Page 71 of Sweet Siren
"Forty townhouses with mews, and accompanying houses fortradesmen."
"Forty, you say." A huge project. "A veritable village. Howexciting."
"They come to us because they understand you and I know the terrain, the city and the construction crews quitewell."
"I see." She smiled and had to ask, "And thelocation?"
"Brighton. Ofcourse."
"Of course." Her heart thudded in joy andfear.
"We've been impressed with your work for Mr. Killian Hanniford," said the chairman of the directors of the foundation, Mister Winston Taylor. "His townhouses are well on their way. We've seen them. Like the builder. Appreciate the plumbing and the electrical. Very forward of you both to include them. Like the floor plans. Flowing, logical, useful. But we've also toured the foundations of Mister Hanniford's country house. Viewed the plans here. Mr. Antram was kind enough to show them to us. So we know our project will be in goodhands."
She inclined her head. Graciousness was necessary. But her hopes of escaping proximity to Brightondied.
"The company," Roger told her, "was formed in 1856. The previous chairman did not find a suitable architect or designer and after he passed away last winter, Mr. Taylor took up the search oncemore."
"We read about Mr. Hanniford's townhouses and his estate house inThe Brighton Gazette," saidTaylor.
Roger grinned at her. "Mr. Hanniford met with the entire board a few weeksago."
"That he did," said Taylor. "And we were quite satisfied with his summary of the work you've done forhim."
She did not know whether she should clap her hands or cry bitter tears. "Mr. Hanniford recommended you tous?"
"He did indeed,ma'am."
And why wouldn't he?He loved everything Roger and she had done for his projects. Todate.
"Very kind of him," said Roger. "Verykind."
More than an hour later, after the three directors had departed to catch the afternoon train back to Brighton from Victoria Station, Liv sat dumfounded in her chair. She had to ask Roger about this marvelous offer. "Have you spoken with Mr. Hanniford aboutthis?"
"Not yet. I thought you two were in Paris." No sign of dismay crossed his brow. He either didn't know or didn't care that Liv and Killian had become more than client and decorator. "Has he returned withyou?"
"I don't know. I didn't ask hisplans."
"He'll be very pleased that this project came to us because of hiswork."
"Hewill."
"And the recommendation will serve as a calling card to even more clients." He crossed his arms and sat, rocking back and forth, happy as a pigeon on a quiet street corner. "We must thank him for his trust inus."
"We must." She could not possibly resign now. If she did, she'd ruin Roger's hopes of this project and other new commissions. She grinned at her professional prospects. She burst with optimism. Those who would define her by her past, scoff at her for her parents’ choices, did not know her. Why should she consider their views of her more valid than herown?
She could face Killian. She wanted it. For her own self-respect. Peace of mind. She take with her anapology.
She wanted that for him, for herself, for a daring future she might still grasp withhim.
Her mind turned to clothes. She startled at the silliness of her bent of mind. What would she wear to tell him how sorry she was? She could not dress up her failures. Wouldn’ttry.
She snorted. Ashes and sackcloth would be best. Black would imply she was in mourning. But she wasn’t. She was instead…free. So perhaps it was fitting for her to wear nothing.She’d certainly go to him naked.Naked, in all ways,Liv.
“You are happy, aren’t you, Liv?” Roger intruded on her mentalwanderings.
She blinked. “I’m sorry. What did you say,Roger?”
The dark clouds in his expression lifted. "We're on our way to a superb reputation, Liv. I hope you knowthat."
