“Sheridans ain’t city folk,” he said. “We do be’er in open fields, with the sky above our ’eads.”
“But it’s not safe here. After what happened to Fancy—”
“It’s precisely what ’appened to my girl that has me mind made up. We be moving on, Miss Beatrice. The road’s our true ’ome and where we be the safest. We travelling folk know places that others don’t and, what’s more, we be looking out for one another.”
Beatrice bit her lip. “But Fancy’s not fully recovered. She needs to be looked after.”
“Allow me to offer my escort,” Knighton said.
Everyone stared at him.
“You?” Bea blinked.
“My carriage will offer Miss Sheridan the comfort she needs during her recovery. I will stay with her and her family until they are safely out of harm’s reach. You have my word.”
The tinker eyed the duke dubiously. “The travelling life ain’t suited for toffs.”
“I’ll manage,” Knighton said dismissively. “Miss Sheridan’s safety must come first.”
That had been that.
Thus, on the third day, two groups were ready to head their separate ways. As they made their farewells, Beatrice enfolded Fancy in a tight hug, her worry for her friend evident. Wick understood her concern. She’d stayed with Fancy every night since the kidnapping for the girl had been having night terrors, waking up screaming. Although the swelling on Fancy’s temple was improving, fear lingered in her brown eyes. She startled easily, like a frightened doe.
“Take care, my dear,” Bea said fretfully. “I shall miss you.”
“You be careful, too.” Her friend managed a brave smile. “Until we meet again.”
They departed, the Sheridans and Knighton headed for destinations unknown and Wick and Beatrice for London.
Given the chaos and demands of the week, Wick hadn’t had much time alone with Beatrice. The trip to London lacked privacy, for she’d brought along her lady’s maid and Wick had his valet Barton. He could have had Barton travel back on a coach, but the man had been with him since his underworld days and was as handy with a gun as he was with a cravat or shaving implement. Wick didn’t fool himself that they were out of danger; throughout the journey, he and Barton took turns keeping an eye out for any sign of ambush.
Luckily, the time passed uneventfully. On their last leg to London, Wick even found himself alone with Beatrice, Lisette and Barton opting to ride outside with the driver. As soon as the carriage rolled off, Wick closed the curtains and hauled Bea onto his lap. He proceeded to kiss her until she was panting and squirming deliciously.
“What was that for?” she asked breathlessly.
“For being you and being irresistible,” he told her. “I missed you, angel.”
She flushed, looking adorable in her primrose carriage dress and little straw hat.
“It has been a busy week, hasn’t it?” She fiddled with his cravat pin. “I’m sorry we haven’t had time together.”
“Not sorrier than I am,” he said with feeling.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t keep the curtains closed; the others might notice, and he didn’t want to damage her reputation. He kissed her on the nose, then returned her to the opposite seat and parted the drapes once more. As he settled back on his own side, he saw Bea’s pretty lavender gaze linger on the distinct bulge at his groin. She wetted her lips, the little minx.
“Talk to me, sweeting. If you don’t distract me,” he said ruefully, “I’ll ravage you here and now, your reputation be damned.”
“I wouldn’t mind.”
“Beatrice,” he said in a warning tone.
She laughed. “All right. Tell me more about your family then, since I’m to meet them soon.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Well…” She worried her bottom lip with her teeth. “How will your brother and his lady react to meeting me?”
In her hesitation, he read her genuine concern that Richard and Violet might not welcome her into the fold. Given the ostracism she’d endured in her past, he understood the risk she was taking. She’d left the safety of the haven she’d created in order to return to London, the place where she’d suffered much pain. The fact that she was doing it because she trusted him—trusted in his plan and ability to keep her safe—swelled his chest with tenderness.
