"You look like a man who would work hard to provide for his family. Since I have fallen in love with your daughter, consider this as me helping my future family. I’ll offer you the money you need to get your home back in good order," Cassius offered.
Money was what Robert desperately needed now, but how could he just take money from Cassius?
"I couldn’t do that. Feelings are fickle. One day you love her, and another day you’ll be smitten by another young lady. Besides, we aren’t close for me to be taking money from you," said Robert.
"Then, let’s make it all about business and nothing to do with Harper. We can write up a contract that I’ll give you the money you need to get yourself back in order, and once you get back on your feet, you can start repaying me," Cassius proposed.
Robert thought about it. He didn’t know Cassius well enough to take money from him.
There were long-time family friends who didn’t offer much for Robert to care for his family, but here this stranger was offering money.
"I believe wholeheartedly that by the time you are on your feet, Harper and I will be engaged. I am a man of humble beginnings, Mr. Fenwick. I’ve been lucky to receive a helping hand from someone who believed in me. Tell you what," Cassius said, changing his plans since Robert looked hesitant.
"I’ll give you some time to think it over, and I’ll come around a bit more so you get to know me better before you make your decision. I’ll prove to you how serious I am about your daughter," said Cassius.
Robert rubbed his stubble beard. "Let me think about it," he replied.
If Cassius could give Robert enough money to save his household and not look for it to be repaid if he married Harper, then Robert thought it was a good deal.
Perhaps it would be good if Harper were to marry this man instead.
’I should see what the others know of him,’ Robert thought.
"Are you a man of nobility? You look like a man with status. Did you come from some big town?" Robert asked, curious about Cassius’s upbringing.
"I am not an aristocrat, but I have been all over the kingdom. My business expands to more than just Lockwood. If Harper accepts my hand in the future, I shall take you with me for my next trip," Cassius offered.
Robert liked the sound of this. "I would like to get out of Lockwood. It’s been so long since I left. I had a little scare with my knee, and once I stepped away from work, it was never the same. You can’t leave your livelihood in the hands of others."
"No, you can’t. That’s why I work with my brother. I am a collector, while my brother is a trader. If there’s anything you want to sell, you can visit our shop in town," Cassius said.
Robert was surprised to hear that Cassus also had a shop.
So far, Cassius was sounding better than the man Robert selected to have Harper’s hand.
Robert’s eyes widened when he saw a man enter with boxes with beautiful decorations. "What is this?" He asked, standing up.
"I brought gifts for Harper, but there are a few for you and Mrs. Fenwick. I hope you will all like them," Cassius said, standing up to follow Robert.
Cassius was worried that Robert was going to deny the offer of money, but seeing how Robert’s eyes lit up now, Cassius knew the deal would be accepted soon.
Money and status ran this town. Thanks to this, Cassius had control over men like Robert, who would do anything to get their hands on money.
Robert watched as Cassius’s coachman set the gifts down and then proceeded out the door to get more.
Cassius opened one of the boxes and revealed a necklace.
Robert marvelled at the jewels on the necklace. "For my daughter?"
"It is. When I saw it, I thought of her," Cassius replied.
Robert was curious how many of the boxes had such necklaces. If he sold everything here, then he would have plenty of money.
Then again, why go through the trouble of selling everything when he could have a wealthy son-in-law?
"I’m sure my daughter will love it. They should be down soon," Robert said, hoping they would come soon. "Do you want something to drink? We have a good bottle of wine that hasn’t been opened."
"That would be wonderful," Cassius replied.
"Wait here," Robert said, going personally to get the bottle.
Cassius stopped smiling when Robert turned his back. He needed to step outside since the home felt stuffy.
Cassius couldn’t take much more of this. Being in this home was starting to feel like a punishment.
Rather than get Robert to sign over his life, Cassius was close to killing the entire family and servants so he could be on his way, but he had to do this as Quinn wanted.
"Cassius," the sound of Harper’s voice brought a smile back to Cassius’s face.
Cassius looked to his right, where Harper walked with her mother. The panting made it obvious that the ladies were in a rush to get dressed up for him.
’They are still lacking in appearance,’ Cassius thought.
It was amusing that they all fell for his words that he wanted to marry Harper. Should marriage ever cross his mind, it wouldn’t be with a woman like Harper, who had nothing to offer and was so desperate.
"You look lovely," Cassius said, taking hold of Harper’s hand to kiss the back of it. "I see now where you get your beauty from," he said, looking at Beryl.
Beryl laughed. "You are too kind with your words. Where has my husband run off to?"
"He has gone to get a bottle of wine," Cassius replied.
Harper ignored what Cassius spoke of and looked at the gifts being stacked up.
It wasn’t a carriage, but there was plenty to share with her friends to make them jealous.
Harper couldn’t wait to open all the boxes, but more importantly, she couldn’t wait for Cassius to propose to her.
"I hope your trip to our home wasn’t bad. This truly is a surprise for me," said Harper.
Harper no longer felt sad that she wasn’t invited to the palace. Cassius’s showing up here meant that he was starting to think of taking her as his wife.
"It wasn’t bad at all. I enjoyed getting to look around this land. Would you care to join me on a walk? Your mother can accompany us," Cassius said, offering his hand to Harper.
Harper placed her hand on Cassius’s, accepting the offer.