Page 53 of Lady of Providence
"I didn't know that," Elizabeth said. "When I met her those years ago, she seemed so... reserved."
"She is, typically," he said, his voice warmer now than Elizabeth thought she had ever heard it. "When she has something important to say to someone she loves, however, she is not afraid to express her opinion. Similar to another woman I know."
"Are you referring to me?"
"I am. You know how to make a statement without resorting to emotion that will color others’ responses toward it. I admire that about you."
"My mother always told me that emotion was a weakness."
"It can be. It can also be a strength."
"That is rather perplexing."
"Decisions and actions based on intellect alone may seem like the right choice, but in the end, they can lead to heartache — for you, or for others. Sometimes emotion is necessary when dealing with other people, for it is the only way you will know if you are making the right choice."
"Just when did you become so wise?"
"It's taken a few years," he said with a low chuckle. "It's also included a good deal of life experience, and learning lessons the hard way."
"That, I can understand," she said, sitting up now on his lap, knowing she had to begin to take action to do what was best for herself, and for this bank. "Thank you, Gabriel. And I am sorry, for my words against you earlier."
"It's not as though I am completely blameless," he said as she stood and he followed suit, his hands behind his back. He remained motionless, saying nothing for a moment, and despite the closeness they had just experienced together, there was underlying tension in the air, and she knew the cause of it. He still needed his answer. He was waiting, somewhat patiently, but he would want to know sooner rather than later. She needed just a little more time.
"Can we speak further tomorrow?" she asked, looking up at him with some pleading in her eyes, and he nodded at her, clearly fully aware of what she spoke.
"Of course," he said. "I look forward to it."
"Thank you, Gabriel," she said, her voice nearly breaking, though she managed to retain a hold of it. "Thank you very much."
CHAPTER25
Gabriel left the bank with a slight bit of weight lifted from his shoulders. Elizabeth would come around — he was sure of it. In the moments when she had allowed him in, he could see how much it helped her to have someone there with her — someone to talk to, with whom she could share her burdens. On the surface, she was calm, reserved — some would say cold. But he knew better. Gabriel knew the fire that was inside of her, which she needed to learn how to release. It bothered him that she thought she could ever bore him, for that was far from what could ever be true. He just didn’t know how to make her see that.
As Gabriel walked toward his waiting carriage, he saw Henry Clarke standing with another of the partners, sharing a laugh. Oh, what Gabriel wouldn't give to tell the little fool exactly what he thought. But there were far better ways to deal with someone such as Henry.
"Clarke!" he called out, passing by the man, who seemed somewhat pleased to see Gabriel. "Good day.”
"And to you, Your Grace," Clarke said with a satisfied smile, pleased that Gabriel was acknowledging him amongst peers.
"Say," Gabriel said slowly, knowing Clarke's preference for certain establishments within London, "I don't suppose you have been to The Red Dragon lately?"
"Ah," Clarke said, his cheeks turning slightly red as he stepped away from the other man and closer to Gabriel. "Why do you ask?"
"Only because I had heard a rumor about the place that I was hoping to dispel — or to warn you about."
"Oh?" Clarke's eyes darted back and forth rapidly at Gabriel's words.
“It’s been said there is a disease spreading from within, so I wanted to caution all of my friends to avoid the place — for the time being, anyway. If you do go, stay away from the blonde." He lowered his voice conspiratorially and leaned in toward Clarke as though he were sharing a secret. "I've heard she was with a man who was the initial source. They say once the itch begins, it’s impossible to be rid of."
He straightened now, smiling at Clarke, who was standing still with a bead of sweat beginning to drip down his forehead. Gabriel placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know it's not something of which we gentlemen normally speak, but I thought you frequented the establishment and did wish to warn you. Well, good day to you Clarke. I hope to see you again soon!"
Gabriel permitted the smile to cross his face once he turned, and he chuckled to himself all the way to his carriage.
* * *
For once,Elizabeth left the bank early, and when she returned home, instead of ensconcing herself in the study, she decided a bit of fresh air might be helpful to clear her mind. The house had a small garden in the back, well enough away from the mews. It wasn't overly large, but her grandmother had always ensured it was kept in beautiful condition, and especially with the green leaves budding on the trees and the flowers beginning to bloom, Elizabeth had always found it a particularly peaceful place.
She let herself out the garden doors, settling herself on the small bench, breathing in the scent of her grandmother’s roses around her, appreciating the beauty of the red petals. Gabriel was right about one thing — she had allowed the responsibility of the bank to rest far too heavily on her shoulders. She was taking on this position because she enjoyed it, not because she wanted further burden within her life.
