Page 14 of Zenith
I nodded, my gaze finding my lap and remaining there. “You must think me a fickle woman.”
“Not at all,” he declared without hesitation. “One cannot be too careful in these times. I’ve seen it time and time again. Divorce, prenuptial agreements, messy court battles, and all of them over money. Love never mattered one way or another, only how the wealth would be divided when they inevitably called it quits. Though, it is wise to protect yourself.”
I pondered his words carefully. Perhaps he was right.
“I do not think myself so special that he would come looking for me,” I began, not knowing how exactly to ask after Edward’s intentions.
“He’s a hard man to read, and I am a lawyer,” Mr. Briggs said. “I couldn’t be certain, but he seemed quite interested in your well-being.”
“That may be so, but I am still wary of his intentions.”
He considered this for a moment, his poker face remaining intact, then nodded. “Tell me what you would like to do, Jane, and I will do my best to help you.”
“I do not wish to see Edward. Not yet,” I said, attempting to keep my resolve pieced together. “I am staying with a friend for the time being. I have some money, and I’m doing some work to keep myself occupied. For now, I’m quite all right. I’m attempting to find my feet after such an upheaval. When I am ready, I will decide what to do next. I am quite sure I would like to do some good with the money—perhaps some charity work—so I will need assistance in the future.”
Mr. Briggs nodded, but he did not try to convince me to take another course of action. A true impartial gentleman.
“Then when you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call upon me,” he said kindly. “I know many upstanding people who would be up to the task of assisting with your charity aspirations.” Fishing around in his desk drawer, he offered me a card he found within. “Call me anytime, Jane. No matter the hour.”
Taking the proffered card, I stared at the phone number listed and felt an overwhelming sense of relief. Some of the burdens on my shoulders had been lifted. The mere act of confiding in another human being halving a problem I did not know how to handle.
“Thank you, Mr. Briggs,” I said, tears misting my downcast eyes. “Thank you, with all my heart.”
