Where Dreams Begin(17)

Holly groaned and covered her face with her hands, knowing that she was not going to renege on her promise to Zachary Bronson. Because all her reasoning boiled down to one thing—she wanted to work for him.

Although everyone in the Taylor household, including the servants, was clearly eager to know what had transpired during the tea with Zachary Bronson, Holly said very little. In reply to the multitude of questions, she said that Bronson had been a gentleman, that his house was remarkably grand and that the conversation was perfectly pleasant. Rather than make a general announcement that she would be leaving soon, Holly decided that it would be easiest to break the news to George's brothers and let them tell the rest of the family. After supper, she asked to meet William and Thomas in the library, and they agreed, both of them surprised by the unusual request.

Port was brought for the brothers and a cup of tea for Holly, and she sat in a heavy leather chair by the fire. Thomas occupied the chair next to her, while William stood and leaned an elbow on the white marble mantel. “Well, Holly,” William said in a quiet, friendly way, “out with it. What in God's name did Bronson want with you? I think we've been kept in suspense long enough.”

Faced with the two men who looked so achingly similar to her husband, their blue eyes containing identical expressions of curiosity, Holly felt the teacup tremble in the saucer she held. She was unexpectedly glad that she would no longer live here. Perhaps it would be better, easier, not to be surrounded by so many constant reminders of George. Forgive me, my darling, she thought, wondering if George was watching over her right now.

Slowly, taking care not to sound uncertain, Holly explained that Bronson wished to employ her as a social guide and instructor for his family, for the period of a year.

For a moment the Taylor brothers stared at her in surprise, and then Thomas burst out laughing. “I'll just bet he wants to hire you,” Thomas gasped between spurts of laughter. “To think he could employ one of us—George's wife, no less! I hope you told the arrogant ape that you have far better things to do than teach him manners. Wait until I tell the fellows about this—”

“How much did he offer?” William asked, not sharing Thomas's amusement. As the elder and more perceptive of the brothers, he had seen something in Holly's face that gave him cause for concern.

“A fortune,” Holly said softly.

“Five thousand? Ten?” William pressed, setting his glass of port on the mantel and turning to face her fully.

Holly shook her head, refusing to name the sum.

“More than ten?” William asked in disbelief. “You told him you couldn't be purchased, of course.”

“I told him…” Holly paused to swallow a burning mouthful of tea, then set the cup and saucer on a nearby table. She folded her hands in her lap and spoke without looking at either of George's brothers. “I've lived here for three years, and you both know of my concern about being a burden on the family—”

“You're not a burden,” William interrupted swiftly. “We've told you that a thousand times.”

“Yes, and I appreciate your kindness and generosity more than I could ever say. However…”

As she paused in a silent search for words, both brothers wore identical expressions of disbelief as they realized what she was trying to convey. “No,” William said softly. “Don't tell me you're considering his offer.”

Holly cleared her throat nervously. “I accepted his offer, actually.”

“My God,” William exclaimed. “Didn't you hear a word Lord Avery said about him last night? He's a wolf, Holly. And you're as helpless as a lamb. He preys upon people far more knowledgeable and worldly than you. If you don't think of yourself, at least think of your daughter—have you no motherly instinct to protect her?”

“I am thinking about Rose,” Holly said fiercely. “She's all I have left of George—she's all I think about.”

“She's all that we have left of George, too. It would be cruel, a sin, to take her away from the only family she's known.”

“You have your own wives and children to protect and look after. I have no husband. I have no means of providing for myself. And I don't want to be dependent on you forever.”

William looked as though she had struck him. “Has it been so terrible, living here? I didn't realize our company was so unpleasant for you.”

“Of course it hasn't. I didn't mean…” Holly sighed in frustration. “I will always be grateful for the way you've sheltered me since…but I must think of the future.” She glanced at Thomas, who remained in the chair beside her. Although she hoped for an ally, Thomas was obviously in agreement with his older brother.

“I cannot conceive that this is happening,” Thomas said, his tone containing not anger, but anguish. “Holly, tell me how to stop this. Tell me what it is about Bronson's offer that made you accept. I know it isn't the money. You're not the kind to be swayed by that. Is it the family? Has someone said or done something to offend you? To make you feel as though you're not welcome?”

“No,” Holly said instantly, feeling horribly guilty. “Dear Thomas, I don't believe I could have survived George's death without your help. It's just that lately I—”