Ruby had two choices. Make a run for it, which would be odd and likely get back to her employer—and now more than ever she could not raise their curiosity—or concede.
“It is not far. I will be quite all right.” She tried again, not sure she could hold it together the entire carriage ride home.
“Miss Knight, you will get into this carriage at once,” the countess demanded.
Beaten, she got in, settling on the seat next to Miss Carlow. Ruby tucked her skirts around her legs and folded her hands in her lap.
Walter climbed in after her and rested against his owner with a weary sigh. Almost as if he could relax now, they were both safe.
“Nobby Lane, I believe? Is that correct?” Miss MacDougall asked.
“Yes. But perhaps you could drop me at Hammers Park. It is easier, as the carriage cannot drive up the lane.”
“Tell the driver to get close to Nobby Lane, Beth.”
When that was done, the carriage started moving. She sat looking at her hands, wondering what the hell she was going to do now.
“And how is Adam?” Miss MacDougall asked.
“He is well, thank you.”
“And Mr. Winston and Mrs. Chen? Lovely people, both,” Lady Raine said.
“They too are well.” In fact, they were better than well, as the money from her thieving had made everyone’s life a little easier.
She’d thought she would be clapped in irons for thievery, but now it would be for spying on the Deville brothers and stealing documents.Treason, Ruby realized, if indeed they worked for the king.
Was it possible?
How could she betray Forrest Howarth in such a way?
“Miss Knight. Ruby,” Miss Carlow said. “Are you well? You look as if you have received bad news since we saw you a few hours ago at Gunter’s.”
Her head shot up, and she found the three women studying her. All looked concerned.
“You have been crying,” Miss MacDougall said softly. “Will you tell us why?”
Ruby scrubbed her eyes. “I am merely tired.”
“While I will acknowledge that my brothers-in-law make me weep upon occasion, I don’t think your current condition is due to them,” Lady Raine said.
“I was yawning, and that made my eyes water,” Ruby said.
“No, it didn’t. We are not fools, Ruby; something has upset you since you left the townhouse,” Lady Raine said. “Perhaps we could help you?”
No one could help her and stay unharmed. What if even now she was being watched and seen talking to these ladies? It would be yet more proof of her connection to these people.
“Ruby, if something is wrong, we would like to help you,” Miss Carlow said.
Looking at the window, she saw the bakery where she purchased bread. The carriage was slowing to let another past.
“Oh, look. I see a friend. Good evening to you all!” Ruby threw the door open and leapt down before the carriage had stopped completely.
Managing to stay upright, she ran, raising a hand behind her in a wave. She did not look back. She ran home, her sides burning, head whirling, and wanted only to reach her rooms.
Opening the front door, she slammed and locked it behind her. Pressing her forehead to it, she let her breath settle. Only then did she pull out the note and read what she must do. She tucked it back into her bodice.
“I will do this to keep them safe.”
