Diana stood in front of him and reached for his hand. She breathed in slowly for a moment. “The day you asked me to help you was one of the happiest of my life. I watched you lose yourself in this railroad business after Papa died. We all knew you would succeed, but what we didn’t know was the toll it would take. And Mama and I—all we could do was watch.”

Nate’s head slowly lifted from the wall. Tears were pricking Diana’s eyes, but that didn’t matter. She didn’t have to be a businesswoman in front of Nate. “I don’t know what would have happened to you if Grace hadn’t come along. She showed you a life beyond paying off our family’s debts and bringing the estate out of the brink of ruin.” Nate’s face softened, as it did any time his wife’s name was mentioned. “Do not regret asking me to work with you. I cannot say that I have loved every minute of it, but to accomplish something that helps our family, and now the Richardson family, has been one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done.” Or, it would be, assuming the act passed.

Nate pursed his lips together. “You are so very capable. I’m glad the world will get to see your competence today when your act is passed and you can finally build a line that you developed and fought for. But Diana, Lord Bryant—” He shook his head. “Even if what you say is true, his reputation is thoroughly damaged, and all of London knows he has sworn to never remarry. I’ve heard him say it myself, and I don’t believe he was bluffing.”

Everton hadn’t been. But she had seen him change. At his home last night, his heart had certainly been softened to the idea. More than softened. “He wasn’t bluffing, but I believe he has changed his mind.”

“You believe he has changed his mind? You have already put your reputation at risk by consorting with him. Are you willing to also risk your heart because you believe he has changed his mind?”

No other man had ever even interested Diana. It had always been Everton—ever since she was eighteen years old. No matter how difficult their path would be, she would always be willing to take a chance on him. “Yes.”

Nate pushed himself away from the wall and walked away from her. Three steps later, he turned around and came back. With both hands out in front of him, he started to speak twice, his mouth floundering for words.

Diana took his hands in hers. “You told me I should have asked for your help at the beginning of all of this.” She swallowed. “Well, I’m asking for it now. Nate, help me with Lord Bryant. If he asks for my hand, give him all the conditions you want, but tell him yes. When we go out in Society together, stand with me as my brother. Help others to see the man that he is instead of the man he has portrayed himself to be.”