The banker shook his head, smiling. “Harriet, you should know that I have wondered about this Captain Frakenham from the beginning.”

She tried to swallow but could not. “Oh? Wondered what?”

“I do not believe that you are indeed engaged to a Captain Frakenham or that he will arrive with a hold full of gold and save your family from further embarrassment.” Mr. Gower’s smile bordered on the insulting. “The other officials at the bank may believe what they will, but I am not so gullible.”

“Mr. Gower, I assure you that I am indeed engaged to Captain Frakenham. How dare you insinuate that—”

“Nonsense. Harriet—Miss Ward—let us be plain. There is no Captain Frakenham. As far as I can ascertain, there never was.”

“Are you calling me a liar?”

“I believe the falsehood began with your mother. I was curious from the first, so I wrote to London and made inquiries. There is no record of Captain Frakenham or his ship.”

“Your research is incorrect, for I can assure you that—”

“You can assure me nothing.” Mr. Gower captured her hand in his, his grip more than firm. “Harriet, I have been very patient with you and your family. You may rest assured that I have encouraged my superiors to accept your preposterous story about the good captain, and I will continue to do so.” His thumb stroked a path over her knuckles. “For now.”

Harriet barely contained a shudder. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” She tugged on her hand, but he held it firmly. She wondered what he would do if she were to scream, jump out of the window, and make a mad dash for freedom through the garden below.

“Harriet, listen to me.” He stepped closer. “I may not have been born a gentleman, but I will be one before I die, as will my sons. I am asking you to marry me. You have everything to gain in this bargain.”

“What? After next month, Garrett Park will be ours.”

“Yes, but what will you do then? How will you provide for your family?”

She tried again to loosen his grip, tugging futilely. “Please, Mr. Gower—”

“You have the birth and connections I need to truly establish my name. I am willing to overlook the fact that your family is not financially responsible and that your brothers behave deplorably.”

She stopped tugging on her hand, her irritation fanned into pure anger. “What about my sisters? Do you have anything ill to say of them?”

Mr. Gower regarded her gravely. “I’m certain that with a little guidance, they will learn some proper decorum. In time.”

Harriet thought she would explode. How dare this man come to her home and insult her and her family in such a way? Especially after he’d spent the last year demanding payments and being such a nuisance that the sight of his carriage rolling down the drive made poor Mother ill with apprehension.

Harriet gave her hand one last yank, freeing it from his damp grasp. “Mr. Gower, I didn’t wish to say this, but you have forced me. Sir, you are a pain in the a—”