“I think that will do. You have reduced the man to a whimpering mess, Dimity.” Gabe wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her. “Clearly my superior fighting skills are no longer required.” He carried her back to Abby, gently lowering her to her feet.
“You’re not a Raven, are you?” Mr. Sinclair asked Dimity.
“I don’t believe so,” Dimity replied.
“Pity. You’d make my brother an excellent wife. Now, I must be off, as it seems I was surplus to requirements and you are more than capable of taking care of yourself.” Cambridge Sinclair bowed, then patted Walter’s head before wandering off down the street.
“An interesting man,” Abby said.
“Very. Nice family, but odd, as I believe we’ve said before,” Gabe added. “Now, let us return you to the Duchess of Yardly’s, Dimity.”
The men had picked their friend up and scurried away. Laidlaw with a handkerchief pressed to his nose.
“There is no need; I shall walk. But thank you for once again coming to my aid.”
Gabe watched her hug Abby, curtsey to him and Michael, then grab Walter and Romulus and walk away as Cambridge Sinclair had.
“Why will she accept no help from me?”
“Don’t take it personally. She doesn’t accept it from anyone,” Abby said.
He watched her weave through people and around carriages. Dimity did not move slowly anywhere; she strode with purpose.
“Gabe,” Michael said. “To the left and forward.”
His eyes moved in the direction his brother indicated, and he saw two men watching them. Nothing overly odd in that considering the scene they’d just created, but one of the men was familiar to Gabe.
“Keep your eyes on them while I put Abby in the carriage and send her home.”
“What? Why am I being sent home? I thought you promised me tea and cakes or an ice from Gunter’s, and considering that I carry your niece or nephew in my belly, I find I want to eat while it will stay down.”
“Charming, but not now, sister.” He raised a hand to their driver, waving him forward. “Besides, you just ate at the duchess’s home.”
“Those cakes were horrid.”
“I didn’t mind them,” Michael said.
“Is this about what you do secretly?” Abby asked.
“What?” He looked down at her.
“I am no fool, Gabe. I have lived with you for years and know you and the others do something in secret for someone. As yet, I have not discovered exactly what it is.”
“It is a secret; will that suffice for now?” Opening the carriage door as it stopped beside them, he ushered his sister inside. “Now go home to your husband, and I will call on you tomorrow. He can supply you with any food you wish for, I’m sure.”
“Be careful, brothers. I find I quite like you to stay in one piece.”
“We will.” He kissed her cheek. “Take care of yourself and my niece or nephew.”
“They are on the move,” Michael said as he reached his side. “We need to show caution, Gabe, especially considering the danger you are in.”
“I will be careful. Now, let’s find out why these men were watching us.” Gabe followed at a distance and was fairly sure they knew they were being followed.
It was when they reached a narrow lane that he stopped.
“This could be a trap. We’ve never had an informant step into our world before; they usually send a messenger.”
“Why would one of our informants want to trap us?” Michael asked.
