Though Mr. Ainsworth's reasurrances of his opinnion of me had soothed my nerves some--which were still reeling from showing up uninvited--his invitation to come into his study had my palms sweating all over again.
I had seriously doubted my decision to return but I feared not doing so would ruin everything. There I had been, with the perfect opportunity to build my reputation with this vitally important man, and I had let my emotions get the best of me. Leaving so early certainly hadn't been professional and had looked far too suspicious. I knew sooner or later I'd end up on his doorstep trying to win my place back. Afterall, with how closely he'd been watching me at dinner I was sure he was having second thoughts. If I didn't try to redeem myself now, there was a chance I never would.
Of course, it wasn't until I walked in and saw his eldest daughter that I realized my second mistake. She had undoubtedly seen my behavior towards Mr. Scott and I seemed to have interrupted a conversation between her and her father when I entered. She must've told him about it. Why else would he be inviting me into his office alone? They obviously thought well of him and wanted to know what all the fuss was about.
And then I'd have to explain it. Or rather, conjure up another lie to keep from blowing my entire cover. My stomach dropped at the thought but I continued the conversation with the banker with all the enthusiasm I could fake and followed him into his office.
"Please," he motioned to one of the extra chairs, "Have a seat."
I did so, still twisting my hat into ill shape, "Again, I must thank you for your tireless assistance in my endeavors. What is it you wanted to talk about?"
"Well, first off, I've been very impressed with your character, Mr. Samuelson."
For once I was at loss for words. I was lucky if I managed a shaky smile. Was he trying to make me feel comfortable first? Was this the calm before the storm? I thought for sure by the time I walked out of this room I'd have nothing but failure to report to Charles.
When I didn't respond, he continued, "I've been thinking about this for awhile now and I've finally come to a decision."
I wanted to cringe. Turn away and somehow shield myself from what was coming next.
"This might seem a little untoward," he said slowly, a strange sort of sparkle in his eye, "but I would consider it an honor if you would take my daughter's hand in marriage."
If shock were a physical force I'm sure my chair would've been knocked clean over. Marriage?! That was the last scenerio I would've imagined up. This had little to do with what happened at dinner and absolutely nothing to do with the Gransville Estate! Yet, his proposal triggered such an explosion of surprise and relief in my mind that my toungue ran away without it.
"Yes, of course!"
His entire face lit up and I hesitated, realizing what I just what I had done. Suddenly it felt as I had just swallowed a ball of lead--or my foot for that matter. I didn't have time for that sort of mess! There was no taking it back though. Not a promise of that sort of gravity. I wanted to sink deeper into my seat but Mr. Ainsworth was quickly up and shaking my hand, pulling me to my feet.
"Thank you, Mr. Samuelson. Nora's a deserving young woman and I'm sure she'll make a pleasing partner. I've been searching for a suitable man to care for her for some time now and you seemed the most capable. I'm glad that you agreed so readily."
"I...I'm flattered," I managed, knowing I'd have to say something eventually. However, in all honesty I wasn't certain what I was. Befuddled? Embarressed? Honored? Proud?...Guilty?
He grinned and released my hand, "I'm sure Nora will be pleased as well; my daughters absolutely adore you. I'm glad you returned tonight."
"As am I," I lied. In reality, I was beginning to doubt that concious of mine. And Nora? Which one was Nora? I knew the youngest was Nelly, thanks to the night I assisted in finding her. When it came to the other three though, I was lost. I knew I'd been introduced to two of them at the ball but I'd also been introduced to half the town that night. And I'd heard her father mention the name several times but I hardly paid attention to who he was addressing. Was Nora the eldest or was that Minerva? Perhaps she was the second. No, that one was Henrietta. The third? Who had I just promised myself to?!
I didn't dare ask Mr. Ainsworth. Not that I would've had the chance; he was too busy filling my ears with ideas of some sort of celebration and all the amiable qualities of this Nora. I nodded and smiled, trying to put my rushing thoughts on hold until my departure. Just from the small amount of time I'd spent working with this man, I knew Mr. Ainsworth was a man of business. Once he found a foothold in any sort of benefitting venture, there was no standing in his way.
Eventually, though, I was ushered out of the study, through the parlor, and to the door with a string of apologies for keeping me late. I assured the banker that it was I who had returned in the first place and there was nothing he need concern himself with.
"What about the weather you mentioned? Would you rather stay and depart in the morning?"
"Oh no," I blurted; there was only a light drizzle but not even a full downpour could've kept me there any longer, "I...have some business at the hotel that needs taking care of. Many thanks though."
With a friendly shrug, he said his goodbyes and I stepped out onto the porch. The door shut behind me and I finally dropped the composure, slumping my shoulders and running a hand through my hair. I blew out a great burst of breath and loosened my cravat. It had been quite the evening; between Nathaniel Scott and Nora Ainsworth, sleep would be the last thing to occupy my thoughts tonight.
