Loving Lizzie Finn

19. Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

A fter being called to dinner, Lizzie slowly descended the stairs to the main floor, her nerves on edge. Had Teague discovered his ledger was missing? She wasn’t hungry in the least, and her abdomen was hurting due to her monthly, but she’d have to face him sooner or later. She might as well get it over with.

At least meeting him would get her mind off thoughts of Byron—how he’d ushered her out of his house so quickly, how he hadn’t defended her against his mother’s accusations.

She entered the dining room to find Teague sitting in his usual spot at the head of the table, a glass of liquor in his hand. An after-dinner drink with his meal? Or rather before his meal as the glass was almost empty.

Lizzie held her tongue and sat to his right.

“Margaret is gone,” he said before he drained his glass and refilled it from a decanter at his side.

“I know.” She studied his haggard features. “Do you miss her?”

He let out a pained laugh. “Hearing her nag at me for hours on end, complaining despite the luxurious life I provided for her?”

As the dishes were served, he stared at his liquor, the glass never leaving his hand. “The house seems too quiet now, and the wardrobe is too empty for my taste.” His shoulders slumped. “Perhaps I took her for granted.”

“Will you look for her? You could try to convince her to come back.”

Teague shook his head. “Our relationship was doomed from the beginning.”

“Because of your attraction to my mother?”

He gave a slow nod. “When I first met her, your mother was so headstrong and na?ve and beautiful. When she married that stable hand, I couldn’t help but think, why marry him? Why hadn’t she chosen me instead?”

“You know the answer to that.” Her mother had made her loyalty to her sister clear.

“I worried about her when she left with Finn.” He took a drink from his glass. “Then her husband came to me for money, and I found out she was at Maude’s House. I hurried to see her, to save her from that life, but she wouldn’t let me. The best I could do was pay off Maude and visit Caroline often to see that she was well, or as well as she could be in a place like that.” His expression withered into a look of utter misery. “I tried again and again to get her to leave with me, but she refused every time.”

He swiped at his eyes. “Still, I looked forward to seeing her, and after that night we were together, I thought she’d finally changed her mind and would come to me. She only shoved me away more forcefully,” he slurred.

Lizzie stared at the broken man before her and couldn’t help but feel sympathy for him. It seemed he truly had loved her mother. “Perhaps you should put away that liquor and eat something.”

His gaze swung her way. “You’re a lot like your mother. In appearance and personality.”

“You believe I’m headstrong and na?ve?” He was probably right about the headstrong part, but na?ve?

“Yes.” He took a bite of his bread. “I spoke to Mr. Price today, or rather, I fired Mr. Price today.”

Lizzie’s pulse sped. “For what reason?”

“You know the reason. He was the only employee who came into the bank last night. He lured the guard from his station, giving you and Mr. Greeley the opportunity to search my office unnoticed.”

The skin on the back of her neck prickled. “He told you that?”

Teague emitted a half laugh. “After I fired him, he gloated over what he’d done. He also took great pleasure in telling me how they’d used you to get into my office safe.”

She clasped her hands together in her lap. “They didn’t use me. I agreed to help them.”

Teague shook his head. “You certainly are as na?ve as your mother ever was.” He withdrew a folded paper from his pocket. “Price gave me this to add salt to my wounds.”

Lizzie unfolded the page, a note from Byron to Mr. Price.

I’ve talked to Miss Finn. While she refused my request this time, I’m sure I can convince her to get the key to the safe for me. She’s always done as I’ve requested in the past, so I’m confident I can sway her.

Lizzie’s stomach hit the floor, and her cheeks tingled as the blood drained from her face.

“Greeley has been using you all along.”

“No, that can’t be true.” Byron loved her. He wanted her to be his wife.

Teague scowled. “Are you so sure about that?”

She was. She had to be. If she believed anything else, her heart would shatter.

Lizzie walked home, her mind on Byron’s mother, who had only minutes ago turned her away from their door, saying Byron wasn’t there. He wasn’t home? Or he didn’t want to see her.

