Page 95 of A Cinderella to Redeem the Earl

She thought she’d been helping Mr Long when she told Pip to stop accepting his vowels. Instead he had gone to Damian for a personal loan.

What a disaster.

And it was partly her fault.

There had to be something she could do to help. She could give him her share of the money she had earned. Her stomach fell away. It would be the end of her dream of a cottage by the sea.

But would it be enough?

And would his honour allow him to accept her offer? She had to at least try.

The first thing she needed to do was find out where Mr Long lived. She couldn’t actually call on him, but she could send him a note asking him to meet her somewhere.

As long as she had her maid with her and it looked like a chance meeting, there shouldn’t be any problem.

It took longer than she expected to arrange a meeting with Mr Long. But finally he had replied that, yes, he would meet her at the British Museum in the room devoted to the Elgin Marbles. She had always wanted to see them, so she had decided she might as well accomplish two things at once.

And as she sat on a seat amid the statues and friezes, she was very glad she had. It was awe inspiring to know that these stones had been carved so long ago. How sad that they had suffered so much damage. Surrounded by them, she could almost imagine herself cast back to ancient times.

‘Mrs Clark.’

Mr Long looked as if he hadn’t slept or eaten since she saw him last. He seated himself beside her. There were a few other people walking around the room inspecting the statues, but no one within earshot.

‘Mr Long. Good day. Thank you for agreeing to meet me.’

‘I am sorry I did not get your note right away. I went out of Town. To Newmarket.’

Her stomach gave a little flip of dismay. ‘Newmarket?’

‘There was a horse. A sure thing, I was told.’

‘And?’

She waited for the worst.

‘It won.’

‘You mean you are solvent again? You can repay your debt?’

‘Some of it.’

‘Although I cannot entirely feel comfortable about you taking such a risk, I suppose it is good news.’

He shook his head. ‘His Lordship seemed determined I should pay the full amount. Perhaps with a partial payment I can convince him to wait. If not... Do you think you can put a good word in with him for me?’

Damian had told her to mind her own business. ‘I can try. I am not sure he will listen. Can you not ask your father for help?’

‘My father is experiencing some financial difficulties of his own.’ His shoulders slumped. ‘I will have to leave the country if it becomes known I reneged on a debt of honour.’

‘I don’t understand.’

He groaned. ‘I will be beyond the pale. Blackballed. Even my family will turn their backs on me. And no doubt they will also be affected by the scandal.’

‘Oh, dear. How much can you pay back?’

‘A little over half.’

‘Very well. I will speak to Lord Dart on your behalf.’