“Which is why I know you’ve been poorly used. Once your father told me what little he knew, I made my own arrangements.”
“I don’t need help,” she warned. She stood quickly and turned away, walking to the window to hide her frustration. “I never ask for help from anyone,” she said.
Rafferty followed her to the window, stopping close behind her. “You don’t need me, but you will have me.”
She turned to look at him, frowning in annoyance, “You are presumptuous.”
“Oh, I know that.” He brushed his fingers across her cheek. “We have started something, you and I. I feel compelled to understand you. You refuse to accept help from your father, the rest of your family I assume don’t have a clue. They are too wrapped up in their own busy lives to notice yours might be in jeopardy. You keep your secrets close to your chest but upon consideration, it’s plain to see you were worried about this yesterday after Peter Warner had gone. But I’m not actually offering to solve your problems. I will, however, be by your side as you investigate whatever this is.”
Something inside Rebecca softened so suddenly, she gasped out a sob.
“I’m here, Becca, and you are not alone anymore,” he whispered. “It will take more than a few harsh words and scowls between us to drive me away.”
Although she had feared to trust any man, believing that she must stand on her own two feet, she was relieved by Rafferty’s promise. Even in her marriage, she had felt alone.
Rafferty did not try to exert any control over her, really. He might follow along behind her though—large enough to intimidate anyone who might stand in her way. She reconsidered his coming with her. She could use Rafferty to her advantage if he kept his promise and stayed in the background until needed. “Thank you.”
His arms wrapped around her and she fell against him, breathing deep. He was a kind man, the sort she once imagined her husband might be to her. She had liked lying in his arms at night, but this was even better.
His hands swept down her back in a soothing manner. “Tell me everything now.”
So she did, and it felt good to unburden herself at last. She told him about Charlotte’s habit of using Rebecca’s connections to attend parties she otherwise would not be invited to. Convincing Rebecca to pay for a succession of small things they hadn’t coin for at the time and never repaying her promptly or at all. The increased expense of her Bath holiday a year ago and the new invitation she’d just declined. “Now it seems someone might be running up bills in my name again,” she said. “My solicitor also manages my funds and he sends me a statement every quarter. But one of the expenses he included in the most recent was not mine.”
He kissed the top of her head. “There’s more. Go on.”
Rebecca sighed. “Peter Warner really called to warn me he had uncovered similar discrepancies in his finances too,” she whispered. “He has lost faith in Barclay and intends to confront him.”
“As he should.” He cupped head gently in one large hand, and she pressed her cheek into his palm. “Your father said your solicitor is next to useless.”
“That is his opinion.”
“Then tell me yours,” he asked.
She blinked back tears at his question. “I have trusted Barclay since I became a widow. There have been a few minor mistakes but Peter’s warning has me wondering if I’ve missed anything else. I feel it would be prudent to assess the situation myself so that is why I left without warning anyone but my father. Barclay has worked tirelessly for me over the years. I need to know I have not trusted the wrong man again.”
“You are right to be cautious. A few quiet words with him should give you the answers you seek.”
Rebecca looked up quickly. “You’re going to be a problem for me, aren’t you?”
“Undoubtedly, yes,” he promised with a grin. “I do not like it when my good friends are imposed upon.”
Good friends? Was that how he thought of her? She didn’t want that to be all they were to each other. “No violence.”
“Trust me,” he whispered before releasing her completely and stepping back.
She sighed. “That isn’t easy for me.”
“My dear woman, I’ve spent the last week in close proximity to you, getting in your way on purpose. I understand what you fear most of all now.”
“What is that?”
“Depending on anyone for your happiness.” He smiled quickly. “I promise you’ll hardly notice I’m with you. If there is trouble, however, I happen to be on good terms with the London magistrate.”
“I don’t think a magistrate will be necessary for a series of minor mistakes made by a clerk in his employ.”
“You should always plan for the worst while expecting the best,” he said. “We’ll visit Mr. Barclay together.”
Rebecca worried her lip.