Melanie squeezed Julia’s hand and passed her by. She climbed the few steps to the door of the clockworks and waited at Walter’s side as he knocked to announce their arrival.
Left alone with Valentine, she was gripped with panic. Tonight was so important to him. She couldn’t dare make a mistake now.
Valentine smiled at her, a dazzling smile full of warmth and comfort and secret wickedness. He caught her hand, as he liked to do so often, and dragged her toward his sister.
Tonight, Melanie exuded the confidence Julia lacked and she scolded herself for not living up to her better example. She pasted on a smile and ascended the stairs just as the door opened to admit them.
Mr. George grinned as he held the door and allowed her to pass inside ahead of him. Since he’d trailed along largely in silence at Melanie’s side the whole distance from home, she wasn’t sure what he thought of his invitation but he didn’t seem perturbed about his inclusion.
She stopped in the center of the shop and glanced around. Valentine had explained that he hoped to take over this shop when Mr. Faraday retired in the next year. It was exactly six o’clock and the sudden clamor of a dozen or more chiming clocks brought a wide grin to her face. She had always wondered what it would be like to come here when they all chimed together.
She smiled at Valentine. “That’s really quite something to hear.”
“I only have five at home,” he whispered. “When we have a shop, you can expect to hear that sound more and more often.” He turned her as Mrs. Faraday appeared from the rear of the dwelling and welcomed them. “Thank you for the invitation.”
“We are very pleased our request for a meeting could be arranged at such short notice.” There were two other men, and their wives she assumed, standing on either side of Mrs. Faraday. The men stared; the ladies glanced at her nervously as the introductions were made.
“Thank you for inviting me.” She risked another smile, wondering what was going on in their heads. Did they like her or not? Had she underdressed for the occasion? Had her hair become frizzy again in the evening breeze?
At her side, Melanie stirred and moved forward. “This is quite the gathering. Mrs. James, how well you look today. Mrs. Faraday. I trust your families are in good health.”
“They are, Miss Merton. It’s very good to see you back where you belong.”
“I am happy to be here.” She smiled. “Valentine has told me so much about his hopes for the shop and his affection for Julia too. I’m very pleased.”
“It is obvious indeed.” Mrs. Faraday gestured behind her. “Come. Everything is ready and waiting.”
Valentine frowned then moved his arm around her back to guide her into the rear of the shop. A table in the rear workroom had been cleared and a selection of delicacies had been laid out on a pretty tablecloth. “Is it a party?”
“Yes.” Mr. Faraday glanced around beaming. “It is my retirement.”
Valentine’s grip tightened but then he released her. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier that it would be so soon?”
“I wanted to surprise you with the good news.” Mr. Faraday passed over a glass of spirits and offered punch to herself and Melanie. “I received a most generous offer for the building. Too good to refuse, in fact.”
“I see.” Julia glanced quickly at her betrothed and saw his face had paled. He appeared devastated by this new development. “What does that mean for us, Valentine?”
He winced. “That I now have to negotiate with someone else for rent. It could cost more.”
Julia caught his hand and squeezed. “I’m sure we’ll manage the change.”
“I’m sure you will too,” Mr. Faraday said as he peered over his glasses and then winked at her. He passed Mr. George a glass and then raised his. “Mr. George, I want to thank you for ensuring this old man can be assured many long and comfortable final years.”
They both twisted to look at the silent presence at their back.
George smiled at Faraday. “As I said to you. The building is sound and a good investment.”
“Why would you do this,” Valentine whispered in shock.
George shrugged. “I had the money to spare. Besides, the way your father was condemning the venture meant you’d never obtain a fair deal from a landlord, no matter how many conditions you met.”
Valentine gulped. “You bought the building just so I would lease it from you?”
He nodded. “At the same rate until you’re on your feet. Don’t thank me yet. You have a lot of hours to put in before you’re regarded as highly as Mr. Faraday and can match his income. Mr. Hawke manages my investments as you know and will set up the paperwork and handle everything between us. Shouldn’t take too much time at all, I imagine.”
“Oh, Walter!” Julia threw her arms around George impulsively and squeezed him for all she was worth. “You truly are the best man.”
George extracted himself quickly, blushing. “You deserve this chance.”