His father nodded and took a shallow breath. “After I’m gone, you must promise to take care of your stepmother. I know she can be difficult, and you’ve not been close, but I want to be sure she and Clara will have everything they need.”
“Yes, of course. I’ll look after them.”
“Good.” He paused for a moment, as though gathering strength. “There is a woman in New York, Natalie Fredrick, who receives a sum of money each quarter. My solicitor, Miles Randolph, handles those payments. You must make certain they continue until she confirms they’re no longer needed.”
Nate frowned. “Who is Natalie Fredrick?”
His father looked away. “She is someone I promised to help, and that promise must be kept.”
His father’s explanation stirred more questions in Nate’s mind, but he didn’t want to press him. “Of course. I’ll make sure the funds are sent.”
“And finally, you must promise to make things right with Daniel Lounsbury’s daughters.”
Nate’s pulse jumped. “What do you mean?”
“I’m ashamed to say it, but I owed their father a great deal of money at the time of his death.”
“How much money?”
He named the amount and sent Nate a guilty glance.
Nate stared at his father, stunned by his confession.
“I know. It was wrong, but funds were tight at the time. We were constructing three new warehouses at Clifton, and Daniel Lounsbury had agreed to wait for his wages. He said his needs were met. Then the accident happened, and—”
“You withheld the money?”
“I meant to pay it back, but I put it off until it was an uncomfortable memory.”
“And now?”
“I want the matter settled. Give the money to his daughters.” He met Nate’s gaze. “You’ll see they’re paid what’s owed?”
“Yes. I’ll take care of it right away.”
Father lay back and closed his eyes. “Thank you. I can rest now.”
The weary lines around his father’s eyes and mouth softened, and his breathing seemed easier. If accepting these responsibilities would give his father a measure of peace, then he was glad to take them on.
But what would Maggie say when he told her about the money? She was barely speaking to him now. But perhaps this good news would bridge the gap and help restore their friendship.
Determination coursed through him. He would see that the debt was paid and his father’s wishes were fulfilled. It was the least he could do for his father…and for Maggie.
“Bring her in this way.” Maggie pushed open the front door of the millinery shop, causing the bell to jingle.
Joseph Neatherton, their neighbor and friend, carried Violet inside. Though he was a year older than Maggie, she often thought of him as she would a younger brother. Today he looked the part, with a lock of shaggy blond hair falling over his forehead and into his pale-blue eyes. He was definitely in need of a good haircut and a new pair of trousers.
Joseph looked back at Maggie. “Where shall I put her down?”
“In our sitting room.” She motioned toward the back of the shop.
Grandmother pulled back the curtain and hobbled out. “Oh, there she is! Thank you, Joseph. We’re so grateful for your help.”
“I’m glad to do whatever I can for you.” He glanced at Maggie rather than Grandmother as he spoke, then carried Violet across the shop and ducked when he passed through the low doorway. Maggie doubted he would’ve actually hit his head on the doorframe, but he would’ve come very close.
Joseph placed her little sister in the chair by the fireplace. “There you go, Miss Violet.”
Grandmother pushed a small footstool toward Violet, then Maggie helped Violet raise her leg. “How is that?”
“My leg hurts a little, but it’s all right.” Violet released a soft sigh and sank back into the chair.
Joseph grinned. “It looks like you’re glad to be home.”
Violet nodded. “The doctor is nice, but I didn’t like staying at the hospital.”
“It was good he let Maggie stay with you.” Joseph’s steady gaze settled on Maggie again.
She glanced away, pretending not to notice. Joseph was thoughtful and eager to please, but she didn’t want to encourage him, especially when she thought of him only as a friend.
“Well, I should be going.” Joseph straightened his shoulders. “My father is going to Newcastle upon Tyne, and I’ll be overseeing the shop today.”
Grandmother patted him on the arm. “You’re a fine young man, Joseph. Your father is proud of you, as he should be. One day you’re going to make a very fine husband for some fortunate young lady.” She lifted her silver eyebrows and sent Maggie the slightest nod.
