Tom by Leenie Brown

Author:Leenie Brown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-989410-08-0
Publisher: Leenie B Books

Chapter 10

“Do you feel more at ease, having met Mr. Durward?” Tom asked as he handed Faith into the carriage an agonizing half hour later.

How she had managed to not wither away from the mortification of his realizing she had been his nurse when ill must have been an act of Providence. Whether it was a miraculous act or an act of extreme cruelty designed to punish her for her actions, she was uncertain. She knew she pushed the bounds of propriety at times, but she had always done so with what she considered noble reasons.

“He would not lead you astray,” she managed to say in a tone of voice that did not give any hint at the quivering she felt within.

“Then you approve of the venture?”

She nodded. “It is your money.”

“That is not what I asked.” Tom stopped half in and half out of the vehicle. “I will not invest a farthing without your approval.” He continued entering the carriage.

“Why?” Tears threatened, and she blinked rapidly against them. “Why does my approval mean so much?”

Her emotions were little more than frayed bits of rope at present. She should smile, nod, and grant him her blessing whether she understood why he sought it or not. She should remain calm and rational, but all of those things which she should do were not within her power to do.

She turned to her maid. “Would you please ask to ride with the driver? You can wear my coat if yours is not warm enough, but I must speak with Mr. Bertram about his investments.”

“Of course, miss.”

Faith held a hand up to forestall anything that Mr. Bertram might say while they waited for the maid to exit the carriage.

“Do you need my pelisse?” Faith asked before the door closed.

“There is a blanket, miss,” the footman at the door replied. “I will see that she has that.”

“Thank you.” Faith did not shift her eyes from the door for half a minute after it closed. Then, straightening her spine, she prepared herself to have what would likely be a frank and very discomfiting discussion with Mr. Bertram.

“May I speak now?” He was looking at her curiously. He no doubt was questioning her sanity.

Faith nodded.

“I do not know why your approval means so much, but it does.”

“That is not an answer.” She could feel her emotions welling up in an unmanageable mound.

“It most certainly is,” Tom assured her.

“But it does not help me at all. What if I am wrong? What if everything I have suggested to you causes you to lose your funds? I am not infallible.” She rubbed her hands back and forth on her knees until he stopped her from doing so by covering her hands with his.

“No, you are not infallible, but you are compassionate. A compassionate person would not lead me astray. Durward would not, and neither would you.”

“But what if I do?”

“Do you mean to?”

Faith shook her head.

“Am I not capable of making my own choices?”

“Of course, you are, but I do not understand how that follows.

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