she’d trusted Melanie only to have her sister turn things around on her at the last minute. At some point, Tilly had learned not to trust people. Simply because Sullivan was her husband didn’t exempt him from that rule. In fact, around him she had even more reason to be cautious with her heart. After all, she knew the intimacy of their relationship would be short-lived. Six months. Less than that, even, since their wedding had taken place nearly a week ago now.
Still, she was determined not to let such thoughts intrude on her first day at the ocean. Instead, she focused on the sights and sounds around her. The treat was delicious, and as they walked and ate he bought her more things. A tart for them to share once they were at home, a trinket box with miniature roses carved onto it, as well as several hair ribbons.
Once they reached the middle of the pier, they stopped to stand at the edge and look out at the water. It was a miraculously cloud-free day, and the salty air seemed to invigorate her body. She inhaled deeply.
“I suspect this was a wonderful place to grow up,” she said.
“It was, at times.”
“You must have had so many adventures.” Something she’d always craved as a child.
He said nothing, merely stared out at the sea.
She eyed him as he watched the water, the smile gone from his face. Intensity seeped into his features, removing the soft lines at the corners of his eyes and the almost dimples at his cheeks. Still, he was so handsome it nearly took her breath away. She turned away from him before she lost more of herself to the man who saved her, the man who knew all her secrets. Her husband. Already he had so much he could use against her. The same way her sister had used Tilly’s youthful affection for Thomas against her and stolen him.
She’d done the same thing when they’d been girls, with toys or ribbons or even fabric for dresses. But Tilly had thought Melanie had grown out of it. One night after a ball when she’d danced with Thomas twice, Melanie had come to her room that night to discuss Tilly’s budding romance. Tilly had shared her feelings with her sister; they’d giggled like silly girls. The next day Melanie had gone riding with him in Hyde Park. They’d become engaged within the month.
Her gaze followed the other patrons on the pier, sampling wares and making purchases. It was a happy place, and she decided she very much liked it here at Southend. A movement caught her eye and she narrowed in. A young man, likely no more than ten and three, snaked in and out of the crowd of people. He was quick and wily and it didn’t take Tilly long to realize he was relieving the good people of their belongings. A pocket watch here, a bracelet there—he was quick and undiscerning in what he grabbed.
She took a step forward, but a viselike grip on her arm stopped her.
“No, Tilly. Leave him be.”
She turned and eyed Sullivan with surprise. “You saw him?”
“After you did. You obviously have more experience with that sort of thing, but watching you it became apparent you’d seen something suspicious.”
“Then let me stop him. I won’t cause a scene, Sullivan. I’ve been trained to be discreet.”
“Discretion is not my concern. My concern is—and always will be—your safety. You could be injured.”
“He is but a child.”
“Who likely works for someone else. Children do not learn to do that on their own.”
His words gave her the perfect opportunity to tell him about the work she’d done in London. She opened her mouth to tell him, to plead with him to help her help those children, but she stopped herself. He didn’t want her to do this. He’d forbidden it…this work that was so vitally important to her, so much part of her very person.
“They do if it is out of necessity,” she said quietly.
“If that were the case, he’d be stealing food, not jewels.”
“That doesn’t mean he’s not hungry.” He was painfully gaunt, the hollows beneath his cheeks and eyes dark and deep. “It is my duty as a member of the Ladies of Virtue.”
Sullivan’s eyes narrowed and his jaw ticked with irritation. “Now, you are my wife. We’ve discussed this Ladies of Virtue business. You want to participate in some charity work, then by all means, my funds are at your disposal. But I will