She made a point of looking around carefully. “Are you sure you want a woman in the library? I thought that was against the rules.”
He gave her a look. “Are you going to suggest putting flowers in this room?”
“No.”
“Lacy doily things on the tables?”
She smiled. “No. I know you hate them.”
“Then you can stay, but if you dare mention the room needs improvement, you’ll be out the door before you can blink, and I’ll never speak to you again.”
Fanny laughed. Father had changed too when he’d married Gillian. He was finally mellowing about his rules. “It won’t work, Father. You’re too tenderhearted to stay cross with any of us girls forever.”
He huffed.
“I’d never want to be at odds with you about anything anyway.”
His brow rose. “Tell me how you’re doing, my girl. Are you as happy as you seem?”
Fanny breathed a sigh of relief. Father didn’t know about Thwaite, Wilks or any blackmail. Jeremy had kept his world to let her at least handle that alone. She was thankful beyond measure for that. “I am happy,” she promised.
Father smiled. “Vastly content I would say, judging by that smile.”
“I suppose so,” she murmured, feeling not the least bit guilty. She had more or less dealt with Wilks who was a spineless worm in her opinion. The father was another matter. She would deal with Thwaite one day soon—in a way he’d never suspect her for, too.
“It had to happen eventually.”
“What do you mean?”
“All that money you inherited has worried me, for it only added to your burdens.”
She smiled. “I thrive on challenges.”
“I’ve always worried you’d work yourself to death to build your late husband’s fortunes, but no more. I’ve seen a side of you, on this visit particularly, that pleases me no end.”
“Weddings make for happiness. I am so pleased for Rebecca and Jessica, and you too, of course.”
“I am not talking about your sisters and I, but of you. You have made a change in your life recently that has only been beneficial, as far as I can tell.”
“What change would that be?”
“Mr. Jeremy Dawes.”
Fanny met his gaze…and saw a scold hovering in his expression now.
He inclined his head. “I’m not blind.”
“I never imagined you were.”
Father shook his head. “You’ve been discreet, I’ll give you that, but I know full well what goes on in my own house.”
“He has played his part very well,” she said. “There is nothing going on between us, I assure you.”
“Now that is a lie.” Father frowned. “Did I say I disapprove?”
Fanny blinked. “No but… Wealthy men take lovers all the time and no one bats an eye. I just assumed you would, too.”
“Most women do not take so many risks with their reputations. Women are expected to marry and live respectably.”