A mirthless chuckled escaped my lips; at least my Charolette Evans problems were solved.
I had seriously doubted my decision to return but I feared not doing so would ruin everything. There I had been, with the perfect opportunity to build my reputation with this vitally important man, and I had let my emotions get the best of me. Leaving so early certainly hadn't been professional and had looked far too suspicious. I knew sooner or later I'd end up on his doorstep trying to win my place back. Afterall, with how closely he'd been watching me at dinner I was sure he was having second thoughts. If I didn't try to redeem myself now, there was a chance I never would.
Of course, it wasn't until I walked in and saw his eldest daughter that I realized my second mistake. She had undoubtedly seen my behavior towards Mr. Scott and I seemed to have interrupted a conversation between her and her father when I entered. She must've told him about it. Why else would he be inviting me into his office alone? They obviously thought well of him and wanted to know what all the fuss was about.
And then I'd have to explain it. Or rather, conjure up another lie to keep from blowing my entire cover. My stomach dropped at the thought but I continued the conversation with the banker with all the enthusiasm I could fake and followed him into his office.
"Please," he motioned to one of the extra chairs, "Have a seat."
I did so, still twisting my hat into ill shape, "Again, I must thank you for your tireless assistance in my endeavors. What is it you wanted to talk about?"
"Well, first off, I've been very impressed with your character, Mr. Samuelson."
For once I was at loss for words. I was lucky if I managed a shaky smile. Was he trying to make me feel comfortable first? Was this the calm before the storm? I thought for sure by the time I walked out of this room I'd have nothing but failure to report to Charles.
When I didn't respond, he continued, "I've been thinking about this for awhile now and I've finally come to a decision."
I wanted to cringe. Turn away and somehow shield myself from what was coming next.
"This might seem a little untoward," he said slowly, a strange sort of sparkle in his eye, "but I would consider it an honor if you would take my daughter's hand in marriage."
If shock were a physical force I'm sure my chair would've been knocked clean over. Marriage?! That was the last scenerio I would've imagined up. This had little to do with what happened at dinner and absolutely nothing to do with the Gransville Estate! Yet, his proposal triggered such an explosion of surprise and relief in my mind that my toungue ran away without it.
"Yes, of course!"
His entire face lit up and I hesitated, realizing what I just what I had done. Suddenly it felt as I had just swallowed a ball of lead--or my foot for that matter. I didn't have time for that sort of mess! There was no taking it back though. Not a promise of that sort of gravity. I wanted to sink deeper into my seat but Mr. Ainsworth was quickly up and shaking my hand, pulling me to my feet.
"Thank you, Mr. Samuelson. Nora's a deserving young woman and I'm sure she'll make a pleasing partner. I've been searching for a suitable man to care for her for some time now and you seemed the most capable. I'm glad that you agreed so readily."
"I...I'm flattered," I managed, knowing I'd have to say something eventually. However, in all honesty I wasn't certain what I was. Befuddled? Embarressed? Honored? Proud?...Guilty?
He grinned and released my hand, "I'm sure Nora will be pleased as well; my daughters absolutely adore you. I'm glad you returned tonight."
"As am I," I lied. In reality, I was beginning to doubt that concious of mine. And Nora? Which one was Nora? I knew the youngest was Nelly, thanks to the night I assisted in finding her. When it came to the other three though, I was lost. I knew I'd been introduced to two of them at the ball but I'd also been introduced to half the town that night. And I'd heard her father mention the name several times but I hardly paid attention to who he was addressing. Was Nora the eldest or was that Minerva? Perhaps she was the second. No, that one was Henrietta. The third? Who had I just promised myself to?!
I didn't dare ask Mr. Ainsworth. Not that I would've had the chance; he was too busy filling my ears with ideas of some sort of celebration and all the amiable qualities of this Nora. I nodded and smiled, trying to put my rushing thoughts on hold until my departure. Just from the small amount of time I'd spent working with this man, I knew Mr. Ainsworth was a man of business. Once he found a foothold in any sort of benefitting venture, there was no standing in his way.
Eventually, though, I was ushered out of the study, through the parlor, and to the door with a string of apologies for keeping me late. I assured the banker that it was I who had returned in the first place and there was nothing he need concern himself with.
"What about the weather you mentioned? Would you rather stay and depart in the morning?"
"Oh no," I blurted; there was only a light drizzle but not even a full downpour could've kept me there any longer, "I...have some business at the hotel that needs taking care of. Many thanks though."
With a friendly shrug, he said his goodbyes and I stepped out onto the porch. The door shut behind me and I finally dropped the composure, slumping my shoulders and running a hand through my hair. I blew out a great burst of breath and loosened my cravat. It had been quite the evening; between Nathaniel Scott and Nora Ainsworth, sleep would be the last thing to occupy my thoughts tonight.
A mirthless chuckled escaped my lips; at least my Charolette Evans problems were solved.
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