She didn’t want to lose Frances’ friendship, nor could she erase her past. Reaching for the stars would be easier than reaching for Joseph. It simply wasn’t meant to be. She pressed a hand to her aching heart and closed her eyes.
If only...
Chapter Fourteen
“Joseph. This is a surprise.” His father studied him from where he sat behind his desk. The earl didn’t bother to rise to shake his hand, but Joseph had learned long ago never to expect it.
Displays of affection were a sign of weakness as far as his father was concerned. For a time, Joseph had worried whether he was capable of showing affection but eventually realized the problem was his father’s, not his.
After meeting Harriet, he knew that for certain. When he was with her, the question was whether he could keep his hands to himself.
Thoughts of her eased the anger and resentment that always flooded him when he spoke with his father.
“Father.” Joseph dipped his head. “I hope you are well.” He glanced at the chair in front of the desk but decided he wasn’t going to remain long enough to sit. The sooner he said his piece and left, the better.
“I am. What brings you by today?”
I’m well, Father, thank you. Saying the words to himself didn’t ease the stab of hurt that his father couldn’t be bothered to exchange the simplest of pleasantries. As always when Joseph spoke to him, his emotions threatened to gain the upper hand. Though he told himself their poor relationship wasn’t his fault, the subtle rejections his father tossed out so effortlessly hurt and made him question what he’d done wrong.
He’d spent too many nights in his youth wondering just that to no avail. His father was a difficult man to please under the best of circumstances. In any other case, it was impossible.
“I am in the beginning stages of planning to open a regional bank in Gloucestershire and wanted to speak to you about it.”
“A bank?” His father frowned. “Whatever for?”
Joseph knew how the conversation would go but still felt compelled to speak to his father about the opportunity. He blamed it on watching Martin and his father together. The voice inside Joseph that never seemed to give up when it came to the earl insisted he try to find a way to connect with him.
A part of him still sought approval from his father. Or at least a topic that would allow them to speak civilly to one another.
“As I’m certain you know, income from agricultural efforts is reducing every year with the cheaper imports coming from America.”
His father scoffed. “That is a temporary problem. We will wait it out until the price of wheat recovers.”
Joseph reminded himself not to argue. That would be a waste of time and energy, and it wasn’t his purpose today.
“None of us can predict the future. But it seems wise to create alternative sources of income for ourselves and those who depend on us.”