When Lizzie had offered to help them in any way she could, his mother had refused, saying Byron had everything in hand. Even when prodded, she hadn’t elaborated. Was she afraid Lizzie might give away Byron’s plans to Teague? She clenched her fists.

Her house came into view, and a carriage was parked out front. Not just any carriage—a policeman sat in the driver’s seat. Her breath caught in her throat, and she picked up her pace. By the time she reached the front door, two more police officers were coming out, along with Teague.

She rushed forward. “What’s happening?” she asked, despite knowing the answer. Byron did indeed have things in hand. Still, seeing her … father being escorted to the waiting police wagon was more shocking than she’d ever imagined it would be.

Teague gave her a sad smile. “I was expecting this.”

“You were? How?”

“I saw the items missing from my desk and assumed you gave them to Greeley.”

A pang of guilt ate at her insides. She thought to apologize, but she wasn’t all that sorry. Teague had done terrible things, and now he would face the consequences. Yet, despite the fact that he knew she’d betrayed him, his expression wasn’t hateful.

“I don’t blame you, Lizzie,” he said as they ushered him to the conveyance. “At least Greeley won’t be bothering you anymore.” He climbed up and disappeared from view. The officers followed him inside, and in short order, they were gone.

Lizzie entered the empty house.

At least Greeley won’t be bothering you anymore. A lump formed in her throat. Indeed, Byron hadn’t visited or sent a message since she’d given him the evidence over two weeks ago. Was Teague right? Now that Byron had what he wanted, was he finished with her? Her chin quivered.

She’d sent him messages he hadn’t responded to, she’d visited the workshop to find he wasn’t there, and now she’d attempted to see him at his home only to be dismissed.

Lizzie wandered to the upstairs sitting room in a daze. When she looked back, Byron had been the one to approach her to ask for her help. He’d also refused to keep his distance from her, no matter how many times she’d warned him away.

Tears burned her eyes, and her knees weakened. She sank onto the settee. She’d believed his feelings for her had been true, that he valued her for who she was. In truth, he’d only valued her relationship with Teague.

Her heart wrenched. She should be angry and indignant, but instead, the pain of losing Byron, of never seeing him again, overrode all else. Byron had been so attentive, so charming, that despite her reservations, she’d fallen in love with him. She’d let herself think about a future with him. God help her, she’d even looked forward to that future.

She gasped for air and clutched her chest as tears dripped down her cheeks. She was such a fool. Like her mother, she’d let a man lead her down a path she later regretted. While Teague deserved to pay for his transgressions, she’d allowed herself to be used and tossed away by Byron. She’d even freely given herself to him. What a sorry state she’d be in now if she carried his child. History would have repeated itself.

Anger ignited within her. She’d believed herself to be cautious, more so than her mother when it came to men. What a joke. In the future, she would question the motives of anyone who approached her. Better yet, she’d steer clear of men and never again believe their sweet words.

She took a deep breath. As for Byron, she would waste no more time on him. Lizzie swiped at her tears and sat up straight. She wouldn’t allow herself to fall apart because of a man.

She didn’t need Byron. He may have led her astray, but she would return to her original path. She’d always wanted to be independent, to live for herself, and that was exactly what she would do. “Byron Greeley be damned.”

Lizzie followed one of the staff into the sitting room at the Moral Reform Society Sanctuary. She scanned the room filled with ladies and spotted Stella and Effie on chairs near the window working on improving their needlepoint skills. A large stand had been set up before Stella as her arm was still in a sling, and as usual, Effie helped her when needed.

Lizzie crossed the room. “Stella. Effie.”

Both looked up from their work and smiled. The bruises on Stella’s face had a yellowish tinge to them. Thankfully, she was healing well.

“How have you been since I last visited?” Lizzie asked as she took a seat across from them.

Effie returned to her practice and let out a soft curse. “I’m not any better at needlepoint than I was before.”

Lizzie had to admire Effie for her persistence. “You could always develop a different skill.”

Effie shook her head. “If Stella can do this using only one hand, I should be able to figure it out with two.”

Ever since Stella had decided to take up needlepoint, Effie had done the same, likely hoping they could find employment at the same place. As for Stella, she’d cited Lizzie as her inspiration to take up the craft.

