"Mr. Lancaster, I fail to see the humor in this situation. Elliot Publishing needs your help."
"That's fine. Your father can come to me if he thinks it necessary."
Grace worried Lancaster might refuse altogether if he knew of her father's health. "Why can't you give me the loan?"
"My dear, women don't work. Not respectable ones anyway."
"But I will run the company one day. Is that not respectable?"
He gave her a look. "What does your mother have to say."
Grace blushed.
"I thought so."
"Please sir, won't you reconsider? I want to help my father."
"Answer's no."