Chapter 19 #2
Was she being a coward? Maybe. But right now, she didn’t want to fall apart in front of Caleb. She didn’t want to see whether he cared or worse. To see that none of his words about a man falling in love had ever been meant for her. That was more than she could bear.
Once outside, her composure cracked. Ivy didn’t cry. Instead, her thoughts rushed in, merciless and orderly. She’d crossed a line and embarrassed herself in the process. She may have even endangered the reputation of the Sisters’ Mail-Order Bride Company.
Rules existed for a reason.
By the time she reached the sidewalk, her mind was made up. She would not wait to be fired. She would resign. The decision brought an odd sense of calm. A painful calm… but calm nonetheless.
Ivy stopped and turned back toward the building, lifting her chin. This was the decent and honorable thing to do.
No one noticed when she slipped back inside.
Augusta stood near her desk when Ivy removed her coat and hung it on the rack.
Josie, Teddy, and Caleb were nowhere in sight.
They were likely securing George in the back and returning Cleopatra upstairs.
Margaret was speaking quietly with Miss Fairchild at her desk.
“Augusta?” Ivy said.
Augusta straightened, still holding a sheaf of papers. “Yes?”
“I… um, may I speak with you?”
Surprise flickered across Augusta’s face. “Of course. I was just about to talk to you…”
“I’m resigning,” Ivy said in a low voice as she closed the distance between them.
Augusta blinked. “You’re… resigning?”
“Yes,” Ivy said, before doubt could creep in. “I’ve given the matter careful consideration, and I believe it’s in the best interest of the company.”
Augusta frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“I’ve failed to maintain proper boundaries,” Ivy said, her voice steady despite the ache blooming in her chest. “And I would never wish to compromise the reputation of this company or place you in an uncomfortable position.”
Augusta stared at her. “Ivy, I hadn’t intended…”
“I should have been more circumspect,” Ivy pressed on, the words tumbling out now. “More guarded. I allowed myself to forget my place.”
“What are you…”
“I understand if you’re disappointed,” Ivy said cut in. “Truly. But I would rather step aside now than force you to take action later.”
Augusta’s mouth opened, then closed. She studied Ivy with an intensity that made Ivy’s resolve waver. “I only wished to ask you about Miss Fairchild’s interview,” Augusta said at last. “I was late coming downstairs and wondered how much I’d missed.”
Ivy’s breath caught. “Oh.”
Augusta’s brow furrowed. “Wait a moment… what did you say about boundaries?”
Heat flooded Ivy’s cheeks. Caleb could return at any moment. “I assure you, my decision stands,” Ivy said. “Please don’t trouble yourself.”
“This is quite sudden,” Augusta said.
“I’ll vacate my position at once.”
Augusta studied her another moment, then nodded slowly. “Very well,” she said, her expression unreadable. “If that is your wish. But I…”
“Thank you for the opportunity,” Ivy said and inclined her head. She turned before Augusta could say more.
Ivy quickly gathered her few belongings; a notebook, the pencil Grandma Evie had given her, a handkerchief. Then slipped on her coat and left without a backward glance.
The cold air hit her like a slap. Ivy walked quickly, as the weight of what she’d done pressed on her shoulders. She’d just reached her building when a voice stopped her.
“My, my. You look as though the world has ended.”
She startled and stopped, a hand to her chest.
Edward Grimsby stood near the gate, impeccably dressed as always, his expression arranged into mild concern. Merciful heavens, she hadn’t even seen him. “I beg your pardon,” she said stiffly.
He inclined his head. “Forgive me. I couldn’t help but notice your distress.”
She hesitated but said nothing. There was no point denying it. Ivy drew her coat tighter. “Good day, Mr. Grimsby.”
He stepped aside, allowing her to pass. “It’s often for the best, you know.” His gaze flicked over her. “I assume you’ve lost something. Your position, perhaps? Or a considerable sum of money?”
Ivy stopped but didn’t look at him. She must look more upset than she thought.
“Hm. Seeing as you don’t have much money,” he continued mildly.
“It can’t be that.” He stepped closer. “Not all are suited to the demands of the workforce. Better to recognize one’s limitations early, my dear.
” His fingers brushed her sleeve, lingering just long enough to make her skin crawl.
“You were meant to take care of a man,” he added, his voice dropped an octave.
“Still, you tried. But let’s face it, you’ll never be able to take care of yourself. ”
The words slid neatly into the hole already carved inside her. Ivy looked at him, eyes wide.
Grimsby smiled, satisfied.
She swallowed hard and continued up the walk, the world blurring around her. By the time she reached her apartment, the truth of what she’d done settled deep and cold in her bones.
She’d done the only thing left to her to salvage what remained of her broken heart. Now she was going to have to do her best to forget about Caleb Hartwell.