“I’m too old to start my life over,” Effie grumbled.

Stella opened her mouth, but Effie held up a hand, stopping her from saying anything. “Don’t apologize again. I don’t regret helping you leave Maude’s House. Maude would have found a way to kick me out eventually anyway.” Effie poked her needle through the cloth again. “Don’t mind me. I simply like to complain once in a while.”

Stella laughed softly and then glanced at Lizzie. “How have you been faring?”

“Teague was arrested yesterday,” she admitted. “He’s been charged with fraud and embezzlement.” The evidence she’d given Byron proved Teague had manipulated Greeley & Company’s loan. It also revealed a multitude of other transgressions against customers seeking loans. Teague’s ledger further confirmed that he had misappropriated funds from the bank.

Lizzie’s words were greeted with surprised looks from both of them, at least momentarily.

“You knew that was a possibility,” Effie reminded her.

“Yes, but it was still shocking nonetheless.” The sight of him being escorted from the house still haunted her. After all, she’d had a hand in his arrest.

“I’d imagine so.” Stella’s gaze met Lizzie’s. “And Mr. Greeley? Has he contacted you yet?”

The lingering ache in Lizzie’s chest pulsed to life, and tears threatened. She ran her gloved hand over the chair’s worn covering. “No, and it seems he’s not going to.”

Effie paused in her work. “I’ve told you—he’s been busy with the evidence against your father. I’m sure he’s helping others build cases against Teague as well.”

“Too busy to reply to my messages?” How long did it take to write a quick note? She blinked away the tears and attempted to steady her voice. “I’ve done what I could to contact him, and he’s ignored my every attempt. I’ve decided to forget about him and start looking for employment again.”

Lizzie shook her head. “I don’t have time for Mr. Greeley anymore. Already Teague’s household servants are leaving. After all, if Teague is found guilty of his crimes, there’s every likelihood his assets will be auctioned off to recoup some of the money.” She frowned. “If the house is sold, I’ll have to find a different place to stay and earn money for the rent. Which means securing a job as soon as possible.”

Stella paused in her stitching. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all work together?”

It would. If they happened upon an employer willing to hire them.

Effie studied Lizzie for a moment then chuffed out a breath and tossed her embroidery to a nearby table. “Let’s not put the cart before the horse. Neither one of us is skilled enough yet to get paid for our stitching, and Lizzie is just beginning to look for a job.”

Stella nodded. “Simply wishful thinking. Lizzie, you don’t have to worry about us. When we’re ready, we’ll see what the future brings.”

“If I get hired somewhere, I’ll put in a good word for you,” Lizzie promised.

Unfortunately, along with contending with rumors of her past, she now had the shadow of Teague’s crimes hanging over her head. Finding employment would probably be even more difficult than before. Her heart beat dully in her chest at the thought of what the future would bring. With memories of Byron still fresh in her mind, the path ahead would be a lonely one.

Byron entered his home, exhaustion weighing down his limbs. He reached the sitting room where his mother and father sat on the settee and dropped onto a chair across from them. “It’s done. The bank has allowed us to pay off our loan at the original amount.”

His mother’s face lit up. “I’m so glad.”

“Well done,” his father said. “These last weeks have been taxing for you.”

Indeed. Between working with Mr. Bentley, Mr. Price, and the police to build a case against Teague, he’d also been pushing Teague’s bank to correct the loan amount now that Teague had been arrested. “I’m just happy the problem is finally resolved.”

In all the excitement, he’d neglected Greeley & Company, and, damn him, he’d neglected Lizzie. He’d told her he’d get in touch with her and then failed to do so for weeks. Odd that she hadn’t sought him out after so long. “Has Miss Finn tried to contact me?”

His mother’s happy expression melted away. “You should keep your distance from Miss Finn.”

Byron held back a groan. “We’ve already discussed this.”

She shrugged. “You can’t blame me for hoping you’d forget about her.”

Forget about Lizzie? As if he ever could.

“Alice,” his father warned.

His mother crossed her arms over her chest. “Byron needs someone whose past won’t hinder his future.”

