“Noblemen don’t take much notice of their staff. I’m surprised they even stopped.”
“I have found, Mr. Winston, that they are not like regular noblemen,” Ruby said. “Indeed, the man I work for and his cousins are true gentlemen.”
“Well, that is refreshing.”
Ruby followed her elderly neighbor with the last of her energy up the stairs.
They reached the Amble rooms and entered. All residents were gathered around the small table examining what Mr. Zwart was getting out of the sack.
“Ruby!” Adam made his way slowly toward her. “I was worried about you. Beatrice told me it was you that went inside the house with Mr. Zwart.”
“Yes, and then Mr. Winston came back for me to ensure I made it home safely.” She did not mention meeting Mr. Howarth and his cousins; there was no need to worry him about the possibility of her employer wondering if she was of sound mind and a hinder or help to his daughter. “Come, I need to sit, as my legs are extremely wobbly all of a sudden.”
“My heart nearly stopped when I saw you climb that ladder, Ruby. Thank you, dear, I know this was difficult for you,” Violet said.
She managed a smile.
“You got everything on the list! And the blanket.” Beatrice sniffed. “I remember my father sitting in his room with that over his knees.”
And that, Ruby thought, suddenly made what she had done worthwhile.
“We can never thank you and Mr. Zwart enough,” Violet said, hugging them both. “You took such risks on our behalf, and we can never thank you enough for that.”
The others all agreed.
“This will all gain us a pretty penny,” Beatrice crowed, looking at what they had taken. “Well done.”
“Really?” Ruby sank into a chair.
“Really. Beatrice and I will take some to a shop we know tomorrow and see what we can get for it.”
“Do you think that’s wise? Will you be recognized?” Ruby asked. “Should we not wait a while?”
“No, indeed. We have sold things there that we took when we left before,” Beatrice said. “And I say we strike now, while that weasel is from London.”
They talked and discussed the next steps. Ruby drank her tea, and her strength returned. Tomorrow she was not working at the Deville townhouse, so at least she need not face the disturbing Mr. Howarth and his cousins for another day.
What must he think of her?
“This is for you, Adam.” Mr. Zwart held something out. It was a small leather-bound book, pen, and ink.
Her brother’s smile was huge. He took the things and hugged Mr. Zwart. Ruby looked over his shoulder as he opened the first page; thankfully, it was empty. She would have hated if they’d taken someone’s private musings.
“And now, Adam, take your sister to bed, as she is no doubt exhausted,” Mr. Winston said. “She was brave to step in when my fear of heights stopped me.”
“We all have fears.” Adam patted his shoulder.
“Yes we do,” Ruby sighed. She certainly had many. “In the morning I am taking Adam to the park, should any of you wish to accompany us. That is, if I have not been clapped in irons.” She followed those words up with a smile.
“I will come,” some of them said, and she was unsure who but would worry about that in the morning.
When they reached their rooms, she fell into her bed after washing and changing. Adam did the same.
“I know that you hate what you did. Know that breaking the law is something our father would punish us for. But what you did has saved all the residents of 11 Nobby Lane, Ruby. We cannot thank you enough. We are safe.”
She heard Adam’s words as her eyelids drooped.
“I know we are, and it is a good feeling. Now sleep, brother, and know I love you.”
