“You are never to come here without protection again.”
“But I?—”
“And your driver does not count.”
Surely, he couldn’t be serious.
“I’m serious.”Drat!
He was not mock glaring at her now. This was all out, straightforward glowering.
“I’ll have the term added to the contract,” he added
Lydia sighed. “That won’t be necessary.” It was a little thing, really. And once construction was underway, the building wouldbe buzzing with activity—around the clock, if she had any say. “I won’t come here alone.”
She met his gaze in an attempt to convey her sincerity, and his softened.
For a moment, she could almost believe they’d gone back in time. But then?—
“Oh!” She ducked and shouted out when a bird swooped down at her from the rafters. It didn’t really come close, but…
Jeremy was looking grim again.
“I’ve seen enough. Once I’ve studied the plans, I’ll do a thorough walkthrough with the project foreman.” He grasped her elbow, steering her toward the door.
“We have preliminary plans drawn up. I’m afraid I didn’t think to bring them.”
“You can send them to my offices by messenger.”
“You have offices?” Lydia glanced over at him.
“Did you think I spent all my time pursuing leisure?”
He pushed the door open, and they stepped outside again. Without fail, the scent of the docks energized her. “You are dabbling in commerce?” It made sense, really. Although quiet and watchful, he’d always kept himself busy.
He was a good deal like Blackheart in that way. Only without the bossiness of her brother.
“I’m purchasing a shipping company—Ludwig Bros.” Rather than showing any sort of excitement, his eyes narrowed and his jaw tightened.
“And this is why Lord Baxter insisted you help me? You need to convince some of his wealthy friends to invest, don’t you?”
He turned her in the direction where her driver ought to be waiting. “Perhaps.”
Lydia walked silently. She’d heard of Ludwig Shipping before. She’d overheard Lucas and Blackheart discussing it. A shiver ran through her, and Jeremy pulled her closer.
He could act the uncaring rogue all he liked, but when push came to shove, he would always be a gentleman.
The street came into view, and she frowned. “Coachman John said he’d wait right here.”
Jeremy pursed his lips and then gave her an admonishing look.
“I’ve no doubt he’ll return shortly,” she added a little defensively.
If either of them had been paying attention to their surroundings, Lydia might have been able to brace herself against the small boy who appeared from nowhere and slammed into her legs.
As it was, Jeremy prevented her from losing her balance, but she dropped her reticule, and the contents spilled out onto the street.
“Pardon me,” she began. The poor child was collecting her belongings for her, but when she reached out for them, he spun around, and from what she could tell, had all intentions of dashing off with them.
