Kisses and Scandal (A Survivors Series Anthology ) - Shana Galen Page 0,59
danger closing in.
Bridget, on the other hand, was blissfully unaware of the peril awaiting them. She was walking quickly and chattering about the new information they’d gained. He did not wish to ruin her excitement, but he thought the sooner he separated from her, the better.
“Should we find a bookstore and purchase a directory? Surely there can’t be too many orphanages with sunny in the name.”
“I don’t know that a directory of businesses or tourist sites would list orphanages at all.”
Her shoulders fell. “You’re correct, of course.” She looked up at the sky, which was cloudy, but at least no rain fell. “I suppose we can start in Mayfair and ask people we meet if they know it.”
He steered her toward a shop window, the blinds pulled down indicating it was closed on Sunday. “We might find it even more quickly if we go to the charity hospital. The nurses will know all the foundling houses.”
She nodded. “Yes. I didn’t think of that. Let’s go now.” She started away, but he grasped her arm lightly, holding her back. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t go with you. In fact, it’s time we say goodbye.”
The excitement and pleasure on her face fled. “I don’t understand. We’re so close.”
“You are. I have no doubt you’ll find James today, but not if I’m with you. I’ll only cause you trouble.”
She shook her head. “No, you won’t. I understand if you don’t want James to know who you are, but there’s no reason you can’t meet him.”
He bent close to her. “I was recognized, Bridget. Merceron knew my face. He might not have put my face with my name and the reward offered for me, but he will. And when that happens, he’ll send men after me. I have to leave Mrs. Jacobs’s, choose a new name, and find another place to hide. London is full of boarding houses and taverns with rooms to let. It won’t be difficult.”
“And that’s to be your life? Always running? Always hiding?”
He straightened. “If I want to live, yes. I had thought—” He shook his head. “You should go on without me.”
“Finish what you were saying.”
“It’s nothing that concerns you. I’d thought of leaving, sailing for the Americas or Canada. I’d be safe there.”
She stepped back, knocking into the window. “That’s so far away.”
“I should have gone already, but there was something keeping me here.” He looked into his eyes. “Someone. Now that I know you are safe and well and will be provided for, I can go. I’ll leave blunt under your pillow before I go, enough to see that you and James are cared for.” He took her hand and kissed it. “I’ve never loved anyone else, Bridget. I don’t think I ever will.”
It was the hardest thing he’d ever done, to walk away. He heard her harsh intake of breath and the sob as she released it, but he didn’t look back. If he truly cared for her, walking away from her was the right thing to do. And he’d be damned if he would put her and his child in danger.
He turned a corner and stumbled. Every fiber of his being wanted to go back to her, but he forced himself forward, returning to Mrs. Jacobs’s. He’d gather his things, leave Bridget the blunt, and be on his way. Perhaps it was best if he left England altogether. If he was in the same city, he didn’t trust himself not to attempt to sneak a look at Bridget or James. It would be better if an ocean separated them, safer for all of them.
TWO HOURS LATER, BRIDGET trudged up the stairs of Mrs. Jacobs’s boarding house. She was tired and hot and discouraged. By the time she reached the second floor, she was also lightheaded. She hadn’t eaten since the pilfered slice of bread after church, and that had been hours ago.
She unlocked her door, stepped into her dark room, and leaned back against the door. The rain from the day before had left the city muggy and humid, and this upper chamber was as stuffy as she’d known it would be. She started for the window, then paused and glanced at her bed. Had Caleb left the money under her pillow? She turned back, then screamed when she saw the man standing on the other side of the room.
Caleb stood, hands outstretched. “It’s only me, Bridget.”
She clamped a hand over her mouth and stared at him. “I thought you were gone,” she whispered.