He walked right into someone. Forrest steadied her, knowing instantly who it was.
“Mr. Howarth, forgive me, I was sent to tell you that your party is leaving.”
“By whom?”
“Lady Raine.”
Of course, the meddlesome witch. And he just bet Abby was involved too. If they thought throwing Ruby at him would end in him catching her, they were clearly mistaken. Even if his hands still held her and he could inhale and breathe in her scent.
His fingers almost completely circled her upper arms, which made him feel irrationally angry.
“Do you not get enough food?” The question came out gruff.
“Pardon?” She tried to pull back; he wouldn’t let her.
“You are skinny.” And that hadn’t come out right either.Excellent, Forrest, you just insulted her.
Color filled her cheeks, and if his guess was accurate, he would say she was angry. Interesting, he’d never seen her anything but quiet and polite.
“That was very rude.”
“Possibly, but true. Answer the question, Miss Knight. Can you afford to eat?”
“I am not starving my brother! How dare you suggest that I would!”
Oh yes, she was angry all right. Those lovely gray eyes were full of fire now. In fact, she was stunning. Forrest felt it then, the need to pull her into his body and press his lips to hers.
“I am not concerned with your brother; he looks like he is getting enough food. You, however, do not. As your employer, I have a right to be concerned.”
She snapped her teeth together, loudly. “I wish to remain in your employ, therefore I will forgive your rudeness and instead ask that you release me.”
“Why were you in the street last night, Ruby?”
“I told you that I was walking, Mr. Howarth. Surely, I do not have to answer for my time away from Ella also?”
“I also know it was you that night—”
“Of course you know, we conversed last night,” she scoffed. “Forgive me, now it is I who am being rude,” she added.
Clearly Miss Knight had a temper when provoked; she just kept it well hidden. To his shame, he knew he’d been rude to her. The problem was, he didn’t seem to be his usual rational self when she was near.
“I am not talking about last night; I am talking about that night six months ago when my hackney knocked Adam off his feet.”
Her mouth fell open. Gray eyes widened.
“Did you not recognize me?”
“I-I…” Her eyes searched his face. “I d-did not.”
“It was dark. I did not recognize you either. But Adam was familiar to me.”
“Th-thank you. What you did for us was very generous.”
“You already said thank you that night.” His words were a bit gruff as he remembered how he’d felt when she’d kissed his cheek.
“Yet your help was much needed in that moment. So, thank you again.”
“Where were you going that night at such an hour with what appeared to be your belongings?”