Heat flooded Maggie’s face. Could her grandmother make her hopes any more obvious?
Joseph gave a self-conscious chuckle and rubbed his jaw. “You’re kind, Mrs. Hayes.”
Maggie snatched a pillow and placed it under Violet’s leg, keeping her focus off Joseph, hoping to give the impression she hadn’t caught her grandmother’s meaning.
Joseph brushed his hands down his wrinkled trousers. “Well, I should be going. There’s always plenty to do at the shop. This is a busy week for us.”
Maggie leaned toward Violet. “Isn’t there something you want to say to Joseph before he goes?”
Violet searched Maggie’s face, then she looked up and sent him a sweet smile. “Thank you, Joseph.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Violet.” He knelt on the other side of the chair. “Just do me a favor and stay out of the way of motorcars, all right?”
“I will. I promise.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He looked across at Maggie with a hopeful, expectant expression.
She glanced away. Why couldn’t Joseph be content as her friend rather than hinting he wanted to be her suitor?
The bell out front jingled, and relief flashed through Maggie. “I should see who that is. Excuse me.” She hurried across the room, pushed the curtain aside, and froze in the doorway.
Nate Harcourt stood by the front door, his hat in his hand, his broad shoulders filling out his coat. “Good morning, Maggie.”
She swallowed and nodded. “Good morning…” She couldn’t finish the greeting. Calling him Nate seemed too informal, but addressing him as Mr. Harcourt didn’t seem right either.
Oh, why wouldn’t her traitorous heart stop racing?
“I came to ask about Violet. How is she today?”
The kindness in his eyes was unmistakable, and the warmth of it threatened to melt away another layer of Maggie’s resentment. She looked away, then let the curtain drop behind her and took a few steps forward. “She’s home and is as well as can be expected.”
He nodded. “I’m glad to hear she doesn’t have to stay at the hospital another day. I’m sure one night was hard enough for someone so young.”
Joseph stepped out of the sitting room and crossed to stand beside Maggie. He frowned slightly and exchanged a glance with her.
“This is Mr. Nathaniel Harcourt of Morningside Manor.” She motioned toward Joseph. “And this is our neighbor, Joseph Neatherton. He helped us bring Violet home from the hospital.”
The men nodded to each other, but both maintained serious, assessing looks. Maggie could feel the tension in the air as though some sort of silent challenge passed between them.
Nate held out his hand. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
Joseph hesitated a split second, then shook Nate’s hand. “And I, you.”
Nate shifted his hat to his other hand. “So you’re Maggie’s neighbor?”
“Yes. My family owns Neatherton’s Shoes and Boots.” He nodded to the right, toward his shop.
“Ah, I see.” Nate’s gaze flicked back and forth between Maggie and Joseph.
Joseph lifted his chin. “Many people say we make the finest footwear in Northumberland.”
“Then I must pay you a visit soon. I’m in need of a new
pair of boots.”
Joseph’s gaze dropped to Nate’s feet and then rose to his face again. “You’ve been away for some time, haven’t you?”
“Yes, I’ve spent the last few years in South Africa with the Navy.”
Maggie’s stomach tensed as she thought of Nate’s involvement in the war. Joseph’s sister, Lilly, worked at Morningside Manor as a housemaid and was Maggie’s closest friend. Lilly said Nate didn’t write home often, but when he did, his father passed some news to his valet, who then shared it with the rest of the staff.
“So you’ve been fighting the Boers?” Joseph asked.
“Yes, though I spent most of my time patrolling the coast and transporting troops and prisoners of war.”
Joseph’s wary expression eased, replaced by a look of grudging admiration. He rocked back on his heels, then turned to Maggie. “I should be going, but I’ll stop back later and see if there’s anything else you need.”
“Thank you, Joseph, but you don’t have to do that.”
“It’s no trouble at all.” He smiled at Maggie, then nodded to Nate and walked out the door.
