“Keep it that way, for Adam’s sake.”
“My employers have been so good to me. Please!” She would beg if she had to.
“Open the door!”
It swung wide. Another hand took her arm and she was tugged out the door. Ruby fought to get free.
“Show her what happens to people who defy me. Walk her home and meet her brother.” The carriage door slammed.
“No!”
“Come along, Miss Knight.” The man dragged her as she heard the vehicle rolling away.
She struggled to get free.
“Just a little lesson, so you’re not tempted to rebel again.” The man sneered. “I’m going to walk you home, and you can introduce me to your brother.”
Ruby tried to get free, but it was hopeless. He was stronger than her.
The sound of another carriage had them turning. The door was flung open, and an angry Forrest Howarth appeared.
“Release her!”
The roar had the man who held her doing just that. Ruby stumbled and fell onto her bottom. The man ran, the sound of his feet loud to her ears.
“Are you all right, Ruby?” He reached her side.
“Mr. Howarth.” She scrambled upright and dropped into a curtsey.
“I don’t need a bloody curtsey. Are you all right?”
“I am. He-He was just asking directions.”
“With his fingers around your wrist while he leaned into you in a menacing fashion? You were struggling to get away from him, Ruby.”
“I wasn’t.” She shot him a look and saw the rage etched in his features.
“You’re lying to me.”
If only you knew.
“I’m not.”
“Come, I will take you home.”
“No. Thank you,” she added.
He sighed. “Don’t be foolish. A man just frightened you even though you won’t admit it. You have worked a long day, I am going the way you are due to an appointment. I may as well give you a lift.”
She looked down the road ahead of them, and then behind them. He could get her home quicker, and that man would not be able to approach her again if only for tonight. But then—
“Get in the carriage, Ruby.”
He usually called her Miss Knight. The familiarity surprised her.
“I am Miss Knight to you.”
“Ella and my cousins call you Ruby,” he said, sounding a bit testy. “Now get in the carriage, please.”
