escort.” God’s teeth, tell me I didn’t just say that.
Severin felt the heat of stares turned upon him.
“You?” Lady Beatrice’s voice rose in astonishment.
The words kept rolling off his tongue. “My carriage will offer Miss Sheridan the comfort she needs during her recovery. I will stay with her and her family until they are safely out of harm’s reach. You have my word.”
Sheridan looked him up and down. “The travelling life ain’t suited for toffs.”
“I’ll manage.” The cove had no idea of Severin’s origins. Growing up in the rookery, he had eked out a living that would make the tinker’s life seem majestic by comparison. “Miss Sheridan’s safety must come first.”
Lady Beatrice looked as if she might say something, but Murray cut her off.
“It’s a good idea,” the Scot said. “Sheridan, if you must travel alone—”
“I must,” the tinker insisted.
“Then accept His Grace’s escort. If danger befalls you, Knighton is a man you would want by your side.” Murray flicked his gaze to Severin then back to the tinker. “Trust me on this.”
Severin wasn’t sure what to make of the Scot’s praise. He supposed he could return the compliment…but he decided against it. The other’s head was swelled enough as it was. It was best not to encourage sentiment. Next thing you knew, he and Murray might end up friends.
“You may join us, Your Grace,” Sheridan said with clear reluctance. “But mind you, we be keepin’ a pace and won’t be stopping for nobody.”
“I shall endeavor to keep up,” Severin said wryly.
“We’ll leave bright and early tomorrow. Mind you be ready.” Wagging a finger at Severin as if he were a misbehaving puppy, Sheridan departed.
“Thank you, Knighton.” Murray approached and clapped him on the shoulder. “This is generous of you.”
Lady Beatrice arched her brows. “Quite generous.”
“Think nothing of it.” Severin kept his tone nonchalant.
His mind whirled. What the devil have I done?
8
On the day of departure, Fancy and her bosom chum exchanged tearful goodbyes. She clung to Bea, every fiber of her balking at deserting her friend in a time of need. What if the villain launched another attack? Fancy might not be worth much when it came to fighting, but she had a strong pair of lungs and could scream bloody murder as loud as anyone.
She had mounted that argument over and again to no avail. Da could be as stubborn as Bertrand when he made his mind up. Nothing she said could sway him from his plan that the Sheridans should go their own way.
“Don’t blame your father, dear,” Bea said now, as if reading her mind. “He wants what is best for you. Indeed, his decision might be the right one.”
“’Ow can you say that?” Fancy swiped the back of her hand over her eyes. She’d never been a watering pot, but since the attack, she’d found herself perilously close to tears over naught. “I would be an extra pair o’ eyes and ears. You don’t know when the bastard might strike again—”
“Wick and his men will look out for me.”
Her friend’s confidence quieted Fancy’s protests more than any arguments could have. For Bea had never been a trusting sort, especially when it came to men. Yet now she exchanged a look with Mr. Murray, standing at a discreet distance by his waiting carriage. Some unspoken message passed between them. And Fancy realized the truth that her friend had not yet put into words.
Bea ’as fallen in love, she thought in wonder. And Mr. Murray loves ’er back.
Bea was glowing in a primrose carriage dress, her lavender eyes sparkling, her white-gold hair bound proudly back and no longer hiding her scar or her beauty from the world. Love had transformed her, prepared her for any hardships ahead. She had Mr. Murray to depend upon now, and he could offer more protection than a tinker’s daughter ever could.
Gladness and a poignant ache filled Fancy’s heart.
“You’re in good ’ands,” she said with a smile.
“So are you.” Bea leaned closer. “But, my dear, don’t forget your promise to me. While Wick says Knighton is honorable, you must remain on guard. If he tries to take advantage of you—”
“’E won’t,” Fancy said tremulously. “But I won’t forget my promise.”
Bea touched her forehead briefly to Fancy’s “Take care, my dear. I shall miss you.”
“You be careful, too.” Fancy’s smile wobbled. “Until we meet again.”
They hugged and then Bea was gone.
Fancy wiped away a few errant tears, then went to help her da and brothers finish packing up the wagon. They were loading