She shifted her gaze to Nate. Would he excuse himself and leave as well? Part of her wished he would, but the traitorous part wondered if she should invite him to stay.
“I’d like to talk for a few minutes, if you have time.” He glanced toward the door.
Would he explain himself and try to make amends? Hope fluttered in her stomach, but she pushed it down. “If you wish.”
“I’d prefer it be in private.”
Her heart rate picked up speed, and she glanced over her shoulder. She could hear Grandmother’s soft voice beyond the curtain, though Maggie could not make out her words.
Nate took a step closer, his expression easing into a gentle smile. “Come on a walk with me, Maggie.”
His invitation stirred fond memories, and for a moment she felt seventeen again. Oh, how she longed to say yes, but she shook her head. “Violet has just come home. I don’t think I should leave.”
“Please. It’s important.” His earnest tone sparked her curiosity.
Surely she could spend a few minutes with him. There was no danger to her heart in that. “All right. Wait here a moment.”
She crossed the room and pushed the curtain aside. “I’m going out, but I won’t be long.”
Grandmother sat across from Violet, a cup of tea in her hand. “Where are you going?”
Maggie took her shawl from the hook on the wall. “Just for a short walk…with Nathaniel Harcourt.”
Grandmother’s silver eyebrows rose. “Nathaniel is here?” She rose, set her cup aside, and walked past Maggie into the shop. “Nathaniel, it’s been too long. How are you?” She reached out her hand.
“Hello, Mrs. Hayes. It’s good to see you again.” His eyes glowed as he took her hand and sent her a broad smile.
“It’s wonderful to see you as well.” Her eyes crinkled at the corners. “You’ve made quite a name for yourself in the Navy. We read all about it in the newspaper.”
He gave his head a quick shake. “I’ve done my duty. There are many others who have done much more.”
“Well, we’re all proud of you and very glad you’ve come home safely.”
His brow creased slightly. “Thank you, ma’am.”
Why did he seem reluctant to accept her grandmother’s praise? Wanting to ease his discomfort, Maggie motioned toward the door. “Shall we go?”
Nate stepped forward and held the door open for her. She passed outside, into the cool spring morning, and Nate followed.
They set off down the street, and Maggie’s uneasiness grew as they walked on in silence for several seconds.
“So, Violet seems to be improving?” He tipped his head and looked her way.
“Yes. She’s still in pain, but the doctor says if she stays off her feet for eight weeks, her leg should heal.”
“She’ll need crutches, then.”
“Yes, Dr. Hadley is having a pair sent over later today.”
“How do you think she’ll do with those?”
“I’m sure it won’t take long for her to learn to use them. She’s strong and determined. We’ll probably be chasing her in no time at all.”
He grinned and broke into a soft chuckle.
“You find that funny?”
“She sounds very much like you.”
Maggie couldn’t hold back her smile. “We are alike in some ways, but she has her own gifts and talents.”
“Such as?”
“She’s very musical and has a lovely voice, unlike me, but very much like my mother and sister.”
His smile faded and his eyes softened. “It’s good to hear you speak of them.”
Her throat tightened, and she had to push out her words. “I don’t want to forget them.”
“Of course not.” He was quiet for a few more steps. “There’s something I must tell you.” His expression grew serious. “My father is not well. His recovery is doubtful.”
She shivered and clutched her shawl tight around her. “I heard he was ill, but I didn’t realize it was that serious.”
“I’m afraid so. Dr. Hadley told him to prepare himself and put his affairs in order.”
She didn’t know Mr. Harcourt well, but the news was still unsettling. Mr. Harcourt was a skilled engineer and industrialist and a leading partner in Clifton Engineering Works, the largest employer in the area. But he’d never impressed her as a man who was truly happy. His changeable opinion about the landscaping plans for Morningside had been a continual frustration for her father.
“What caused his illness?” she asked softly.
“His heart has grown quite weak in the last few years. That’s affecting his lungs, and his breathing is very labored.” He shook his head, lines creasing his forehead. “His appearance is so changed I hardly recognize him.”
