“Of course. And then I want explanations, please. Why is Miss Carlow at my brothers’ table wrapped in a blanket, with a bruised face?” she said, as if now just noticing Beth.
“I do not know all of it,” Dimity said, handing the baby to Beth’s mother. “But I think there is just enough time get through the explanation.”
“Daniel sent me a hastily worded, evasive note that he had to leave town on business and would return soon. It was all very odd and cloak-and-dagger. Something told me my brothers are involved.”
“There I can help with information,” Lady Carlow said. “He and Mr. Oliver Dillinger went to my husband’s estate to check on him.”
“I’m sure there is a great deal more to that, but I shall be having words with him for his evasiveness,” Abby declared.
“Shall I accompany the maids to settle Toby?” Lady Carlow said hopefully. “He seems happy in my arms.”
“If you do not mind, I would be grateful.” Abby kissed her son, then sat. As soon as the door closed, she leveled Beth with a stare. “I have a feeling I should no longer loathe you. Care to tell me why?”
The story was told once more.
“I’m sorry, Beth, really.” Abby took her hand. “For so much, but also for what you endured last night. I can see the marks on your face.”
“It’s all right, Abby. You believed what we needed you to.” She’d always liked this woman, and it had hurt when she’d turned from her. “I told Nathan I wanted to go with him to find Logan. I know what he and his men look like. I wanted to be a part of this. I deserve to be,” Beth’s voice rose.
Abby tapped the spoon on her saucer as she looked at Beth. “So the king will be at Vauxhall today?”
“Yes.”
“Then we will attend,” Abby said.
“I have already decided we will,” Dimity said.
“I will not put either of you in danger,” Beth rushed to add. “Your brothers would not be pleased if that were to happen.”
Abby rolled her eyes. “My bothers would have the women in their lives locked in a country house with access outside for only an hour a day to get some air. They are fiercely protective, ridiculously so.”
“It pays to start off as you mean to go on,” Dimity added. “Be rebellious, and let them know you will stand with them, not behind them.”
“Exactly.” Abby nodded her approval, and Beth felt a flicker of excitement that these two women were now likely to be in her life forever—if she forgave Nathan, that was. Also if she was not locked in a jail cell for her traitorous actions.
“We still have two hours,” Dimity said. “I wish for you to tell me everything, Beth. Leave nothing out, and most of all the description of this fellow I now loathe.”
…
She wore cream satin with an overskirt of sky-blue embroidered lace that fell in a straight line from bodice to the hem. The back had a small train. Puffed sleeves, cream gloves and slippers, and she felt as ready as she could ever be. Her hair was pinned and curled, and a small amount of powder had been applied to her face, but nothing could completely disguise the bruises.
“We shall say you had a fall,” Dimity said from the seat across from her in the carriage, glamorous in ivory satin.
“Down the stairs,” Abby added. She wore pale mint green.
Dimity flipped up her skirts, and Beth saw her pistol.
“Good. I’m carrying mine also,” Abby said. “What about you, Beth?”
She nodded.
“My brothers taught me to fire a gun,” Abby said.
“I’m not entirely sure what will happen or even if we will find Logan,” Beth said, feeling nervous now her anger had eased. “Your brothers…” She shot Abby a look.
“We know about this secret thing they do, just not all the details.”
“King and country.” Dimity smiled.
