it sounds easier in the moment.”

Kate never wanted to give up what little she possessed—and that had begun to include Joshua as much as her schoolroom and pupils.

“No option is so simple,” she retorted. “No matter what is decided, I have much work ahead of me. It does not help that I am at the mercy of others and not in control of what is to come. Plus, I have been forced to accept your generosity, knowing I will never be able to repay you. At least if I sold the building, I would have a small sum to my name.”

“And you would leave Cheapside—and the children—behind for a cottage or a teaching position?” His brow rose, and Kate did not feel at ease with him questioning her dedication to her students.

“I hadn’t thought the plan through in its entirety. But, yes, if that is where fate took me, it is where I would go.” It was unfair and not what she’d choose for her future. However, if given no other alternative, Kate would need to forge a new path. “You, of all people, should understand my need to support myself and not leave my future to chance.”

“I do not want you to leave Cheapside.” The edge that had entered his tone before was gone, the words leaving on a resigned exhale as whatever had been pent up within him dissipated.

His confession slammed into her as if she’d run into a brick wall. Her head swam, and her stomach began another round of flutters.

He did not want her to leave…

The notion that he truly did feel a similar draw to her as she did to him was at once invigorating and terrifying.

“I do not want to leave”—you—“Cheapside either. It is my home…the only life I know. But if there is no other option. I would be foolish not to consider it.”

Had he not followed a course different than what his life should have taken? As the son of a duke, he was entitled to live a life free of labor. To spend his days and nights enjoying everything Kate had been denied. Yet, Joshua had taken a different course, a difficult one, and had thrived.

Would he deny her the same opportunity?

“I think it is far too soon to consider such a drastic move, that is all, Kate.” Whatever had transpired between them—his confession, her longing, her doubts—fled as quickly as it had come, yet his stare remained locked on her as if she considered fleeing London that same night.

Joshua hastily stood, readying to depart.

Kate longed to ask him to stay…even for just a bit longer.

Being alone with her thoughts was not what she wanted. To be with Joshua, in her private room, discussing any matter of import was what Kate desired. More time for them to be a we and not individuals whose paths had crossed by folly. Something more. Their connection fated long before they met.

Joshua had already done so much for her, and all she’d done in return was keep him from his responsibilities: his clients, his work, and his home. Now, he was burdened with her future. She could see it in his eyes.