Blinded by Grace: Book Five of the Cotillion Ball series (Crimson Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page B

held the reins to the trust.
    “Why don’t you escort Miss Wagner up here to my office instead, so we won’t be seen or interrupted?”
    Feldon blinked at him. Halwyn was aware that being alone with Grace, be it here or in the little room downstairs off the main lobby, was inappropriate behavior. But she had been in his thoughts for days now, and he wanted to get to the bottom of her situation, whatever it might be. And to do so, he had to make her feel comfortable and safe, and to get her away from prying eyes. He nodded at Feldon.
    “Now, man.”
    “Yes, Mr. Fitzpatrick.” Feldon scurried down the hall. A few minutes later, he was back, with Grace Wagner at his heels. She walked briskly, the gray pinstriped satin skirt of her afternoon dress swishing at the movement.
    She was pale. Her skin had a translucent quality to it. Maybe it was merely the stark difference between her pale coloring and her dark hair that made her appear fragile. Halwyn glanced at her, hoping she wasn’t about to faint here in his office. Her blue eyes were clear, however. He took her hand and squeezed it gently.
    “Grace, how nice to see you again.”
    “I apologize for barging into your place of business, Halwyn, but I couldn’t think of any other way to speak to you alone.”
    “No apologies necessary. You’re a family friend, and you have holdings at the bank, so you’re welcome here anytime. Unlike some other banks, we welcome female customers. Please take a seat.”
    He motioned to the chair in front of his desk, then walked behind the desk and sat again. Feldon stood in the doorway, uncertain what his next move should be.
    “Thank you, Feldon. I’ll take it from here. Please close the door. We’ll need a few minutes.”
    Feldon swallowed hard and gave them a sidelong glance before he closed the door.
    “Do you mind if I smoke, Grace?” Halwyn held a thin cigar between his fingers and motioned in her direction.
    “No, not at all,” she replied quietly. “I rather enjoy the scent of tobacco.”
    He made a grand show of lighting the cigar, and puffing to get it going properly. All the while, he was observing her as she sat rigidly before him, with a handkerchief in her hands. She was plucking at the cloth. The poor square of fabric would be in tatters before she left the room, if she continued in such a manner. Grace’s head was bowed, and she wasn’t talking. Halwyn had no idea why she was here, but he wanted to calm her.
    “Grace,” he whispered, leaning over the desk.
    She glanced up at him, startled, even though he had spoken softly.
    “What is wrong? And how can I help?”
    She blinked, but not so quickly that Halwyn hadn’t noticed the tears in her eyes. She was refusing to let them spill over, although he guessed the handkerchief was there for the purpose of catching them, if necessary.
Good girl. Whatever your problem is, you’re not giving in.
He nodded silently in her direction, indicating she had his full attention. She lowered her eyes again.
    “I, I don’t know where to begin, but you’re my only hope Halwyn.” He caught the choking sound of her voice as she uttered these words.
    “Why don’t you tell me what the problem is? Take your time, and start at the beginning.”
    Halwyn settled back into his chair. He had a feeling they were going to need far longer than a few minutes.
    • • •
    Grace took a deep breath and plunged ahead. “When my father died three years ago, he left a trust for me. I’m sure you’re aware of it, since it is here at the bank.”
    “I only know about it in the vaguest terms, since my father is the one who deals with Simon. Is something wrong with the trust?”
    “It’s not the bank’s fault, Halwyn. That’s not why I’m here. But yes, there is something terribly wrong with the trust.” Her voice caught in her throat and she glanced up at him. He was leaning over his desk, peering at her.
    She hesitated in her speech, and once again her gaze dropped into her lap.