She started to reach for his arm, wanting to comfort him as she would’ve done years ago, but that didn’t seem appropriate now. She clasped her hands instead and walked on. “I’m sorry. This must be very difficult for you and your family.”
“Seeing him so weak is hard, but his illness has caused him to reflect on his life and prompted him to take care of some matters that have been weighing on his conscience.” He glanced her way.
She wanted to ask what matters he was referring to, but she supposed that was private information his father might not want shared with anyone.
Nate walked a few more steps before he continued. “He asked me to speak to you and express his regret for withholding funds he owed your father at the time of his death.”
Her steps stalled. “He owed money to my father?”
Nate nodded. “Apparently he owed him almost a year’s wages.”
She stifled a gasp. “A year’s wages?”
He smiled. “Yes, and now that money will be yours, and you can do whatever you’d like with it. Just think, you could add on to your shop or save for the future or even take a holiday.”
Maggie stared at him, still stunned by the news. “But…why didn’t he pay it right away?”
Nate sobered. “He should have, but he said his finances were strained because of building projects at Clifton, and your father had agreed to wait for the money, saying his needs were met.”
She stiffened. “That doesn’t give him the right to withhold the money for four years.”
“No, it doesn’t, and he regrets that now. I’ll be meeting with Mr. Hornshaw, the estate manager, later today to find out the exact amount owed to you, then I’ll see that it’s paid.”
Maggie clutched her shawl and battled her surging emotions. How could one of the wealthiest men in the north of England conveniently forget to pay a huge sum of money owed to her and her sister while they often struggled to afford their basic needs?
It wasn’t right!
But if she took the money, would Mr. Harcourt believe his guilt was absolved? Shouldn’t he have to take responsibility for withholding th
ose funds for so long? Perhaps she should require him to pay interest or write a letter of apology. Even that wouldn’t make up for what he had done.
She turned to Nate. “I can’t accept your father’s money.”
His dark eyebrows dipped. “Why not? Your father earned it, and it would’ve been passed on to you.”
“Yes, but if your father thinks he can just sign a bank draft and gain a clear conscience—that I would forgive his hardness of heart and dishonesty—then he is greatly mistaken.”
Nate’s mouth firmed into a straight line. “Withholding the money was wrong. My father realizes that, and he wants to make it right.”
She bristled. “It’s very convenient for him to pay it now, when he’s ill and has no more need of it.”
Nate stared at her, his gaze reflecting disappointment. “He is dying, Maggie. He wants to settle his debts and go in peace. Please, accept the money. If not for his sake, then for mine.”
The load of hurt she had nursed for so long filled her chest with a painful ache. How could Nate say that? Didn’t he realize how unfair this was? If she took the money, even for his sake, it would be like saying it didn’t matter that she and her sister had been discarded like yesterday’s trash and then cheated out of funds owed to her father.
“I can’t.” She spun away and strode back toward the shop.
Maybe now he would finally realize how much his disappearance had wounded her, how much she’d grieved, not only her parents’ and sister’s deaths, but also for the way he had left her to face it all alone.
She walked on, straining to hear his voice calling her back and his firm steps on the street behind her. But all she heard were her own footfalls crunching on the gravel road.
Her heart sank, and doubts rose in her mind. Was she being unfair by refusing the money and holding Nate responsible for his father’s decisions?
She slowed and glanced over her shoulder, searching the street. But Nate was gone. He had probably stepped into the Red Lion or taken a side street out of town. Anywhere to get away from her and her hard-hearted refusal to be reconciled to him and his father.
And she couldn’t blame him for that.
Lilly Neatherton took a stack of clean sheets from the linen closet and set off down the hall toward Mrs. Harcourt’s bedroom. She’d have to hurry if she was going to change the bedding before the mistress returned to her room, and Mrs. Burnell, the housekeeper, would give Lilly a royal scolding if she didn’t make quick work of it.
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