Crown of Beauty by Cecily K Wolfe

Author:Cecily K Wolfe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, gilded age, religious, inspirational, historical, victorian, series, christian, rhode island, newport
Publisher: Cecily K Wolfe

Chapter Fifteen

Will couldn’t help smiling as he stared at the sketches Mr. Van Alden had rolled out in front of him. The huge desk that served as a drafting table for his new patron was worn and faded, well-used over the years that Van Alden had polished his skills as an architect. He was so well-known and respected that Will had difficulty believing that this opportunity had opened up for him, one that came about through Arthur’s connections and hard work on Will’s behalf.

“Prayers, faith, hard work . . . the best foundation for any endeavor,” Arthur had explained, shaking his head as he dodged Will’s thanks. It had been several weeks since Will had found himself at Arthur’s feet, literally and figuratively, and every day he was amazed at Arthur’s tireless work for him and every other stranger who darkened the door of First Steps.

“Van Alden was devastated by the death of his only son when the boy was very young, and I think this is good for him as well as you. The two of you had a connection the first time you met, and it’s been clear that he is impressed with the sharpness of your mind and skills when it comes to design.”

The two of them were walking without any other purpose than to talk, as the afternoon had left the shelter busy with current clients who were in the good care of other volunteers, and Arthur had suggested stepping out for some privacy. Will had glanced quickly and hopefully without Arthur’s knowledge into the kitchen, where Catherine was showing a girl only a few years younger than herself how to roll out cookie dough. When her blue eyes met his, he had nearly stumbled, and Arthur’s voice snapped his attention back to Catherine’s brother, where it should have been. He was a liar, Will thought, and held off the urge to shake his head over how he had fooled these kind people. A liar and a cheat. There was probably another young man more worthy of Arthur and Mr. Van Alden’s time and concern, another young man who didn’t have a family business to wrestle out from ruin, from responsibilities to an uncle who had only been good to him his whole life and was now left with the entire mess to manage.

“Once you’re living with the Van Aldens, the rest will be up to you. I want you to know that I’ll be here if you need advice, or just to talk. I know you still have a lot to work out, especially when it comes to your memories, but there’s something I like about you.”

Arthur stopped and turned to look directly at Will, his hands in his pockets.

“Looking at my sister is not that something.”

His gaze didn’t falter, and Will opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He had no idea how to respond to Arthur, but he felt incredibly stupid that he had imagined his glances over the past few weeks had gone unnoticed by Arthur or his sister.

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