17
LI
I was returningto the apartment loaded with packages from the shop when I ran into James West coming out of a café. Just what I needed to complete this disaster of a day.
“Hello there,” James said. It was remarkable how much he sounded like Lord Barnes. “Doing some shopping?”
“Yes, indeed I am.” How much should I tell him? Would he think Fiona mad? However, if he did then it simply proved he was the wrong man for her. She needed someone who understood her philanthropic nature. If he was interested in her because of her fortune, his rejection of the idea would be evidence that my suspicions were correct. Should I tell him and watch carefully for clues to his true nature? “In fact, Fiona and I have taken up a bit of a project. We were out this morning and found some adventure.”
“Is that right? You must tell me about it. I was just headed your way.” He tapped the cover of the book that he held close to his chest. “I’ve a new novel for her. One I think she’ll enjoy.”
“What book is it?” Of course he would have the latest and greatest book. This would be impressive to Fiona and the rest of the Barnes clan. They loved their books.
“The Sun Also Rises. Ernest Hemingway. He and his wife lived here in Paris when he wrote it.” He grinned, facetious. “I say it as if I invented him and Paris, don’t I?” He sighed heavily. “I’m discouraged, if you want to know the truth. I’m helping Cooper with his second book and wondering where my life is headed.”
We set out together down the sidewalk. I was proud of myself that I hadn’t been petty and mentioned that the Hemingway book had been out for a long time and Fiona had already read it.
“How’s the new manuscript coming along?” I asked, trying to be polite when I wanted to tell him to turn around and go the other direction.
“Slow. He’s yet to get me a new chapter. His wife told me he’s belaboring every word, which means there aren’t many. Words, that is.” He motioned toward the coffee shop he’d just come out of. “I’ve been in there sitting on the floor next to a shelf of my favorite books and wondering how I’m going to pay the rent on my measly apartment. As loath as I am to admit it, my father is right about me and this ridiculous dream of becoming an editor. This is a fool’s errand.”
“I can understand why you feel that way but art, in all her forms, is important. You’re doing a service, bringing books into the world.”
“That’s kind of you to say. I’m not bringing them anywhere. Cooper’s my only client. I have acquaintances in the literary world but nothing to show them.”
“Didn’t you say his first book would lead you to a job with a publishing house?”
“I’m hoping so, but thus far it’s proven to be futile. Basically, I’ve been mooching about Paris, using up what little allowance I have and working with Cooper. I need a real job but have no skills. The aristocrats of England have little to offer, I’m afraid. Without money, what are we?”
“In America, there is opportunity no matter your title.” Especially if one looked like James West.
“Is that true, though? Don’t you need money to begin with? I mean, if I were to go to Emerson Pass with Fiona, what would I do there? Mooch about some more?”
His words turned me cold, despite the warmth of the summer day. Had they talked of James coming home with Fiona?
“I need a wealthy wife,” James said. “That would solve all my problems.”
The hairs on the back of my neck raised. “Is that your intent with Fiona? Are you hoping she’ll marry you and save your family from ruin?”
James had the gall to laugh. “Fiona Barnes is one of the finest women I’ve ever known. Marrying her would be any man’s honor. However, she’s intent on marrying for love.”
What did that mean? Did he intend to seduce her into falling in love with him? It would be the right answer for him, obviously. But what about my romantic Fiona? Could she love him? What wasn’t there to love, I thought, trying to be rational. James West was handsome, kind, funny, and smart. He was a connoisseur of art, music, and literature. Best of all, he belonged to her father’s world. Lord Barnes would understand James West, feel comfortable with him and the idea of a marriage to his beloved daughter. Other than West’s lack of funds, he was the perfect match for Fiona. However, she didn’t need money. Lord Barnes had enough to go around. Therefore, James was, in fact, the perfect match for her. Who was I to say otherwise?
“Listen, West. If it’s Fiona you want, then you should make your intentions known to her father. Do this the right way.”
He made an annoying clicking sound with his tongue before we separated to allow a smitten couple to walk between us. “It kills me to tell you this, but there’s nothing between Fiona and me except a deep and loyal friendship.”
I glanced at him. “You’re not trying to convince her to marry you? And why does it kill you to say so?”
After an impatient sigh, he halted and pulled me from the sidewalk to stand under the skinny awning of a bakery. “Why do you concern yourself with Fiona and me? It makes me wonder.”
“Wonder what?” I nearly growled.
He tugged off his hat and held it in front of him, as if he were worried I might punch him. “If you don’t want her yourself, why do you dislike me so much?” He held up his hat in a gesture of self-defense. “I know you don’t care for me. It’s obvious despite your flawless manners. I may be poor, but people like me anyway. Almost everyone. Fiona says I’m like a golden retriever that way.”
“It’s nothing to do with you.”
“Isn’t that what I just said? You’re a fool, Wu. An utter fool. You’re going to lose her and then what?” He put his hat back on, turned, and continued down the street.
I followed behind, juggling my parcels. “Sometimes love means selflessness, West,” I called after him but he appeared not to hear me. If he was a golden retriever then I was one of those small, yapping dogs at his heels. “Do you have a plan to seduce Fiona? Get her to fall in love with you?” I asked, seething.
“You’re the chap who would know, aren’t you?” For the first time, I caught a hint of hostility in his voice.
I sidestepped a woman pushing a baby carriage. “Pardon me?”
“It’s a pity, that’s all.”
“What’s a pity?” I asked through gritted teeth. West’s legs were much longer than mine. I was almost panting to keep up with him.
“That you don’t return her affection. Is there anything worse than unrequited love?”
“She told you about her feelings?” What else had she told him?
“Indeed. We’re confidants. She’s shared many things with me, including the unrequited love of her best friend from home. I can’t fathom how you could resist her.”
“See there, you do want her.” I jerked my arm, knocking my face with one of the bags as a sinking feeling washed over me. Would it be better for Fiona if she married James? Was it her destiny to marry James West and raise these street urchins? Ces enfants des rues?