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Mr. Coventry continued. “I was made aware of the fact that if I brought your name down further than it already is, the Coventry name would follow suit. As it is, I would prefer not to add more rumors about my family, as my eldest has given me more than enough to deal with.” He grimaced. “At any rate, for those reasons and others, I will keep silent about your behavior—so long as I have your word that you will behave in a manner more akin to a gentleman than a cad.”

Edward swallowed his pride as best he could. Speaking with this man was like speaking with Lord Ryecombe. How they managed such a level of condescension was beyond him.

Still, he could not provoke him further by denying his offer. Mr. Coventry would keep quiet about the rumors. That meant Edward might have some chance at keeping Steele and Son afloat.

And Edward had behaved like a cad.

“You have my word, sir. And thank you. I am indebted to you.”

Mr. Coventry studied him for a moment. “Contrary to your belief, I do not wish to bring others down. And as you have also accused me of being ashamed of my past, I will readily deny that as well. My actions, like yours, are dictated by Society’s standards. And I must rise to meet them—or fall.” He focused his gaze. “I would advise you to do the same, Mr. Steele.”

Edward’s chest emptied of all anger, humility rushing to fill the void left behind. He could not agree with the way the man controlled his daughters, but Mr. Coventry—like Edward—was doing the best he could with what life had dealt him. Though, their struggles were miles apart.

“I admire your ability to rise above your circumstances, sir,” he spoke gingerly. “But striving to overcome the whispers of unworthiness is different than rising above false, damning rumors.”

Mr. Coventry watched him, and Edward could have sworn a flicker of compassion flashed through his eyes. “I am inclined to agree with you, Mr. Steele. Which is why I am willing to help you.”

Help him? The man was offering to help him?

Mr. Coventry eyed the ceiling and shelves. “I will hire you back to finish the carving here—under strict supervision by a member of my household, of course—and if you perform your work admirably, I will offer you my insight and advice on how to raise Steele and Son from the ashes you are working with now.”

Edward stared, dumbfounded. He could not deny the appeal of having the clearly business-minded Mr. Coventry help him rise above his destitution. But had the man not just criticized him and demeaned his worth, said he was unworthy of marrying his daughter? No father would bring an offending man back into his home, and there was no possible way Edward wouldn’t see Miss Coventry at one point or another.

His hands fisted together at the thought of her. He wished to see her so badly his heart ached. But he would not allow himself to believe the man was in earnest. Mr. Coventry must have some ulterior motive. The only problem was, Edward could think of nothing that made sense. Was he simply playing a trick on Edward? Or was this an act of pity?

“I appreciate the gesture, sir, but I cannot accept charity.”

Mr. Coventry scoffed, dropping his hand from the mahogany. “Charity? That is the last thing I would offer you, Mr. Steele. You will work to earn my help.”

That was fair enough, he supposed. Still, something niggled at his conscience. “If it is not charity, then what other reason have you for offering your help?”

With a pointed look, Mr. Coventry responded. “I will not have my name associated with a failing woodworker. Just because my daughter made a poor choice in deciding to marry you, that does not mean I wish her to suffer for it.”

The words struck Edward dumb. Had Mr. Coventry just said…? No, surely, he could not have. “Sir?”

Mr. Coventry continued with an annoyed expression. “Against my better judgment, I will agree to your union with my daughter.”

Edward’s mouth dropped open. This could not be true. It was too wonderful to be true, too perfect. Too…unbelievable.

“I-I do not understand, Mr. Coventry,” he stammered.

“What is there to not understand? You wish for my daughter’s hand in marriage, do you not?”

“More than anything.”

“Then you may have it.”

Edward stared, still reeling. Before he could stop it, light poured into the darkness that had encompassed Edward’s heart for days, filling his soul with an airiness he had not known possible.“But…why?”

“Are you questioning your own worth, Mr. Steele?”

“No, of course not. I will treat your daughter better than anyone on this earth. But I do not understand what has occurred to make you change your mind. I know you cannot approve of the union.”

“No, indeed I do not. But I wish for my daughter’s happiness. And she believes you can give that to her.”

Something about the way he spoke made Edward hesitate—his shifting gaze, how anxious he was to move past the conversation. Had his daughters truly just appealed to their father’s conscience—or had something more been offered? Edward was sure there was more to it than Mr. Coventry let on, but then, what did it matter if he could be with Miss Coventry?

“So what say you, Mr. Steele? Will you accept these terms to obtain my daughter’s hand?”