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He hung his head in shame as her silence continued. “Forgive me, Mother. I did everything within my power to stop my feelings from growing. I knew the costs and the risks. But Miss Coventry…” His mind flooded with memories of her—her striking green eyes, her ability to find joy in the mundane, her selflessness and goodness. “She is everything to me.”

The fire snapped, embers shooting into the air as Mother sniffed.

He glanced up with a wince. Sure enough, tears filled her eyes. “I’m sorry to have caused you such grief,” he said, knowing her tears were born from their lost future. “I only pray you may one day forgive me.”

“Oh, Ed…” Mother leaned forward in her chair, close enough to place her hands over his. “That is not what upsets me.” She sniffed again. “We will get by, as we always have. What upsets me is the lack of hope I see within your eyes.”

He stared, his brow pursed as she continued.

“I can hardly comprehend everything you’ve shared,” she said with a small laugh. “So many things to understand. But none so shocking as the fact that my son has finally fallen in love.” She smiled, a tear trailing from her squinted eyes. “She must be quite a woman to have earned your admiration.”

His heart pinched. “She is the best of women,” he whispered. “She has conquered much hardship in her life, and still her smile remains. She is enthusiastic about everything. She believed me without hesitation when I told her about Father.”

Mother shook her head in awe. “No wonder you love her.”

Edward looked down at her aged hands still resting atop his. “Yes, but to no avail. Her father will not allow it, and I cannot afford it.”

“Would she be happy marrying into this life, do you think?”

“If we were not absolutely destitute, yes, I believe she would. She is not materialistic, nor is she frivolous in her behavior. But I could not bring her down so low.”

Mother winced, sorrow tugging her lips into a frown. “I’m sorry this burden has been placed upon you, to run Steele and Son. To care for me. A man your age ought not be worrying about such matters. You ought to be free to fall in love, to live carefree and happily. To marry the woman you want. Not weighed down by false rumors and a widowed mother.”

Edward took her hand at once. “You mustn’t ever think that I resent you, Mother, or that I have ever resented the opportunity I have to care for you. You are not to be blamed for any of this, so do not take it to heart.”

She nodded, though her weary brow remained. “So what is to be done of the matter?”

Edward sighed. “I will pay Mr. Chapple the rent in full tomorrow. Then I will begin work on the commissions you’ve made in my behalf and pray the money will last. Then I—”

“No, Ed,” Mother interrupted with a smile. “What is to be done about Miss Coventry?”

He stared. “Nothing is to be done.”

“I cannot believe such a thing.”

“It is true. I’ve been through every possible situation. Even if my workload increases and our situation improves, Miss Coventry will no doubt be coerced into marrying a gentleman—one of whom her father would approve.”

He wanted Miss Coventry’s happiness more than anything, but the thought of her marrying another made his chest shrivel like a dying flower. Still, what could be done if all he had to offer her was a penniless marriage?

“There is no chance Mr. Coventry will see to your plight?” Mother asked next.

He laughed mirthlessly. “No. No, he is adamant his daughters will marry gentlemen.”

Mother grimaced, then after a moment, she planted her hands on her knees and straightened her back. “Well, I am going to warm up that broth for myself. You may as well enjoy a bowl, too.”

His stomach rumbled as if on cue.

She stood, speaking as she moved to the adjoining kitchen. “While I do so, perhaps you may take my mind off my work by telling me more about this Miss Coventry.”

Edward hesitated. Speaking of the woman would surely do him more harm than good. But then…didn’t a mother have the right to know more about the woman her son had fallen for, even if there was no chance of marriage?

With a heavy heart, he joined her in the kitchen before his depressed thoughts could swallow him whole.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Marianne had refused to join her family in the dining room for days. Father had requested her presence especially, but she’d sent a message straight back that she would not join them. She could not face them after all that had occurred.

She still had not received any word from Mr. Steele, and though three days was not an eternity, it felt like one without him at Daffley Park.