Chapter 10

"Why is he so determined?""Because a condemned building may be purchased cheaply, and a new hotel built profitably.""He would destroy the Assembly Rooms for a hotel?""He would call it progress."The word hung bitterly in the hall. Phoebe folded her arms against the chill. "I do not oppose progress.""No?""No. I oppose theft wearing a clean coat."Mr. Meer studied her, and something in his expression changed."What is it?" she asked."You are not what I expected.""Nor are you.""What did you expect?""A young man eager to make his name with straight lines, large windows, and no patience for old plaster."A smile touched his mouth. "And I expected a lady who cared for dances, flirtations, and whether the supper room was well lit.""I do care whether the supper room is well lit.""Of course. Forgive me.""It is important.""I am beginning to understand that everything here is important."There was no mockery in his voice. Phoebe looked away first. The hall had grown very quiet. Outside, carriage wheels rolled over the square; somewhere in the building, her uncle coughed.Mr. Meer said, "My father was a mason."Phoebe turned back."He worked on churches, bridges, houses—whatever would pay. He believed a good building served those who used it, not the vanity of the man who designed it.""And you?""I spent years wishing to design something grand enough that no one would remember I was a mason's son."The confession was so unexpected that Phoebe did not know what to say.He looked toward the portico. "Then I began to see how many grand buildings are empty of affection. This place is not.""No," she said softly. "It is not."

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