Jonny’s entire body went on edge when he saw Carter standing there, talking with her. He was nearly hovering over her, as though he was telling her what he wanted instead of having a conversation with her. Even though Jonny knew he was no better than Carter — likely worse — he didn’t like the idea of Ada being intimidated, and he walked over to tell Carter to get out of her face.
From her claims that there was nothing between them, the man had no need to be so close to her.
“Ada, this has gone on long enough,” he heard as he walked up behind them, neither of them seeing him approach, for their backs were turned. Emmaline noticed, however, her eyes widening, as he stood there, but he could have cared less that she was watching him eavesdrop. If Ada wasn’t going totell him the truth, he would hear it for himself. “Our fathers want us to marry, and it’s time we did so,” Carter stated.
“You just decided that now?” Ada asked incredulously.
“The timing is right,” Carter said. “Our businesses need to merge, and I think you and I are both ready for that next step.”
“Is that how you really feel, David?” Ada said. “I’ve heard it from you time and again, and then nothing happens.”
“I just needed more time. I mean it now, Ada,” he said, lifting her hand in his. “I want to do this and do it quickly. Please?”
Jonny tensed. He had no idea what Ada was about to say – but truthfully, what did it matter? Sheshouldmarry Carter. She might not like Carter much, but at least he could provide her with some security. With Jonny, she’d always be in danger, as long as Will and Sharpe were after him.
He didn’t wait to hear what she had to say in response.
Instead, he pushed forward, coming between them.
“Congratulations, Carter,” he said, sticking his hand out, uncaring that Carter eyed it in disdain. “Had heard the two of you were promised for a while now, but nice to see that you’re finally going ahead. I’m sure you’ll be very happy together.”
Carter looked surprised but shrugged and took his hand.
Jonny risked a look over at Ada.
Her brows were drawn together, her nose wrinkled, her lips pressed together.
She was infuriated.
At him.
So much for that apology.
Chapter Eighteen
Ada had so much she wanted to say to Jonny.
But she knew that if she responded in anger, in front of a number of unknown spectators, she might say something she would regret, sending all her anger toward all the men in her life in his direction. He deserved some of it, that was for certain, but not the entirety.
She was sick of everyone else planning her life, and Jonny stepping in and accepting David’s marriage proposal on her behalf just sent her over the edge.
The only way out of this was forward.
All of this had started with Gideon Sharpe and the rumors being spread about her ties to Blackwood’s organization. She was going to put an end to that right now.
Her parents were attending an event, giving her the perfect opportunity to slip out the back door and hire a hack to take her to the docks. It was not a foolproof plan, but she could protect herself.
That was one thing she could thank her father for, she thought as she tapped her hand against the trusty pistol sitting in her pocket.
The rattling carriage jostled her as it made its way toward the docks. Ada gripped the worn leather seat, her resolve hardening with each bump in the road. The scent of brine and fish grew stronger, mingling with the acrid smoke from the nearby factories. She wrinkled her nose but kept her eyes fixed on the dark buildings looming ahead.
When the carriage lurched to a stop, Ada paid the driver and stepped down, her boots squelching in the muddy street. She drew her cloak tighter around herself, one hand drifting to the weight of the pistol in her pocket. She wasn’t sure whether she would call its presence comforting or terrifying, but it was better than being defenseless.
Dim lamplight flickered over the wet cobblestones as she strode purposefully through the misty docks toward the ramshackle tavern she knew served as a front for Sharpe's operation, remembering her father hurrying her past it on the way to his warehouse on the docks, telling her never to go inside.
Well, that would change tonight.
Her intent was to make Sharpe recant the rumors he was spreading about her family, especially tying her name to anything involving Blackwood. She didn’t care about David Carter’s family, nor their ties to her father’s business, but shedidcare about her own life and reputation. If the truth came out about her killing Blackwood, then so be it, no matter the consequence. But she refused to be blamed for something she didn’t do.
