She meandered up and down the streets until her legs threatened to crumble under her. She rested, leaning against a wall where she found the docks and watched the unloading of ships. An idea struck. Ed mentioned his import and export business. Perhaps he imported something of use.
With sore feet, she headed up the hill so she could return to the house to map out what she’d found and speak with Ed about the imports.
Mr. Grous caught sight of her at the corner of Green Street. She hurried to escape him, but she wasn’t quick enough. He blocked her path and nudged her toward the side of a building. “We should speak.”
Warning alarms sounded in her head, but she forced herself to remain outwardly calm. “I’m afraid I don’t have the time to spare. Ed’s expecting me.”
“Ed? I see you’re already informal with him.” Mr. Grous touched her shoulder in a too-familiar way, causing her to tense.
“Unhand me, sir.” Cora stepped away from him, but his hand clamped down around her wrist.
“You don’t want him as your husband. I’ll see to your care myself. Come with me.”
Cora’s skin heated. She forgot herself, stomping his foot and punching his chest.
“Release her.” Ghost’s voice boomed like a Union cannon in the night.
Mr. Grous’s fingers unfurled, and she stumbled back into Ghost, who set her upright. She pressed her palm to her chest to slow the pounding of her heart.
“Mr. Neal requests you return.” Ghost stood tall, the scar down the side of his face fully visible. He scooted her behind him. “Good day, Mr. Grous.”
Ghost ushered her up the hill and around the corner before he stopped abruptly and studied her from bonnet to shoes. “You a’right?”
Her speech and air came clipped and rushed. “Yes. Fine. Ghost. Thank you.” She inhaled a stuttered breath.
“Let’s get you home, ma’am.” Ghost offered his arm and escorted her to the front door.
Inside, Ed stood with his normal grimace. “Where have you been?” he snapped.
Cora couldn’t think of a witty response. Instead, her body betrayed her, trembling like a schoolgirl afraid of a teacher’s reprimand.
“Mr. Grous, he bothered Miss McKinnie.”
“Bothered?” Ed’s brows danced between anger and horror.
“I’m fine,” Cora managed to say in a somewhat convincing tone.
Ed lunged to her side, taking her hands in his. “No, you’re shaking. Grace, draw a warm bath,” he shouted with a hint of an Irish accent.
He removed his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders then untied her bonnet and handed it to Ghost. “I told you not to leave this house and never alone. This is a dangerous city. Mr. Grous is a dangerous man. Do you hear me?”
“I’m not fragile,” Cora protested, but her knees were wobbling, despite her anger at herself for falling apart and despite all she’d been through. She’d thought she’d conquered her old demons. “It’s just that the man, Mr. Grous. He reminds me of someone.”
“Who?” Ghost asked.
Cora fought the tears welling in her eyes. “A soldier. Union. The one who…my sister.”
Ed scooped her into his arms. And carried her up the stairs. “That won’t happen to you while in my protection,” he said, that Irish accent deepening.
His strength comforted her. Cora hated herself for savoring a man’s attention and protection. It had been so long since she’d had that. She’d been so strong for her sisters, never showing emotion or worry. But the sad truth still haunted her. There was evil in the world that preyed on women without warning or mercy. Men who would take what they wanted without thought or remorse. “I can care of myself. It was my youngest sister, Josephine, not me. I shouldn’t be so shaken. My brother tried to save her, but he died trying.”
Ed placed her on the bed and turned on Grace, anger seeping from every pore. “Why was she out alone?”
“I told her not to go, sir,” Grace shouted from the other room.
“Stay here. Don’t try to stand.” Ed left the room and returned with a glass of whiskey. “Drink this. It’ll warm you.”
Cora closed her eyes and swallowed the gulp of alcohol. It heated her throat and skin and insides, yet she still trembled. “I’m fine. I’m not a weak southern belle like you think me to be.”
