Harriet looked down at Mr. Gower’s leather shoes. They were dark and stained. Her nose wrinkled. “I’m certain Derrick didn’t mean to do such a thing.”

“I’m sure he did, though he claimed it was an accident and the handle slipped.”

“If he said it was an accident, then it was,” Harriet said, though she had an instant image of Stephen’s mischievous grin.

“He meant to do it, the little—” Gower clamped his mouth closed.

“Perhaps he did,” Harriet said, lifting her chin. “He is not a servant to take your horse at your demand.”

“He was dressed like a servant and so I thought he was one. Besides, my error does not excuse his behavior.”

“No, it doesn’t. If he did indeed sully your shoes on purpose, he is in the wrong. But so are you, for being so remiss in the attention that is due him.”

Mr. Gower’s mouth thinned. “I gave him a shilling for his trouble. Considering the sad case of your family affairs, one would think he’d be glad for the—”

Harriet stood. “Mr. Gower, thank you so much for coming to visit.”

He reluctantly climbed to his feet, his brows knit. “Miss Ward—Harriet, I only meant that your family is in a very poor situation—”

“I don’t care how poor my family’s situation is. It was an insult to Derrick and to everyone under this roof that you tossed a coin to him as if he was a common linkboy. You are just fortunate I wasn’t in the barnyard, for I would have poured the bucket over more than your shoes.”

“You—how can you say that? Look at these!” He held out one foot.

Harriet pressed a hand over her nose. “Indeed. I’m very sorry you wore them into the house because now I’ll have to have the rugs cleaned.”

He lowered his foot, a mottled red traveling up his neck. “After all I’ve done for your family—”

“Done for my family? Endlessly tormenting us about the payments?”

“It’s my job to—”

“Exactly. It’s your job. So don’t come here, mewing about how you’ve had our best interests at heart. All you’ve had at heart is money. Our money. And nothing else.”

He straightened his shoulders. “At one time, that may have been true. But now—Harriet, I do not pretend that I find your family’s sad financial plight to my liking. I do not. Though I’ve admired you and your determination for many months now, your situation has caused me some hesitation in speaking my mind.”

“How unfortunate for my family,” Harriet said with a burning look.

“So it is,” he responded, missing her sarcasm altogether. “Most men would never willingly overlook such things. But however much I deplore the state of your finances, I have to admit it is gratifying to see that you’ve only one payment left before Garrett Park is your own. Of course, I realize that there is nothing else to be had. Neither you, nor any of your sisters, will have a dowry, will you?”