A Little Bit Sinful(2)
He always brought her daisies, which had never been her favorites, but she knew that they meant love. Though there were some who would argue they meant innocence, but what did they know? It had also been a full two months since he danced more than one dance a night with any girl other than her. But in Clarissa’s mind, the walk was proof enough.
This had become a ritual for them. Every Wednesday afternoon they met and walked in the park, side-by-side, together, with her Aunt Maureen walking behind them several paces. Some days her friend Ella and her brother, Victor, would walk with them, but today, they were alone.
“The weather has been quite unpleasant lately,” George said.
“Indeed. All the dampness, it’s so dreary, not at all the manner of weather one would prefer for the Season.” They had so much in common, agreed upon so many things. They would make a perfect pair. Some day when they were finally able to marry. At the moment, George was waiting. His father was stern and not an all-together pleasant man, and he was stingy with George’s rightful inheritance. So George was reluctant to marry until he had complete control of the funds and the household. No one could blame him for such a thing. A man wanted to be in control of his own household.
“George, how is the future looking? Are you hopeful?” She wanted to come right out and ask him when are you going to propose, when do I get to finally be your wife? Even if they couldn’t marry until his father had passed on, they could be engaged, so that the world knew she belonged to George Wilbanks, and that someday she’d be Lady Wilbanks. Despite all of that, she needed to be patient and give him time. Certainly it was only a matter of time. He had so much to manage with his father.
“The future looks good. Though you know my father is still as healthy as they come,” he said with a chuckle. “Perhaps some would think I’m a black heart for speaking of my father in such a way. Who else is waiting for their own parent to die simply so they can begin living their life as they see fit? I do hope you don’t think ill of me.”
“No, of course not,” she said, giving him a warm smile. “I know the truth. You’ve been a very patient son. Anyone would agree.”
He gave her a wink. “You are such a gem, Clarissa, a true friend. I enjoy our talks.
“And if I would like to be more than a friend?”
He took her hand and placed a whisper of a kiss against her glove. “Patience, my sweet. You must know that I am not in a good place right now. With my inheritance, the title, my father.”
“George, none of that matters as long as we can be together.” She felt certain she would help him weather anything. And his inheritance didn’t matter to her.
He stopped walking and led her over to a bench near a sculpture. He paused while a group of ladies walked arm-in-arm passed them. One of the women looked back over her shoulder and gave George a secretive smile. It was on Clarissa’s mind to ask him about it, but he appeared to have not even noticed the woman.
“I must be honest with you.” He looked around to ensure they were out of earshot from anyone else. “I owe a lot of money to a particular establishment, and I am trying to take care of the situation without alerting my father. Nothing can be done about my future,” he said delicately, “until that matter is resolved.”
She looked up at him and grabbed his hands, then came to her senses and abruptly dropped them. “George, I had no idea you were in such trouble. I have money.” She placed her hand against her chest. “I’ve been saving for years. All you need do is simply tell me how much you owe and I shall loan the sum to you.” Not only did she have her own money, but since taking over the family finances, she had made some very profitable investments. She had, as it turned out, quite the knack for it. Of course she couldn’t tell George that.
He smiled wistfully. “I would never ask you to do such a thing.”
“It is no bother. Honestly, I am not doing anything with the money. It was put away for such an occasion.” If this was the only thing standing between her and George finally marrying, then she was ready, eager even, to hand over the entire amount she’d saved, plus some. She could probably offer him some advice on sound investments too, but she didn’t want him to think poorly of her for handling the family’s monies whilst her brother was gone.
He held a hand up and shook his head. “No. I refuse to take money from you.”
She was quiet a moment, considering the situation. Evidently money was keeping them apart, yet George was obviously too proud to allow her to help. Men were peculiar about such matters. She considered for a moment telling him her secret that she was quite schooled in financial matters, but once he knew that about her, their courtship would most certainly end. Being so unconventional was certainly nothing to celebrate. “At the very least, will you tell me to whom you owe money?”