now, tonight? Do you have a friend who will take you in? But no, if you did, it would be their residence that you graced with your presence now. So, which way with you?”
“Why, to the coach, of course.” She looked up at him as if he were daft. There was still an edge of hysteria about her.
“My dear, that establishes your manner of conveyance, not your destination. Do you intend to sleep on the box?”
Marguerite, having no reply, lowered her eyes.
“And – by yourself? You must have had a marvelous journey here, if you are so eager to attempt it again. Perhaps you will find an inn? Will you sit up this night and partake of a hardy draught of ale? I am sure you’ll find the nighttime company to your liking.”
“I had not thought –“
“Clearly you hadn’t.” He knew he sounded cruel, but this could only be a kindness. He would not think of what fate would await her if she left with no destination, no clear plan.
“But yes, I can sit up in the tavern tonight, waiting for the morning coach. It cannot be too bad.”
“I can tell you have not had much exposure to London.”
“I did visit Rose last spring, and, of course, there was her first husband’s memorial.”
“I am sure that you spent many evenings on each of those occasions wandering alone.”
“Of course not. But that does not mean –”
“I am rather afraid it does. You would not be safe. Do you wish yourself harm?”
She slumped for a moment, but then pulled herself up, refusing to be intimidated. The firelight lit her hair as she moved.
“You can send a footman with me. That would keep me safe.”
“So now you require funds and a footman, too?”
“Yes.” Her voice shook, but she refused to back down.
“That can be managed.” He let her have her victory, then parried. “Where exactly will you go, once you are in this wondrous public coach?”
“I’ve already said, the country.”
“That covers rather a lot of territory. Do you have a more specific location, in case I should be in need of repayment?”
She paused and turned away, walking to the window. She stared out into the darkness. “I’ve heard Cumberland is pretty. I’ll take a cottage there.”
“And how will you find this cottage?”
“Ah.” She continued to face out into the night. The window overlooked the rear garden and there was not a sparkle of light to be seen. “I will hire someone to find a cottage. A manager.”
“So I am now supplying funds for a manager as well.”
“I will find someone reasonable,” her voice shook at the end.
“How? In my experience a low price is often linked to dishonesty and shoddy practices.”
“I am a good judge of character.”
He stared at her belly. “And why do you not want to contact your child’s father?”
“That was different.” Her hands clenched at her sides.
“If you say so.”
“It was.”
“I haven’t argued.” He stepped closer again, resisting the strange urge to take her in his arms and offer comfort. “But, I daresay I’d best supply an estate agent, as well, to find you a quiet spot. An estate agent, a footman, and funds to keep you. Is anything else required?
“No.”
“I am sorry I didn’t hear you.” He took another step forward. “Can you speak up?”
“No, I need nothing further.”
“I am so glad you know how to cook. So many women don’t.”
“I will be fine.”
“You do cook, then?” He continued to watch her. Her tightly drawn body was vibrating with the subtlety of a violin string. She could not resist much longer.
“I said I’ll be fine,” her voice still held surprising determination.
“I’ll add a cook to the list, then. Perhaps a maid, as well. You don’t seem to have a knack for hair.”
Marguerite’s hand rose, as he had known it would, and brushed over her wilted locks. He could not mistake its trembling.
He moved to stand close behind her. Only a breath of air separated them. “I do not believe I can give you the funds you desire. It seems a most foolish enterprise. My plan is much sounder. You must believe I have your best interests at heart.”
“Why should I?” Her whole body was shaking visibly now.
Again, he experienced an urge to pull her against him, to cradle her with his strength. His body was responding to her closeness. All the cards were stacked against her.
“Would it be so hard to trust me?” He whispered into her hair; a light citrus scent tickled his nose. “I seek only what’s