‘I’ll only get emotional if he says something I don’t want to hear. Don’t let him bully you.’
‘Don’t worry,’ said Julius. He wasn’t nervous, though he was apprehensive. He didn’t want to make a tricky situation turn nasty.
Thomas Quinn was scrupulously polite, ushering him in and ordering coffee. It was a little bit surreal, thought Julius, sitting in opposing armchairs in this formal setting. He felt like a head of state about to discuss foreign policy.
‘I want to make this situation as least disruptive as possible,’ Thomas told him. ‘You know, of course, what a smart girl Rebecca is. She has a very bright future.’
‘Yes,’ said Julius. ‘She’s very clever. Far cleverer than I am.’
‘And, as her father, it would be wrong of me not to want her to make the most of her potential.’
‘I’m sure that’s what we all want for our children.’
Julius held his gaze.
Thomas Quinn cleared his throat.
‘I appreciate that you have been a gentleman and agreed to stand by her. Rebecca tells me what a tower of strength you are. How supportive. I’m very grateful.’
This wasn’t quite the tack Julius had expected. He’d anticipated disapproval. Criticism.
‘Thank you,’ he replied, wondering what was coming next.
‘However, I think you’re both being idealistic. I don’t think either of you really have any idea of the impact having a baby will have on your careers, your lifestyle, your economic circumstances. I mean, you don’t actually have a career, as yet – do you? You’re working in a book shop?’
Julius stared, intense dislike starting to boil up inside him. He’d thought it was too good to be true. He remained calm and polite.
‘Yes. But I have a good degree. I’m quite confident—’
‘Your confidence is charming. But you’re being na?ve. Take it from me. I’ve had three children. Good intentions are all very well in theory. Admirable. But you will find the reality a very different story.’
‘Mr Quinn, people have children every day and bring them up perfectly well—’
Thomas Quinn cut him off again. ‘I don’t want to see my daughter’s potential wasted. I want her to be the best person she can be. I don’t think having a baby at nineteen is going to enable that. No matter how much support she has from you.’
‘She can carry on her studies. We’ll find a way.’
Quinn gave a dismissive snort.
‘Look, I’m not going to pretend I think this is a good idea on any level. Rebecca is a pistol, on the surface. But underneath, she’s actually very vulnerable. And not as strong as she comes across. Believe me, I’m her father. I know Rebecca. Which is why I’m so very concerned. I know you think this is about her mother and me, but it isn’t. I’m very worried. And I can see she thinks the world of you, and would listen to what you have to say.’
Julius felt a growing sense of horror. ‘It’s too late for an abortion. If that’s what you’re thinking.’
He was pleased to see Thomas flinch. Julius wasn’t going to mince his words to spare this man’s feelings.
‘I know that,’ said Thomas carefully. ‘But it’s not too late to give the baby up for adoption.’
Julius couldn’t hide his shock. He wasn’t sure he’d heard right. ‘What?’
He crossed his arms and stared at the man who, in theory, had things gone in the right order and more happily, might have been his father-in-law.
Thomas walked over to the latticed window of the hotel room. Julius stared at his broad back and wondered what he was actually thinking. Was he really doing the best for his daughter, or was there another agenda? Was this all about saving her reputation? Protecting the family name?
‘Let me make a deal with you.’ Thomas turned back, walked across the room and sat down. ‘If you can persuade Rebecca to give the baby up for adoption, I will write you a cheque for fifty thousand pounds. And I will help find the very best family possible.’ He held up his hand. ‘Don’t say anything for at least a minute. Please know that this comes from a desire to do the best for my daughter.’
Julius walked over to the window and stood where Thomas had stood. He looked out at the buildings, the colleges: the hopes and dreams of so many young people, himself included, Rebecca included, were held inside those walls. Eventually he turned.
‘I suppose there aren’t many problems you don’t think can be solved by money.’
Thomas gave a smile.
‘I am sure one day you will understand my need to protect my child,’ he said. ‘Especially if it’s a girl.’
‘I would let my daughter make her own decisions. With my guidance.’
‘If you turn this offer down, I won’t be giving you and Rebecca any financial support. You do understand that?’
‘It hadn’t even occurred to me that you might. It wasn’t something I was relying on.’ Julius stood up and held out his hand. ‘Please – be assured that I will look after your daughter and grandchild to the best of my ability.’