“Well now, that is a good thing,” Mrs. Wood said. “You will have to bring him to meet us one day.”
“He would love that.”
“Well, it’s later than your usual leaving time, Ruby, so off you go,” Fairfax said.
“I will see you tomorrow,” she said.
“I have some biscuits for you, Miss Knight,” Mrs. Wood said. “I made far too many, and they won’t last.”
“You have been so generous already.”
“Take them home to Adam,” Hogan said.
Since he’d translated that recipe for Mrs. Wood, there was always something ready at the end of the day to take home for his tea.
“Thank you, it is very kind of you, and he will love them.”
She let herself out the door and down the side of the townhouse. Once out on the street, she started the walk home. Looking skyward, she saw it would be dark by the time she reached home, but then that was nothing unusual.
A loud woof had her checking behind her. Walter had tried to follow her home several times now. Each one, she’d had to return him. Sure enough, there he was.
“Walter, you must stay here.”
He sat on his haunches and looked at her. Behind him was Harriet, the ginger cat that belonged to Mr. Michael Deville.
“You stay here now.”
They both gave her a steady look. She patted their heads and walked away. At the end of the street, she looked over her shoulder. Both were still watching her.
She waved, which was foolish, and turned onto the next street.
Ruby realized something as she walked. Yes, this business with Mr. Howarth was confusing and unsettling, but she was happy. Living in her father’s household had not brought her that. It had been oppressive, and he a dictator who monitored their every move. But this freedom she and Adam now had was wonderful.
Yes, there was not a ready supply of money, but she loved her friends at 11 Nobby Lane. Loved her position teaching Ella.
“So, this is what happy feels like.”
She’d been walking for about thirty minutes when a hand gripped her arm, startling her. Ruby was dragged sideways into a narrow opening.
“Unhand me!” She spun and found herself face-to-face with the man she’d seen at Gunther’s Tea Shop and the park.
“I just want to talk to you.”
“You’ve been watching me? Wh-What is it you want?” She balled her hands into fists, ready to fight if need be.
“My employer wants to talk to you, Miss Knight.”
“H-How do you know my name?”
“See that carriage there? A man inside would like to talk to you.”
Ruby looked up the road to where a carriage was parked.
“I’m not getting in a carriage with a man I don’t know!”
“I’m afraid you have no choice.”
She saw the pistol he held then.
