“How much did he offer?” William asked, not sharing Thomas's amusement. As the elder and more perceptive of the brothers, he had seen something in Holly's face that gave him cause for concern.
“A fortune,” Holly said softly.
“Five thousand? Ten?” William pressed, setting his glass of port on the mantel and turning to face her fully.
Holly shook her head, refusing to name the sum.
“More than ten?” William asked in disbelief. “You told him you couldn't be purchased, of course.”
“I told him…” Holly paused to swallow a burning mouthful of tea, then set the cup and saucer on a nearby table. She folded her hands in her lap and spoke without looking at either of George's brothers. “I've lived here for three years, and you both know of my concern about being a burden on the family—”
“You're not a burden,” William interrupted swiftly. “We've told you that a thousand times.”
“Yes, and I appreciate your kindness and generosity more than I could ever say. However…”
As she paused in a silent search for words, both brothers wore identical expressions of disbelief as they realized what she was trying to convey. “No,” William said softly. “Don't tell me you're considering his offer.”
Holly cleared her throat nervously. “I accepted his offer, actually.”
“My God,” William exclaimed. “Didn't you hear a word Lord Avery said about him last night? He's a wolf, Holly. And you're as helpless as a lamb. He preys upon people far more knowledgeable and worldly than you. If you don't think of yourself, at least think of your daughter—have you no motherly instinct to protect her?”
“I am thinking about Rose,” Holly said fiercely. “She's all I have left of George—she's all I think about.”
“She's all that we have left of George, too. It would be cruel, a sin, to take her away from the only family she's known.”
“You have your own wives and children to protect and look after. I have no husband. I have no means of providing for myself. And I don't want to be dependent on you forever.”
William looked as though she had struck him. “Has it been so terrible, living here? I didn't realize our company was so unpleasant for you.”
“Of course it hasn't. I didn't mean…” Holly sighed in frustration. “I will always be grateful for the way you've sheltered me since…but I must think of the future.” She glanced at Thomas, who remained in the chair beside her. Although she hoped for an ally, Thomas was obviously in agreement with his older brother.
“I cannot conceive that this is happening,” Thomas said, his tone containing not anger, but anguish. “Holly, tell me how to stop this. Tell me what it is about Bronson's offer that made you accept. I know it isn't the money. You're not the kind to be swayed by that. Is it the family? Has someone said or done something to offend you? To make you feel as though you're not welcome?”
“No,” Holly said instantly, feeling horribly guilty. “Dear Thomas, I don't believe I could have survived George's death without your help. It's just that lately I—”
“Bronson will want more than etiquette lessons from you,” William interrupted coldly. “I hope you realize that.”
Holly threw him a look of rebuke. “I find that remark distasteful, William.”
“You need to know what to expect, living in the household of a man whom all society knows is not a gentleman. You'll be at his mercy, and your desire for his money will lead you to do things you can't begin to imagine.”
“I'm not a child.”
“No, you're a young widow who has gone three years without the attentions of a man,” William said with a brutal bluntness that caused her to gasp. “You'll never be as vulnerable as you are right now, and therefore any decision you make should not be trusted. If it's money you want, we'll find some way to increase your income. I'll find some investment that will earn greater interest for you. But I won't allow you to take a shilling from that unscrupulous bastard Bronson. I won't let you do this to yourself, or to my brother's child.”
“Enough, William,” Thomas snapped. “She needs sympathy, and instead you are doing your utmost to bully and alienate her—”
“It's all right, Thomas,” Holly said calmly. Although part of her wanted to allow George's brothers to make the decision for her, another part of her remembered the teasing challenge in Zachary Bronson's eyes, and his admonition not to lose her courage. “I understand that William is concerned for my welfare. He doesn't want me to make a mistake. I have had the luxury of being protected by the both of you ever since George died. And I will always be grateful. But I want to step out from beneath your wing. I want to make choices. I even want to make a few mistakes.”
“I don't understand,” Thomas said slowly. “Why are you doing this, Holly? I never thought that money was so important
to you.”
Before Holly could reply, she was interrupted by William's cold, flat voice.
“For the first time I'm glad my brother is dead. I'm glad he can't see what is happening to you.”
Holly turned white with shock. She expected to feel a blow of pain from his words, but instead there was only numbness. Unsteadily she came to her feet and backed away from the two of them. “There is nothing to be gained by discussing this further,” she said with difficulty. “I have made my decision. I will leave within the week. I would like to take my servant Maude with me, if I may.”