“Lizzie had no control over where she grew up,” Byron argued. “What matters more is that she’s a good person. You should have seen her working at Greeley & Company. She’s friendly with everyone as well as responsible and capable. She’s a respectable woman.”

“What matters most is that Byron has a smile on his face every time he talks about her,” his father added.

His mother relaxed her arms, setting her hands in her lap. “I’m not saying she’s a bad person. I simply don’t want to see Byron regret his choice when his business and friendships are affected.”

“I’d never regret choosing Lizzie as my wife, and any friend or business partner who decides not to associate with me because of rumors isn’t worth my time,” Byron insisted.

He looked his mother in the eyes, beseeching her to finally listen to him. “Lizzie is the only one for me. She’s the first and last woman I’ll ever love. I won’t let her go no matter who’s against us.”

“You say that now, but—”

His father settled a hand on hers. “Weren’t we the same as Byron and Miss Finn at one time?”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t have rumors circulating about me and my family.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered to me even if you had. We were so in love nothing could have separated us. I would have married you no matter who stood in our way.” He cocked his head to the side. “If I had been gossiped about, would you have turned your back on me?”

After a moment, his mother raised her hands. “All right. I admit I do remember our younger days. We thought we could face any obstacle as long as we were together.”

His father nodded, a smile on his lips. “Our son is fully grown now. It’s time we trust his decisions and let him love who he will.”

She glanced at Byron and heaved a sigh. “I suppose you’re right. If Byron loves her, and she makes him happy, that will have to be good enough for me.”

Had he heard his mother correctly? “You’re giving us your blessing?”

“I suppose I am.” She crossed the room to a writing desk in the corner and withdrew a small stack of envelopes from a drawer then handed them to Byron. “I’m sorry. Perhaps I shouldn’t have kept these from you. To be honest, I had debated giving them to you after things settled down, but I hadn’t yet made up my mind.”

Byron opened one note after another. In the first, Lizzie asked if Byron needed help with the case against Teague. In the next, she asked if he was all right and questioned why he hadn’t reached out to her. He rose to his feet and paced the room, his dread growing with every letter he read as the messages became more desperate and then despondent.

“Alice, you shouldn’t have interfered in Byron’s affairs,” his father admonished.

“I worried that he’d be beaten again if he met with Miss Finn. He needed to focus on saving Greeley & Company. He was also still nursing injuries.”

The last message contained one question. Why have you abandoned me? Byron broke out in a cold sweat, and his stomach clenched. She thought … Dear God. “I have to go to her. Now.”

Lizzie adjusted her hat, tugged on her gloves, and picked up the embroidered hosiery from the small table in the foyer. She inspected her work one more time. Her stitches were even and perfectly placed. Mr. Eicherman from Eicherman’s Mercantile had generously put her in contact with another manufacturer of hosiery. If she could impress the owner, she might be offered a job. And not a moment too soon. How much longer did she have before her meager savings ran out? With Teague in jail and his accounts frozen, she had to rely on herself. Only a few days had passed since Teague’s arrest, and all the servants had already left. How long did she have before the house would be put up for sale?

She straightened her spine and squared her shoulders. Mr. Eicherman had raved about her work, and the hosiery she’d embroidered sold well. She would get this job.

Lizzie carefully folded the stockings and wrapped them in paper then yanked the front door open. Her breath caught in her throat, and her face prickled as the blood drained from her head. Byron stood before her, his dark-brown eyes staring into hers and his hand raised as if he’d been about to knock on the door.

She stared back at him, speechless. She hadn’t expected to see him again.

His expression was pained. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

The anguish in those words tugged at her heartstrings. She made a move to step around him before her resolve weakened. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m on my way out.” She inwardly cringed at her hurt tone. She’d planned to be strong and unaffected if they ever came face-to-face again.

He blocked her way. “Lizzie, wait. Let me explain.”

She almost bumped up against him, and his scent and warmth beckoned. No. Be strong. She backed away.

What had dragged him to her door now? Perhaps he wanted her to testify against Teague, or to somehow provide more evidence? “Why are you here?” She’d helped him enough already. Her heart couldn’t withstand more of his manipulations.

