Julia rounded on Melanie. “And you didn’t say a word in my defense?”
“What would speaking up have accomplished? He’s my father and I’m dependent on his good will to keep a roof over my head. He does not change his mind. Ever.”
“Then why did you insist on chaperoning me?”
“I stayed to witness the truth for myself.” Melanie stared at the money. “What are you going to do with it?”
“I can’t take it.”
Melanie sighed. “You already have, in his eyes.”
“I’ll toss it into the street.”
Melanie patted the cushion beside her. “What will that achieve? A boon for someone else but no resolution.”
“Well, I shall not keep it.” She threw herself into the space beside Melanie and scowled at the money across from them. “What other women was he referring to?”
Melanie leaned close, pitching her voice low. “I’m afraid he has done this before. Father was particularly pleased with himself about that and spoke of it one night after he’d been in his cups. There was a girl my brother must have fancied himself in love with years ago, the daughter of a custodian at the university, I think she was. He was young and when my parents discovered her existence, they convinced her to go away. Valentine purchased this house from our father soon after, citing a fondness for our grandparents as the sole reason. He suspects interference in many aspects of his life, but this is the first proof I’ve seen with my own eyes.”
“Then I cannot give Valentine the money without upsetting him. I cannot tell anyone.”
“Probably not, but such a confession is likely unavoidable.” Melanie collected the pouch and after sitting again peered inside. Her eyes widened considerably then she pulled the drawstrings tight. “You cannot hide such a sum of money from my brother if you are serious in your intent to become his wife.”
Julia didn’t know what to do with the money. She should tell Valentine she’d been tricked into taking it but wouldn’t that make her seem dim-witted? “Have you spoken with him yet? With Valentine?”
Melanie sighed and rubbed her temple. “I’ve not had a moment to myself since we arrived for socializing with him. Father is very demanding. I’m surprised he didn’t order me to follow him when he left, but Miss Long is offering an ample distraction with her flattery, so…”
Julia had noticed the way Mr. Merton ordered everyone about. To endure that daily must be a terrible strain. “Then you will need to speak to Valentine today before your father prevents private speech. The company has thrown up an unforeseen obstacle in your brother’s path. The vote is very soon.”
Melanie expression turned to one of surprise. “He told you of his plans to go into trade and you would still marry him?”
“How could I deny him his greatest wish when he granted mine in our race? He wants to make clocks for a living.” Julia nodded. She accepted his decision easily. It was what he wanted most and she would be a supportive wife. “But he said our race had greater implications for his application than he had foreseen.”
Melanie nodded and dropped the pouch on Julia’s lap. “I feared as much. At least marrying you will soothe some ruffled feathers. You will have to set a better example from now on if he is to win back favor.”
Julia shivered and turned the leather pouch over in her hands. She didn’t want the funds for herself, but she wanted Valentine to have his wishes come true. She would try to improve her reputation for his sake. She held the money out to Melanie. “I’m damned no matter what I do. Would you mind keeping this for me? If an appropriate use comes to light that could aid your brother, then all the better.”
Melanie’s expression turned skeptical. “Are you sure you mean that? There is a lot of coin in there.”
“What use have I for money? Money doesn’t buy happiness.”
“Comfort but not happiness,” Melanie agreed. She slipped the pouch into her reticle and drew the strings tight. “Now, we’d better speak to my brother and then I must return to my father. Valentine will undoubtedly be concerned about the subject of our private talk. What should I say to him?”
“Nothing as yet. Tell him we spoke of Oxford and Brighton events.” She squeezed Melanie’s hand briefly, glad to have an ally. “He’s missed you and mentioned how much he wished for your opinions.”
“And I missed him.” Melanie glanced around them. “And home.”
Melanie stood and approached the door, clutching her overstuffed reticule tight to her side. Julia followed, hoping the increase in bulk wasn’t noticed by anyone. Melanie would have a hard time explaining how and why she carried so many funds on her person.
Julia gathered her courage, plastered on her bravest face and prepared to convince her betrothed that all was well. But deep down, she was sickened by Mr. Merton’s assumption that money would get rid of her.
She never backed down from a challenge or dare. She would prove to all that she was a perfectly acceptable choice as Valentine’s wife.
He rushed forward and took her hands in his as soon as he saw her. “What happened?”
“Nothing.” Behind Valentine, her brother and Mr. George were waiting too. “I merely wanted a private word with your sister. It’s been so long since we’ve spoken.”
Valentine frowned. “And is everything discussed now?”