As it turned out, he didn’t tell George anything that day. By the time he arrived at the cottage, he found George pacing the parlor instead of working with the two horses as he usually did after work.
“What is it?”
“I just told your mama we can’t afford to have her come anymore. I’m so sorry, Bart. Please don’t be mad at me.”
“I’d never be…What happened?”
“That…” He glanced around, then lowered his voice. “That damned landlord raised the rent again, and now he wants it every month.”
“What can I do to help?”
George shook his head. “There’s nothing. Not unless you can turn into an heiress.”
And marry him? Bart stood there, his mouth gaping like a beached fish.
“Don’t pay any mind to me. I’m not thinking straight.” He held out his palm to reveal the large red brooch he held.
“Is that