He stepped through the doorway but stopped when she continued to retreat. “I came to apologize. I should have contacted you. I had no idea you sent me messages until today. My mother kept them from me.”

“Even if you didn’t know about the notes I sent, it speaks volumes that it didn’t occur to you at any point in these past weeks to contact me.”

“I’m sorry. I was so busy working with the police, Mr. Bentley, and the bank as well as checking in on Greeley & Company when I could that I lost track of time.”

He swore beneath his breath. “You were probably shocked and conflicted when the police arrested Teague. I should have been there for you.” He rubbed the back of his neck and winced. “I should have at least forewarned you about the arrest.”

Her ire rose. “Indeed, that would have been appreciated.” So he’d had some idea of what she’d gone through, and he still hadn’t taken the time to console her.

“What can I do to make amends?”

“For using me? Nothing. Just go.”

“Using you? What are you talking about?”

“I saw the message you sent to Mr. Price. You had confidence you could manipulate me, and you succeeded. You got what you wanted, then you shoved me out the door, and I haven’t seen you since,” she bit out.

“A message to Mr. Price?” His brow furrowed for a moment before his eyes widened. “About getting the key to the safe? I was simply assuring him that I believed you would help me.”

“That’s not what the note said. You were confident you could sway me because I’d done everything you’d asked so far.” Like a gullible fool.

“Lizzie, you have it all wrong.”

“Do I?” She gave a harsh laugh.

He closed the distance between them and reached for her hand, but she pulled away.

“Please believe me. I’ve always been honest with you. You have indeed helped me, and remarkably, you’ve done everything I’ve asked of you. But the truth is that you could have refused to look for proof against Teague, and I would feel the same.

“I love you. From the first moment we met, I knew there was something special, something unforgettable, about you. I need you in my life.”

She desperately wanted to believe him, but doubts kept pressing in—was she being na?ve?

Byron reached into his pocket and withdrew a simple gold ring.

Her heart leaped to her throat.

He stared down at the gold band. “I purchased this over a month ago because I knew I would eventually find a way to marry you. I couldn’t afford an expensive ring. Someday I’ll get you a better one, but I couldn’t wait.”

Byron gazed into her eyes with tenderness and sincerity. “Even though I didn’t have the time or energy to contact you these past weeks, I’ve missed you every day. If I’d had you by my side, I’m certain I would have been happier and less frazzled.

“I hate that something or someone keeps getting between us. I want you to trust me, to lean on me when you need someone to support you. I want to love you openly and see you every day.” He held out his hand. “Lizzy, will you marry me?”

Relief washed over her. Lizzie’s vision blurred, and she sniffled, the worry and heartache of these past weeks catching up with her. She’d missed him, too, and she never wanted to be apart from him again. Still, as much as she longed to take his hand, she couldn’t bring herself to move. “What about your mother?”

“I’ve spoken to her. Both she and my father approve of our relationship.”

“They do?”

“I told you my mother would relent.” Byron grinned. “Lizzie, please have mercy on me. Will you marry me? I want you to become my wife as soon as possible.”

She stared into Byron’s eyes, and her answer became obvious. She’d never met a man like him, someone who cherished her and made her feel like she had value. She set her hand on his. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I love you too. I think I’ve loved you for a long time now. I just wouldn’t let myself admit it because too many obstacles stood in our way, including my own insecurities.”

Byron’s grin widened, and his eyes glistened. “You have no idea how happy you’ve made me.” He slid the ring onto her finger. “A perfect fit.”

“I don’t need an expensive ring. I only need you.” She hugged him tightly, her heart overflowing. “I shouldn’t have doubted you. You’ve always treated me well, and you never forced me to help you. I did that all on my own. Honestly, I feel the most comfortable, safe, and loved when I’m with you.”

“I need you too.” Byron’s lips descended on hers in a kiss that stole her breath and awakened her senses. She’d always feared a man would lead to her downfall, never considering that the right man could bring her the happiness and love she’d always craved.

Byron was the right man for her, the only man, and she’d be a fool to ever let him go.