“Mr. Danforth,” she said, “I’m afraid there’s been a change of plans.”
“Miss Lilly.” He spoke loudly, as if playacting. “Is everything all right?”
“There’s been some trouble. Please, come with me.”
She took him through the library and out onto the loggia, which extended lengthwise along the south side of the art gallery. Four sets of coupled columns divided the walkway from the expanse of lawn. In the moonless night, they were practically invisible out here, and she needed some fresh air after the stuffiness of Mr. Frick’s sitting room.
“There was an issue with Mr. Frick, I’m afraid. Miss Helen is up tending to her father.”
“I’m sorry to hear he’s still ill.”
“Yes.” She spoke quickly. “We’ll have to reschedule the proposal. I’ll check her calendar first thing in the morning and send you some alternate dates.”
“I didn’t come here to propose, Lilly. I came to explain that I won’t be marrying Miss Helen.”
Lillian felt something in her crumble. The money. Her money. Her dreams. And yet, was Mr. Danforth turning down a fortune because of Lillian? Could she have had such a dramatic effect on him? “No, that won’t do,” she said. But the words sounded feeble, and seemed to heighten Mr. Danforth’s zeal.
“I’m not in love with her, and I don’t think we’d make a good match. You, of all people, must understand that.” He touched her arm.
A flash of light fell onto the grass, from a window in the living hall. Someone had moved the curtain, looked out. Mr. Danforth retreated farther into the shadows, pulling Lillian with him.
“I know I don’t have a lot to offer, just a small yearly income,” he said. “But I’ve thought about what we discussed. I want to study medicine up in Boston, and lead a simple life. All this”—he motioned back at the house, which loomed in the darkness like a tomb—“is not my cup of tea. I don’t think it’s yours, either, Lilly. We could lead a good, happy life together.”
He was offering her a chance at a different life than she’d imagined. One of stability and companionship. She knew enough of his sorrow and kindness, along with the fact that he wasn’t impressed by the Fricks’ wealth, to understand that he was a good man. A good man who was in love with her.
The daily bustle of the Frick house had only served as a diversion from the fact that she was utterly alone as well, and as much as she wanted to believe her services indispensable to Miss Helen, she was replaceable, in a heartbeat. For so long she’d served others, standing patiently, fully exposed, for artists. Making sure Kitty was taken care of. Kowtowing to the whims and tantrums of Miss Helen. She’d molded herself into whatever shape was called for, and was good at it. How caught up she’d been, to miss this.
Accepting his offer would mean giving up her dreams of a film career. But was she really resting all of her hopes and dreams on a couple of dashed-off letters from a producer? Mr. Broderick probably sent out a hundred a week. Was she naive to consider herself special?
But Mr. Broderick was looking for an Angelica-type actress. He was looking for her. She’d worked so hard, come so close, and she’d never know if she could be successful in California if she didn’t try. Never mind the fact that running off with Mr. Danforth would invite the wrath of the Fricks.
And finally, if they married, Mr. Danforth would have to be told the truth about Lillian. About Angelica.
“I’m not sure,” she said. Did she have the courage to expose herself, inside and out? To stop hiding? But this was what love was all about, according to the songs and poems and books that had been written through the ages. It was about giving yourself to another person and trusting them with your secrets. She’d never imagined she’d have the opportunity, but Mr. Danforth’s kiss had changed all that. He loved her, in spite of the danger circling around them.
“You may not be certain yet, but I am,” he answered. “Meet me Monday in the park, on the terrace of Belvedere Castle. Eleven o’clock. We’ll run off and get married and start a new life, together. Will you do that, Lilly?”
He paused, waiting. “Will you?”
Chapter Thirteen
The next morning, Lillian was told that Mr. Frick still wasn’t feeling well and the doctor had been called for. She waited with Miss Helen outside the door to his sitting room while he was examined, and they walked the doctor to the foyer when he was finished.