Sweet Rogue of Mine (The Survivors #9) - Shana Galen Page 0,115

imagine that a man like George Northgate, who had lived his entire life in a small village, would mature if given a chance to see more of the world and make his own way in it.

“I suppose after this I won’t see you again,” Pru said. “I can’t imagine being welcomed into your home.”

Mrs. Northgate smiled. “I would welcome you, but I agree it’s probably not wise. Perhaps I can come and visit you.”

Pru gasped and then hugged Mrs. Northgate. “Would you?”

“Of course. I have many topics of interest to discuss with that ridiculous vicar of yours. He becomes quite vexed when I point out his lack of rational thought on several points of philosophy. I will call on you in a few days.”

“Until then,” Pru said, stepping away, quite aware that all of her affection made Mrs. Northgate uncomfortable. But then the woman did something Pru wasn’t expecting. She pulled Pru into a warm embrace. Pru stood still for a moment, a little shocked, and then wrapped her arms around Mrs. Northgate. Pru had wanted a hug desperately, and now she wanted to stay like this forever.

“I will see you soon, dear girl,” Mrs. Northgate said. She pulled back and smiled down at Pru. “Thank you for knocking on my door that day. I didn’t realize how much I needed a friend.” Then she released Pru and started for the wagon, where her grandson sat staring sullenly straight ahead. Pru would have liked to watch them go—watch what she hoped was the last she’d ever see of George Northgate—but she had left Nash alone and wanted to return to him as quickly as possible. She had a thousand questions for him—chiefly, when he had given his pistol to Mr. Payne. And secondly, though much more important in her mind, when he could sneak away so she could steal a kiss.

“WELL, THIS GATHERING has proved more entertaining than I thought,” Rowden said after the earl had moved away. Nash folded his arms across his chest.

“I could have used less excitement.”

“Oh, this gives them something to talk about for the next few months. What is that line in Henry V? ‘And gentlemen in England now-a-bed shall think themselves accursed they were not here.’”

Nash frowned. “I didn’t think you were one for Shakespeare.”

“You don’t know everything about me.”

“I know you said you would guard my back. And you did.”

“I did, and I will. Though I daresay you don’t need me anymore. I believe I will start making plans to return to London.”

“Alone at last,” Nash said, though he felt a pang of sadness at not seeing Rowden every day. He held his hand out. “And I think it time you gave me my pistol back.”

Rowden laughed. “I’m not feeling that sentimental, my friend. I’ll just hold on to it a while longer. Ah, Miss Howard.”

Nash stilled, waiting for the sound of her voice and the warmth of her presence to wash over him.

“Mr. Payne.”

Nash reached for her as soon as he heard the sound of her voice. But there was no need as she anticipated him and was already at his side. He wouldn’t let her walk away again. He was determined to keep her safe and close for the remainder of the day. He might have liked to keep her that way forever, but she would have fought any sort of cage or restraint. She had to be free, and he had to trust she would always come back to him. “Is he gone?” Nash asked. He didn’t want to say the man’s name, and fortunately he needn’t.

“Yes. His grandmother has taken him home and will send him away as quickly as possible. I can’t say I will be sorry to see him go. But I don’t want to speak of him. Mr. Payne, exactly how long have you had that pistol? And Nash, what possessed you to give it to him?”

“That’s a story for another time,” Rowden said. “But I will tell you what Nash knows very well. I protect my friends. I think we are alike in that regard, are we not, Miss Howard?”

“We are.”

“Excuse me, then. I can see Nash is trying to work out how to get you alone. I’ll oblige him by walking away and pointing out that the house is all but empty at the moment.”

Nash could hear the smile in Rowden’s voice and then his footsteps retreated.

Nash clasped Pru’s hand and pulled her into the house behind them before anyone else could delay or