| |
* * *
Lily returned to work a few days after her release from jail. She had neither seen nor spoken to Edward since her departure from his house earlier that week. She had not gone in to work before today and had rejected the letters he'd sent, sending them back without even opening them.
At night, Lily awake in bed, wondering where things between them had all gone wrong. She knew that Edward had thought he was helping, but that was perhaps part of the problem. He did not understand why what he'd done was wrong. He had money; why should he not spend it? No amount of explanation on her part would convince him that he'd erred in any way.
Lily missed the comfort of his caress but held steadfast to her beliefs. Edward was in the wrong, and she was in the right. He could not buy and sell her. She was a person, not a table lamp. The fact that he did not even seem able to make the distinction was what made everything so much worse.
Della looked up from her desk when Lily came into the room. "Hi." She smiled brightly.
"Hi," Lily returned grimly.
Della frowned. "Perhaps it's too soon for your return. You can take more time—"
"I don't want to take more time," Lily interrupted.
Della nodded and said no more. She had returned with Mr. Saunders yesterday, and she had stopped at Lily's almost immediately after unpacking her bags to find out what she had missed in her absence. Lily had filled her in on everything, but only now did she realize that she'd failed to ask Della anything about her own experience.
"How was the trip?" Lily asked now.
Della's smile returned. "Wonderful. Mr. Saunders allowed me to sit in on every meeting and even sought my advice on a couple of points."
"So, the merger has all been sorted out?"
"Yes."
Lily nodded. She was happy to hear that things had gone well for them. She looked at Della uncertainly. "Did you happen to meet Mr. Waterson's daughter?"
"Georgiana?" Della asked far too enthusiastically for Lily's taste.
"Yes."
"She was there for every meeting. She really is quite knowledgeable about her father's business. I think Mr. Saunders was impressed with her."
"What sort of woman is she?" Lily asked, hoping her voice sounded casual.
Della caught on though. "I spoke with her at length about Edward."
"You did?" Lily asked, amazed that Della would have dared to bring the subject up.
"You have nothing to worry about. She does not at all fancy him. In fact, her father's quite come around to her side, especially now that she's introduced him to the man she does fancy. He's as rich as Edward and quite popular in their circles."
Lily blinked. "It doesn't matter to me what Edward does anymore. I told you last night; we're through."
Della narrowed her eyes. "You say that now, but give it a few more days."
She shook her head. "I don't wish to talk about it."
Della opened her mouth, but Lily was saved by Mr. Saunders, who asked her to come into his office.
"What can I do for you?" she asked once the door was closed, and suddenly she tensed, afraid he was about to tell her that Edward was coming in later today.
She had made the decision that she could work with Edward professionally, yet remain distant from him emotionally. It might take some work, but she was certain it could be done. She knew she needed another day or two to steel her nerves, however. If Edward came in today, she was afraid she might crumble.
"Actually," said Mr. Saunders, "I wanted to see what I could do for you. It's your first day back in over a week; how do you feel it's going?"
"Quite well, thank you."
He paused, pursing his lips together. "If you wanted to take some more time off, my offer still stands. I'll give you half pay for any days that you miss."
"Thank you, but I need to return to work sometime." She smiled at his politeness.
"What if I offered you full pay?" he said.
Lily's smile dropped away.
"What? Why would you do that?"
He rose slowly from his seat and walked toward her. She was still standing near the door and part of her wanted to make a run for it. She could already feel her emotions boiling.
"Edward let Bridget and Patty go from their positions."
"Yes?" She already knew this.
Mr. Saunders cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. "The women here blame you."
"Me? But Bridget and Patty are the ones who lied to the sheriff."
"Yes, but I'm afraid word has gotten around about you. People say you're looking to cause trouble."
"Surely you don't believe that."
He quickly shook his head. "No, of course not. Only..." He could not meet her eyes.
"Only...?" she prompted.
"Only the women here do believe it. I'm afraid your presence here may cause a disturbance."
"Oh..." Lily said, finally understanding. "You wish me to leave."
"Only for a while. Perhaps a fortnight. It will give things time to settle down. The workers will move on to other rumors and all will be forgotten."
She drew in a deep breath.
Mr. Saunders continued, "I'll give you full pay for the time you're gone," he said as if she'd already agreed to it. "And if you need more, just let me know. I know this is an inconvenience for you, so you have only to name your price."
"Name my price?" she said through gritted teeth. "Name my price?!"
Mr. Saunders flushed. "You're upset."
"Now I see where Edward gets his morals. You're no better than he is. You think you can buy and sell people, use your money to get whatever you want even when you shouldn't have it."
"I hardly think—"
"I don't want your money. I don't need it. I've always found a way to get by, and I don't need anyone's help to do it."
"Lily, please."
She almost felt bad for him. The look on his face was pure confusion.
"I quit," she told him and stormed out of the room.
* * *
