There was affront in Archie’s tone, too, and it was overt.
“But I am a better person than he.” Effie didn’t want to be boastful, so he added, “The bar, of course, being quite low.”
He’d been attempting a jest—more glibness—but no one laughed.
Olive said, “I hear you saying that a deathbed visit would not provideyouany comfort, or sense of reconciliation. Which means you would be attending the death in order to bringyour fathercomfort, or the sense of a satisfactory ending, or at least to offer him the opportunity for such.”
“It is also possible,” Kenver said, “that the summons isn’t about any of this. He could merely want you out of England to smooth the way for what he assumes will be my claim at the Committee for Privilege. In that sense, I agree with Miss Morgan: You ought to go only if so doing will serveyouin some way.”
“I think,” Effie said slowly, “that I shan’t go.” He blew out a breath, feeling shaky but exhilarated.
“Well, then, that’s that,” Archie said. “Shall we have another round of drinks?”
Once glasses were refilled, Olive said, “Have you told your brother about your plan to move to Grub Street and start a printing company?”
Kenver chuckled. “I have yet to be enlightened as to details, but I suspected something akin to that was afoot. I’ve told him his own income can finance such an endeavor.”
“AndI’vetoldhim,” Effie said, “and the lot of you, that I want to make it on my own.”
“It’s both astonishing and maddening, isn’t it, Mr. Nancarrow?” Archie asked.
“I’m not sure I agree that it’s maddening, my lord,” Kenver said. “Astonishing, yes. Perhaps also admirable.”
Everyone murmured their agreement.
“May I offer a suggestion?” Kenver said.
“Of course,” Effie said.
“If you are going to completely upend everything, if you are going to effectively leave your life behind to become a poet and printer, why not also leave your life behind to marry your entirely unsuitable lady?”
The room erupted in good-natured jeering followed by a cascade of agreement.
“I’ve told you all this a thousand times. Because she won’t have me.”
“Are you sure about that?” Kenver asked.
“Of course I’m sure.”
“Have you told her about your new business venture?” Archie asked.
“Have you told her about your new rooms in Grub Street?” Simon asked.
“Have you told her you love her?” Olive asked.
Effie’s mind reeled as they pelted him with questions. All he could do was offer an answer to that last one.
“My macaw has told her I love her.”
Chapter 19
Free as a Bird
Julianna unlocked the door to the office. It was early, so it was dark. It was cold, too, it being January first. A new year.
She was alone this time, as she’d known she would be.
She hadn’t had the dream again.
