Page 12 of Cora
“Eryx is trying to make a sale, but it’s killing him to know he will walk away with nothing. All of the money from the purchase would go into making the bank whole. It’s essentially valueless at present. Operationally, the bank is sound. Before the run, its balance sheets were performing splendidly. It’s only this ill-timed rumor causing a run on deposits that’s taking us down.”
Cora found herself pacing, though she didn’t recall getting out of her comfortable chair. Titi hopped down from Annalise’s lap and followed her as she ping-ponged around Lysander’s sitting room.
“I don’t expect you to say yes.”
“Good. Because I won’t.”
“I understand.” Annalise’s hand cradled her stomach where a small bulge was beginning to form. Cora swallowed. Oh, lord, she was going to do it, wasn’t she? Marry her worst enemy to save her family?
She turned on her heel and strode randomly, narrowly avoiding furniture.
There had to be another way. There just had to be.
“It’s destitution for us all unless I wed Wentworth, isn’t it?”
“Not for you, Cora. Lysander has assured Eryx that you can remain here indefinitely. Forever. He is a duke, and none of us will go homeless. I have told Eryx that we can rebuild. He did it once. He can do it again.”
“He won’t, though.”
Her brother had used his inheritance and leveraged Lysander’s social connections the first time he built his bank. No one would trust him a second time if he lost all their deposits. It was noble of him to think he could protect her, but he couldn’t.
Annalise projected serenity, but strain showed in the tiny wrinkles around her eyes and the deep shadows beneath. She wouldn’t have brought the choice to Cora if she thought there was any other option.
Cora’s stomach heaved. Every comfort and security she’d taken for granted at the end of 1881 was evaporating with frightening rapidity barely a month into the new year. This was not the fresh start she’d had in mind.
“I won’t say yes,” she said. “But if I were to entertain this mad proposal, solely for the joy of crushing him with a last-minute refusal?—”
“Understandable.”
“—I have a number of terms to which Mr. Wentworth would have to agree.”
“Such as?”
“He doesn’t get my dowry. Ever. It will be held by one of my brothers in trust for me.”
“Very wise. We would have to see whether such an unusual stipulation is legal.”
Cora already knew the law would not be on her side, but it was worth a try. “And we won’t live together.”
“I can’t imagine that will be acceptable to him, but we can ask.”
“Under no circumstances is he to threaten, harm, or so much as glare at my dog.” Titi yipped. “That’s right, you’re a very good girl.” Cora bussed a kiss between her pet’s ears. “We won’t let that scary old banker hurt a single hair on your head, will we, Titi?”
“I shall convey your demands to Eryx,” Annalise said with a knowing smile. She caught Cora’s arm and said, “Thank you.”
“I haven’t agreed to anything.”
“I know. I am simply grateful that you are considering the possibility.” She slid away. “It has been a difficult beginning to the year. For all of us.”
Cora swallowed. “I care so much, and Eryx—” she said haltingly. “You’ve been so kind to me since marrying my brother. I admit I was worried that you were a fortune hunter when he first met you, but it’s so clear how much you love one another. I know he can be obstinate and moody, but it’s always been me and Eryx. Together. I would do anything for him.”
Annalise smiled, and for the first time in weeks, it rose to her eyes. “You are everything I could have wanted in a sister-in-law. I would not ask this of you lightly. Given what you’ve told me, I regret placing this burden on your shoulders.”
“I know we squabble, but I want Lysander’s advice before making a decision.”
“He would be a good sounding board,” Annalise agreed.
“How did the run on deposits start?” Now that the initial shock was wearing off, Cora was beginning to collect her whirling thoughts.
