“Mr. Smith, could you please give us a moment?” Jack glowered at Vivian.
“Sure, Captain.” He walked back to the gangplank of the Lady Louise.
Jack gripped Vivian’s arm. “What were you thinking coming down to the docks all alone? Where is Tom? How did Gabrielle even let you leave the house alone?” he demanded.
“Well, perhaps in hindsight I should have brought Tom.” She bit down on her bottom lip. “But really, I practically grew up on the docks. I’m not frightened of a few rough sailors. I would have handled them.” She lifted her chin defiantly.
“Like hell you could have.”
Vivian turned suddenly, ramming her shoulder right into his solar plexus. As he doubled over at the sharp pain, she stomped on his foot with her boot heel.
“Damn it, Vivian!”
She stood a few feet away from him, arms crossed.
“I told you I can take care of myself.”
He slowly straightened as he regained his breath. “There were three of them, and they weren’t interested in playing the gentleman.” Jack ran a hand over his face. “Vivian, what are you doing down here?”
“I heard a rumor Dubois’ ship docked in London. I came to investigate.”
“When did you hear that?”
“Last week, from Tom.”
“Why didn’t you come and ask me for help?” He glanced around. Jack needed to get her off the docks before one of Dubois’ men spotted her. Taking her arm again, this time he gently tucked it in the crook of his, and began walking them up the street away from the water.
“I didn’t want to bother you, I guess. I can take care of myself and Gabrielle. I needed to know if it was true.”
“Vivian, you can’t just traipse down to the London docks, no matter how plainly you dress. I promised your father I would keep you safe.” The minute the words were out of his mouth he knew he had slipped up.
“When did you promise my father? Do you know where he is?” she stopped in her tracks to look up at him accusingly.
Sighing inwardly, he admitted, “Your father wrote me several months ago asking me if I could find someone to keep an eye on you and Miss Beaumont. I planned to travel to London to see my family, so I said I would do it myself.”
“Do you know where he is?” she repeated.
“In the letter, he said he was headed to Le Havre to ambush Dubois’ ship. That’s all I know. I swear. He specifically said not to tell you Dubois was nearby. He didn’t want you to be scared.”
“Well, aren’t you just a fountain of information all of a sudden.” She stalked off up the street.
What was she so upset about? He’d answered her questions, hadn’t he? He and her father were just trying to keep her safe. He caught up with her in a few strides. As they reached the avenue, Jack hailed a hack. He turned back to Vivian.
“I only found out this morning that Dubois was docked here in Billingsgate.” He could practically see steam coming out of her ears. “What are you so angry about?”
“I’m angry at the overbearing men in my life. What makes you and my father think I can’t be trusted with information concerning my own safety? What, does he think I will faint from fear? And why would he write to you instead of me? I’ve spent months worrying about him, and he’s been out looking for a fight.” She threw her hands up in the air.
“He didn’t write you because he didn’t want the letters to get intercepted and Dubois to find out where you are. I agree with him. Dubois is a serious threat. You and Miss Beaumont should leave London immediately. You should head to Stoneleigh. There I can keep an eye on you.” He opened the carriage door for her and held out a hand to help her inside.
She faced him. “I will be going to Stoneleigh in a week’s time. And not because you’ve so gallantly ordered me to, but because I wouldn’t dream of turning down an invitation from your mother. And because I agree Gabrielle and I will be safer in the country. As far as keeping an eye on me, don’t do me any favors!” Ignoring his hand, she climbed into the carriage, disappearing into the gloomy interior with a disdainful snort.
Jack closed the door. He paid the driver and gave him the address to Dunmore House.
As he made his way back to his ship, he puzzled why Vivian had gotten so mad. He rubbed at the sore spot where her shoulder had connected.
That temper of hers was magnificent.
Chapter Nineteen
