Every time he talked to that woman, he had more questions and no answers.
He remembered more of that night then. The fire in Ruby. The cry to stop those men taking all her possessions.
Following her, he made his way back to the picnic. People were standing now and preparing to leave. Ruby was talking to Adam. Her eyes shot to him and away again.
He’d had no right to kiss her. No right to scare her. It was not like him to be impulsive, but he’d felt off-balance by Ruby Knight since she arrived in his household. He needed to apologize to her. Make things right. Ella would be distraught if she left.
“How far do you have to walk?” he asked Mr. Winston.
“Not far, sir, but we take our time.” His eyes went to Adam, who was being mothered by his sister.
“Miss Knight lives her life for her brother. Everything she does is for him,” Mr. Winston added.
“Such loyalty is commendable. Have you known Miss Knight and her brother long?”
“Six months. It was wonderful when they came to join us.”
As they were speaking in Hindi, Forrest did not mind anyone overhearing. No one would realize he was pumping the man for information.
“It’s a sad business, their family not caring for them,” Mr. Winston said.
“Very. Family is important. Adam seems a nice young man.”
Mr. Winston smiled, flashing his white teeth. “He is. We have become a family. An odd one, but a family.”
“Are there more of you?”
“Oh, yes. Nobby Lane is a house full of diverse family.”
“We are leaving, Mr. Winston,” Miss Kent said.
“Will you let me call you a hackney, Miss Knight? For Adam.” Forrest moved to where she stood. “Please.”
“That sounds like a fine idea, don’t you think, Adam?” Daniel said.
The boy looked relieved. “It does indeed, thank you, Mr. Howarth, Mr. Dillinger. Ruby has talked of your kindness, and that of your household. I can now see it firsthand.”
“I wish to speak with your sister briefly, Adam,” Forrest said.
“Of course. I will tell the others we are getting a hackney; they will be happy.”
He walked away, and Ruby had to follow.
“I’m sorry. I am unsure what came over me, but please forgive me, and please do not leave Ella.”
She kept her eyes on her brother.
“It will not happen again.”
She nodded. “Very well. Thank you for that assurance.”
“I will not kiss you again unless you ask me to, Ruby.”
Her eyes shot to his. “That will never happen.”
Forrest watched her walk away from him and thought that to his mind it was inevitable.
CHAPTERTWELVE
