“Becky, this is Edgar Parrish and his ... friend, Nancy Smith.”
The two young women bobbed curtsies to one another.
Edgar frowned over his shoulder at the ill-kempt house with its peeling paint. “This isn’t where you lived, surely.”
“No.” Hoping to explain the grim neighborhood, Hannah fabricated, “Becky was visiting a poor relation near here. That’s why it took me a little longer to find her.”
“I see. Is your nurse coming back with us? I can sit on the rear seat with Ben for the return journey; it’s no trouble.”
Hannah looked from Edgar to Becky. “I... am not certain. We were just discussing that very thing.”
“But I am coming with you!” Becky’s voice rose in a panicked shrill. “You said I could.”
That was before I knew I’d be caught and might have to return to Devonshire, Hannah thought, but she said, “I know, but you must understand that Lynmouth is a long way off. Are you sure you want to leave Bath and everyone you know?”
“I have no friends here. Not anymore.”
Hannah was trapped. Hemmed in on both sides. “Will you excuse us a moment, Mr. Parrish? I wish to speak with Becky in private, before she makes such a big decision.”
Edgar pulled a face. “She didn’t know where you and Sir John had moved to?”
“I... just want her to be certain she wants to come with us.”
“We’ll wait right here.” Edgar held out his arms. “I shall hold Danny for you. Pa wouldn’t want you straining that arm.”
“Oh.” She hesitated. “Thank you, but I don’t mind. I’ve missed him.” Had he seen the intention to flee in her eyes?
“Just while the two of you talk,” Edgar said. “Give us thechance to become acquainted.” He gave a good-natured grin. “I won’t have liberty on the way back, as I’ll be sitting outside.”
How could she refuse him? Biting her lip, she begrudgingly handed over her son. Nancy quickly crowded close, cooing and smiling into Danny’s face.
Hannah took Becky’s arm and led her several yards away, pausing beside an abandoned barrel.
She spoke in a low voice. “Becky. If you are to come with me, with them, there is something you need to know. Remember the carriage accident I mentioned?”
Vaguely, the girl nodded. “Is that how you hurt your arm?”
“Yes. I was traveling with my former employer and his wife. She died in the crash. The doctor who found us thought I was the man’s wife. I was insensible for a time, and wasn’t even sure who I was for days. Eventually I realized they thought I was the lady of the house....”
“Is that why he called you ‘my lady’?”
“Yes.”
“I did wonder.”
“I haven’t corrected them. It was the only way I could think of to return for Danny. At all events, they all think I am Lady Mayfield. If you come with us, you mustn’t give me away. Or use my real name. Ever.”
The girl’s brow furrowed. “You can’t fool them forever.”
“I know. I don’t want to. I only want to take care of Danny.” The reality of Hannah’s situation sank in as she spoke. “But here, as myself, I have no employment, nowhere to sleep, and nothing to eat. In Lynmouth, I am Lady Mayfield, with a house to sleep in, a post to offer you with wages, and all the food you, Danny, and I need. It will only be until my arm mends and I can find work and someplace for us to live. I know what I am doing is deceitful and wrong. And I will understand if you want nothing to do with it. If you want to stay here, stay.I would not blame you. But please say nothing to anyone else about this—promise?”
Becky frowned in confusion. “But the husband. Surely he knows you’re not his wife.”
Hannah shook her head. “He hasn’t awakened. The doctor didn’t even know if he would live at first, though now he hopes he will.”
“But as soon as he wakes up...”
Hannah nodded. “Then you and I and Danny will have to leave immediately. I don’t think you would get into any trouble for going along with this, but I certainly shall.”
