Page 11 of Lady of Providence
“Yes. It is open today, is it not?” Elizabeth asked matter-of-factly.
“But… your grandfather died not long ago. You are in mourning. Elizabeth—”
“If Terrence had been named senior partner, would you suggest that he go into the bank today, or remain at home to mourn?”
Elizabeth’s query was met with silence.
“This is important, Mother,” she said. “Now, I must be off. I hope the two of you have a wonderful day.”
As she rose and left the table, feeling the stares at her back, Elizabeth allowed herself the smallest smile of victory.
* * *
Elizabeth pausedfor a moment at the front door of the bank, resting her hand on the warm red brick that arched around the entryway. She closed her eyes, knowing it was silly, but found some comfort in the fact that while her grandfather may be gone, this building was a standing reminder of all that he had built, all that he had worked so hard for. And it was up to her to ensure that his legacy remained.
“Good morning, Lady Elizabeth,” Anderson, the wizened doorman said as he opened the door for her. He was practically part of the building itself, he had been here so long, and was expected by all who entered.
“Good morning, Anderson,” she returned, fixing a smile on her face. It was people like him who made this bank a success. He may not have anything to do with the partners nor the accounts, but he made people feel as though this was home for them and their hard-earned savings.
As Elizabeth walked through the front lobby and up the stairs to her grandfather’s office — her office now — she felt the eyes turn toward her in interest and in question, but she turned her head to greet each person with a smile, a nod, and a greeting with a name if she knew it. All were men, which she knew she would have to become used to in this business.
Most actually seemed somewhat pleased to see her. Though she supposed with her grandfather at the helm, he had chosen quality people to work with — and she herself had been among the employees long enough to come to know them well, and for them to know her in turn.
The thought buoyed her spirits as she walked down the long green carpet of the third-floor corridor to the office at the end. Iftheybelieved in her and her capability, then why could she not do this?
Her optimism deflated, however, when she walked into the office and found that it was not empty. No, Henry sat in one of the leather chairs of the small seating area, flipping the pages of what looked to be a ledger on the small table in front of him.
“What do you think you are doing?” she asked, allowing the door to shut behind her as she walked through the office, fighting back the tears that threatened at the familiar scents which so reminded her of her grandfather.
“Ah, cousin, how lovely to see you,” Henry said, lifting his head from the book and smiling up at her, though of course, his smile was insincere, his thin lips forcibly stretched. His black hair was slicked back as always, and reminding her of a rat. One that was currently slinking around her office, and she had to deal with as quickly as possible.
“Next time you would like to see me, Henry, I would ask that you please make an appointment. I will be reviewing my schedule today, so by tomorrow I should know when I have time to see you.”
He narrowed his eyes at her words but stood, clasping his hands behind his back as he began leisurely walking toward her, stopping when he reached the desk as Elizabeth seated herself on the other side. The tabletop was full of papers of all sorts that had been left here over the past couple of weeks, and Elizabeth was eager to begin to review what was now her work. She just needed Henry to leave.
“Elizabeth,” he said with what she assumed was supposed to be a winning smile on his face, but she simply looked up at him in wait.
“Yes?”
“You and I both know that this will not work out well. Grandfather was generous in giving this all to you, but perhaps you could keep the house and the funds bestowed upon you, while I’d best look after the business?”
“Why would you suggest that to be in anyone’s best interest? Grandpapa was always of sound mind and judgment. He built this business beyond what anyone could have imagined, and I believe he decided as he did for a reason.”
Henry shifted from his heels to his toes, rocking back and forth.
“Yes, but those were in his younger years. It is almost as though he allowed emotion to get the best of him. Come, Elizabeth, I know you hold great sentiment toward him, but is this what you really want? To spend your days in an old bank, reviewing ledgers when you could be out having picnics and parties and calling upon your friends? Besides, as I’m sure your mother would have pointed out by now, do you not want to find a husband? That will be difficult while you are working at a bank all day.”
“Thank you for your concern, Henry, but I think we are just fine as it is,” she said with a tight smile. “Now, I do apologize but you must excuse me. I have a great deal of paperwork to get through.”
“Elizabeth,” he said now in a more threatening tone as he placed his hands upon the desk, and Elizabeth looked from the backs of his hands to his face with a pointed stare. “The partners will never agree to this. To be led by a woman. Enjoy your time here, but just you wait until the next meeting when I’m sure they will all have something to say about this.”
“I’m sure they will,” she said, forcing a polite smile upon her face. “And I am positive it will be words of welcome. Now, Henry, it is time for you to leave.”
She stood, rounded the desk, and walked to the door, holding it open for him. He glared at her but picked up his hat and briefcase and stalked toward her. He purposefully allowed his shoulder to hit hers as he passed, but Elizabeth refused to even flinch. Just when he was beyond the door, he turned back to look at her.
“This isn’t over,” he hissed. “And you are going to regret forcing me out like this.”
“Oh, that reminds me,” she said as though he were a friend who had just left a quick meeting over tea, “please never again enter this office uninvited and read confidential information, or I will have to ask our employees to prevent you from entering this building ever again. Farewell, cousin, have a lovely day!”
