Page 10 of Lady of Providence
Elizabeth had received many wide-eyed stares as she made her way through the church, choosing a seat near the front, where she held her head high. Appearances were important now, she reminded herself. While many of these men may question her choice to attend, it was paramount that she appear strong and capable — which she was. Her mother would have been proud, for Elizabeth showed no emotion, despite the fact her heart was breaking as she listened to the vicar reading words of the gospel over her grandfather’s body.
She had seen Terrence enter the church, late as always, and find a seat on the other side next to her father, who she had tried, as well as she could, to avoid.
Gabriel — she shouldn’t think of him as such, but she really couldn’t help it — had sat next to her during the service, but he quickly learned it was best to not offer any words or touch of support, as when he lifted a hand as though to place it over hers in a gesture of comfort, she sent him a glare that had him returning the hand to his own lap rather hastily. Afterward, he had insisted he would escort her home, but her father had approached them, his expression thunderous at Elizabeth’s appearance, and took her arm to lead her into his own carriage, dismissing Glouster and the other driver. Elizabeth had time to offer Gabriel only a quick thanks before she and her father were out of the church and heading toward home.
“What were you thinking?” he hissed as they took a seat, and Elizabeth stared back at him in equal measure.
“I realize that it is not at all done for a woman of thetonto attend a funeral, Father,” she said matter-of-factly. “But you must understand that I am now the senior partner of Clarke & Co. If I were a man, it would be unheard of for menotto attend the funeral, as Grandpapa’s successor. I mustn’t show any sign of weakness, or these men will feed upon it.”
“I don’t know what Thomas was thinking, naming you his heir,” her father muttered, crossing his arms over his chest, a frown covering his face.
“Then we are fortunate he did not ask for your opinion,” she retorted, and her father now uncrossed his arms and leaned forward in the seat toward her.
“Well, I never… Elizabeth, whatever has gotten into you? We did not raise you to be so insolent.”
She sighed but refused to apologize. “I am grieving, Father. I am also coming to terms with the responsibility that has been placed upon me and the fact that I have few who are willing to support me in it. While I know Mother doesn’t entirely approve, at the very least she is happy about it all, as she sees financial gain for herself.”
“She knows nothing of the business,” he said with a bit of a snort. Elizabeth’s parents tolerated one another, but she couldn’t say with all certainty that she had ever seen a moment of happiness between them. “You may make money — if you are lucky and clients don’t go running at the first mention of a woman taking on the role of senior partner. But that means nothing for us unless you are inclined to share. Somehow I doubt it.”
“Well, with that type of attitude toward me, your assumption sounds reasonable.”
Elizabeth trembled slightly inside, as she had never before spoken to her father in such a way, but when he only shook his head, clearly dismissing her words, she decided she had enough of this conversation. She was exhausted, from the attack in the carriage, her verbal sparring with the Duke, the requirement to hide her emotions throughout the service, and now the lack of support of any kind from her father.
“It’s late,” she said. “Perhaps we should take this up another day.”
“That we will,” he said, tapping his finger on his other arm. “That we will.”
* * *
The very next day,to be precise. While Elizabeth felt like doing nothing but lying in bed for the day, the bank would be open, and if she wasn’t present to begin to guide the ship in the direction she wanted to go — or encourage that they stay the course, as it may be — then she was well aware that it could end up lost at sea.
And so she summoned her maid to help her dress in black, left the reprieve of her beautiful violet-and-cream chamber and made her way downstairs, hoping she could breakfast alone.
She was disappointed.
“Elizabeth,” her mother said as Elizabeth sat down, pouring coffee for herself. She enjoyed tea during the day, but first thing in the morning, coffee seemed to help her to focus. Particularly when she was sitting down with her parents.
“Your father and I have been discussing this… situation. I know we have mentioned it before, but we think it would be best if you forget this nonsense of involving yourself in the bank. There are many others who are capable of managing without you, and you can simply collect the income as necessary.”
Elizabeth carefully folded her napkin in her lap before looking up and meeting her mother’s gaze.
“Thank you for your concern, Mother. I do appreciate it. However, I have thought this through, and Grandpapa clearly named me his successor for a reason. He trusted no one else, and that includes those within the bank.”
“Oh for goodness sake, Elizabeth, have some sense!” Her father suddenly burst out, as his fork clattered to the plate and he raised his hands in the air to emphasize his words. “You are a lady. One who should be focused on finding a husband. What are you going to do, live here, with us, for the rest of your life? Become a spinster? Why, you are practically there already! You have no time to be loitering around the bank, and it will certainly do nothing to further your chances of having a gentleman think anything proper of you.”
Elizabeth refused to respond to his emotion, instead taking a careful bite of her toast, chewing thoughtfully as her father spewed his thoughts from across the table and her mother eyed her narrowly.
“You are correct about one thing, Father,” Elizabeth said after she swallowed, clearly surprising Lord Moreland, which delighted her, though she would never allow him to see as such. “I cannot live here for the rest of my life. That would not work — not at all. It is fortunate, then, that Grandpapa has seen to my future for me.”
“Whatever are you talking about, Elizabeth?” her mother asked. “Do stop speaking in riddles.”
“The bank partnership allows me the ability to earn funds to provide for myself. He also gave me a house where I am free to reside.”
“You do realize your grandmother still lives there?” her mother asked.
“I do,” said Elizabeth. “And I am sure she would welcome my company. Of course I shall have to ask her. Perhaps I will call on her later today after I see to business at the bank.”
“You are going to the bank?” Her mother’s eyes nearly came out of her head.
