Enid pushed back her chair and rose. “And I believe I told you my thoughts on the matter.”
Her father pursed his lips. “Yes, you did, quite passionately, if I might add,” he remarked. “I would be remiss if I did not tell you that a woman should not be led by emotion alone.”
“Lord Rushcliffe is my friend,” Enid said.
“I daresay that he is more than that to you.”
Enid went to protest but her father put his hand up, stilling her words. “Go, but inform Lord Rushcliffe that we shall turn him away the next time he arrives during our supper.”
With a grateful glance at her mother, Enid walked swiftly out of the dining room and into the entry hall. She smoothed back her chignon, hoping she looked halfway presentable for Greydon.
She stepped into the drawing room and saw Greydon near the window, looking out. He was dressed in a rich green jacket, tan trousers and his top hat was in his hands. A maid sat in the corner, engrossed in her needlework.
“Good evening,” she greeted.
Greydon turned towards her and smiled. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”
“It was no bother.”
“I do apologize for interrupting your dinner, but I wanted to speak to you about what I discovered.”
Enid took a step closer to him. “What did you learn?”
“Lady Rushcliffe had means and motive for killing Phineas,” he replied. “She wanted to continue her liaison with Lord William, but he was unwilling to do so if Phineas moved forward with the divorce.”
“You think Lady Rushcliffe killed her husband to stop him from doing so?”
“It is entirely probable.”
Enid furrowed her brow. “That seems rather vengeful.”
“I have known people that have killed for less,” Greydon said. “There is a darkness to people that I do not discount, but I do not need to preach to you about what great lengths people will go to get what they want.”
Enid knew Greydon spoke true. The world could be a cruel place, especially to people that did not have an income to support themselves. “I have seen some awful things, but I must have hope, for my daughter’s sake.”
Greydon took a step closer to her, but still maintained a proper distance. “What about for your sake?”
“Marigold is all that matters.”
“So you give up on your future?”
“I do not see it that way.”
Greydon’s eyes held compassion. “You are a good mother- there is no denying that- but you have a right to be happy, as well.”
“I am happy.”
“Are you?” he asked. “Because your eyes tell a different story.”
Enid lowered her gaze, afraid of what Greydon could see in them. “As long as Marigold is happy, then I am happy.”
“Happiness should not be conditional, my dear,” Greydon said. “I have learned that the hard way. For too long, I thought happiness would come with every arrest I made and every wrong I made right. But I was wrong. Happiness is a choice, and it is one that you must make every day.”
“That is easier said than done.”
“I know.” Greydon grew silent. “I had a good friend that I failed, and he died as a result of my pigheadedness.”
Bringing her gaze back up, she saw the pain that was lurking in Greydon’s eyes, but she knew there must be more to the story. He was a good man, and she didn’t think he was capable of failing anyone. “May I ask what happened?” she asked.
