"What happened at your last place of employ?"
Davey's gaze fell to the carpet. "I swear I didn't do nothin' wrong," he mumbled.
Knots tightened in Gavin's chest. He knew too well how easily pleas of innocence were ignored. "Have you any family?" he said quietly. "Anyone to take you in?"
Biting his lip, Davey shook his head.
"You may stay here if you like," Gavin said. "You will be trained to work in the club—housekeeping or the kitchens. As long as you fulfill your duties, you'll have fair wages and room and board."
Davey looked up, and for an instant Gavin saw himself in that thin, battered face. The flicker of hope in the boy's good eye pierced his chest, releasing a spurt of cold rage. Predators on the weak—they deserved to be punished.
"Who did this to you?" he asked.
Fear filled the boy's expression. "I—I can't say, sir."
"Can't or won't?" Before Gavin could press on, he heard a feminine voice outside the office.
"My concerns are urgent, and I must see Mr. Hunt immediately." There was a low, murmured reply, and then the voice said more stridently, "No, I willnotwait. This is a matter of life or death. Kindly convey my message forthwith, sir."
Percy's bold fire warmed him, melting away some of his tension.She's come to me at last... not that I was worried. I was right all along about her.As usual, the cheeky chit knew how to make an entrance. Life or death, indeed—she could have made her living on Drury Lane. A minute later, the harried-looking footman appeared. Before the man could utter a word, Gavin said, "Send her in."
Percy traipsed through the doorway. Her bonnet with its filmy veil obscured her face—the minx did like her disguises—but the rest of her form was nicely outlined by her fashionable lilac dress. She pinned up her veil. Her eyes widened, and before he could utter a greeting, she strode over to Davey. Before Gavin's befuddled gaze, she lifted a gentle hand to the boy's jaw. Moreover, Davey allowed her touch, his expression moonstruck.
"You poor thing," she murmured. "'Tis a shiner, to be sure. Does it hurt dreadfully?"
"N-no, miss," the boy stammered.
She rummaged through her reticule and pulled out a lace-edged handkerchief. The fine scrap would cost more than Davey earned in a year, yet she handed it over to the boy.
"Fill this with ice, if the cook has some. If not, cold water will do. Hold it to the bruise, and the swelling will go down more quickly," she said.
"Yes, miss. Th-thank you." Davey sounded as stunned as Gavin felt.
Percy turned to Gavin then, and his bemusement faded with her next words. "How could you," she hissed. Her eyes spit flames at him. "He's but a boy and not even half your size. You ought to be ashamed of yourself."
For a minute, Gavin could not speak. Blood roared in his ears. Out of nowhere, a voice boomed in his head.You are hereby found guilty of arson and sentenced to a term of ten years imprisonment.Helpless rage curled his fists.I didn't do it.
"Beggin' your pardon, miss, but I think you've painted the wrong picture." This came from Alfie, who swept a spritely bow.
Percy frowned. "Who are you?"
"Name's Alfie, miss, an' I was the one who brung Davey 'ere today. To see about a job. Mr. Hunt 'ires on us lot—an' bylotI mean urchins an' ragamuffins," Alfie explained matter-of-factly. "The gent's a decent sort, you see, even if 'e looks like the devil 'imself."
"Oh." After a strained pause, Percy said to Davey, "Is that true?"
Davey gave a small nod.
She rounded on Gavin. Seething with anger, he readied for another attack. He knew all too well that the way to cover a mistake was to launch another barrage of insult and blame. Attack or be attacked. 'Twas the way of the stinking world.
"I—I'm afraid I owe you an apology, Mr. Hunt," she said. Roses bloomed in her cheeks. "I jumped to conclusions when I oughtn't have. For that, I am truly sorry."
Her contrition took the wind out of his sails. The storm within him came to an abrupt halt; he could only stare at her, bewildered by the intensity of emotion she provoked in him. Why did she have such an effect on him? Why should he give a bloody farthing what she thought? Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Alfie usher Davey out of the room and close the door behind.
"Forget it," he said flatly. "'Tis nothing."
"But it is." Her vibrant eyes held his, the expression in them impossibly sincere. "My accusation was most unfair. Mama is forever lecturing me on being too impulsive, and I fear she has the right of it." Biting her lip, Percy said in humble tones, "Will you accept my apology, Mr. Hunt?"
What could he say to that? He inclined his head gruffly, and she gave him a tremulous smile in return. Beneath her chin, yellow bonnet strings formed a cheerful bow. His fingers itched to undo it. To knock that stupid bonnet off and sink themselves into warm locks of sunshine...
