“We won’t be going to London with you, Miss Bea,” Sheridan announced.
Lady Beatrice’s cup rattled into her saucer. “Why not?”
“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,” she protested. “After what happened to Fancy—”
“It’s precisely what ’appened to me 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.”
It was clear to Severin that the bloody tinker had made his mind up. Gone was the fellow’s usual good cheer; everything from his posture to his tone said that he would not be moved.Goddamnit.The pressure in Severin’s veins rose; he wanted to throttle some sense into the man. Didn’t Sheridan realize the danger to which he would be exposing his daughter? Did he really think that he and his ragtag comrades could protect Fancy from harm?
When Severin had paid her a brief visit, his chest had clenched at her fragility. She’d looked so small and vulnerable amidst the mounded pillows, her thick locks streaming over her shoulders, her big brown eyes dwarfed by the purplish lump at her temple. And her fear…by Jove, it had shown in every delicate line of her face.
She was terrified, and she needed protection.
Try as he might, he couldn’t shake off the need to give it to her. Logically, he knew it was a bad idea. He had a wife to find, siblings to corral, estates and businesses to run. More to the point, Fancy was a temptation he could ill afford. She was not suitable to be his wife or his mistress…hell, she was like no female he had ever known.
He’d rationalized accompanying her and the others to London; he was headed back in that direction anyway. Sheridan’s new plan, however, was far less convenient. To protect Fancy, Severin would have to take off for parts unknown and for God only knew how long.
“But Fancy’s not fully recovered.” Lady Beatrice went over to Sheridan, as if her proximity would persuade him. “She needs to be looked after.”
Sheridan’s reply was a stony stare.
“Allow me to offer my escort.”God’s teeth, tell me I didn’t just say that.
Severin felt the heat of stares turned upon him.
“You?” Lady Beatrice’s voice rose in astonishment.
The words kept rolling off his tongue. “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.”
Sheridan looked him up and down. “The travelling life ain’t suited for toffs.”
“I’ll manage.” The cove had no idea of Severin’s origins. Growing up in the rookery, he had eked out a living that would make the tinker’s life seem majestic by comparison. “Miss Sheridan’s safety must come first.”
Lady Beatrice looked as if she might say something, but Murray cut her off.
“It’s a good idea,” the Scot said. “Sheridan, if you must travel alone—”
“I must,” the tinker insisted.
“Then accept His Grace’s escort. If danger befalls you, Knighton is a man you would want by your side.” Murray flicked his gaze to Severin then back to the tinker. “Trust me on this.”
Severin wasn’t sure what to make of the Scot’s praise. He supposed he could return the compliment…but he decided against it. The other’s head was swelled enough as it was. It was best not to encourage sentiment. Next thing you knew, he and Murray might end up friends.
“You may join us, Your Grace,” Sheridan said with clear reluctance. “But mind you, we be keepin’ a pace and won’t be stopping for nobody.”
“I shall endeavor to keep up,” Severin said wryly.
“We’ll leave bright and early tomorrow. Mind you be ready.” Wagging a finger at Severin as if he were a misbehaving puppy, Sheridan departed.
“Thank you, Knighton.” Murray approached and clapped him on the shoulder. “This is generous of you.”
Lady Beatrice arched her brows. “Quite generous.”
“Think nothing of it.” Severin kept his tone nonchalant.
His mind whirled.What the devil have I done?
