“Agatha Woodville, sir.” She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and walked toward him.
“There is no need to look like a lamb going to the slaughter. I am not interested in your body.”
She stopped as if she had run into a wall, her eyes widening. “I …what?”
“Do you have something more practical to wear?”
“Madam burned my gown and my boots.”
A humorless smile touched his mouth. Of course, Rebecca perhaps had no intention of releasing this girl afterward. “We are leaving unless you wish to stay.”
She shook her head rather vigorously. “I wish to leave, sir.”
He walked past her and opened the door, making his way along the hallway. James did not look to see if she followed. The choice was hers. She hastened her steps to walk beside him, her breathing harsh and almost frightened. Descending the winding staircase, he avoided the common rooms and retrieved his cloak. He held it out to Agatha, and she took it, wrapping it snugly around her body.
“Do you wish for me to carry you to the carriage,” he said, glancing at her bare feet.
Agatha peered up at him, clearly bemused and shook her head. “I can walk. It will not be unpleasant for long.”
He walked toward his parked carriage, opened the door and allowed her to precede him inside. Once they were seated, he said, “Where should I have my coachman deliver you.”
There was a touch of relief and uncertainty in her gaze. “Do you mean to take me elsewhere and not … with you?”
“Yes.”
As if she did not understand, Agatha asked, “Am I not to stay at your home for the night?”
“No.”
She stared at him, tears pooling inside her eyes. Thankfully, they did not spill over. “God does answer prayers.”
“Nonsense,” James said with sardonic humor. “He did not instruct me.”
Her eyes widened and she smiled. “Thank you, sir. I have no money, but I vow to repay your favor one day.”
“It is astonishing you think you have something I might want.”
“You are a complex man,” she said softly after taking his measure for a long time. “I get the sense you do not wish for me to realize your kindness.”
“I am not a kind man,” he said drily.
Her lips trembled before pulling into a smile. “Whatever your reason, sir, thank you. If I had encountered someone else, the night would have ended terribly for me.”
“I will instruct my coachman to take you home once we arrive at my destination.”
“There is a seaside cottage in Brighton,” she said softly. A faraway look entered her eyes, and a single tear rolled down her cheeks. “My father has a terrible habit … and he goes to those vile gambling dens every night. He will only offer me to the highest bidder once again, and if I wish to protect my younger sisters, I will have to agree.”
James reached into his pockets and took out the few banknotes he had. He held them out to her.
She jutted her chin. “I do not wish for your charity anymore, sir; I already owe you a fortune that I will repay one day.”
“Do not be a fool. Take the notes.”
There was desperation and hesitancy in her eyes. “Perhaps you could help me instead … with a job.”
“No.”
“Please, I am willing to be a servant—”
