“Very different, but a great deal happier.”
“Well for that at least, I am glad, Ruby.
“Thank you.”
What they had just shared would make it even more difficult to do what she must. Betray this man and his entire family by listening at doors and searching desks. Perhaps leaving London was the best for everyone. Especially considering the growing feelings inside her for Forrest Howarth.
The thought left her feeling hollow inside.
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
Forrest followed Ruby from the carriage with the walking sticks for Adam in his hand.
“Walk the horses, Sam, and circle back. The carriage will not fit down Nobby Lane.”
“There is no need to accompany me, Mr. Howarth. Thank you for your kindness and for listening to my tale of woe. I am quite capable of walking the few feet to my door.”
She was putting distance between them, and he knew that was for the best. He’d never felt this fierce desire to be with a woman like he did with Ruby. When he’d seen that man intimidating her, he’d wanted to tear him apart.
Ruby came from a family who had money, if not a title. She was raised in far different circumstance from those she lived in now. Hearing how she’d run from her home after her father had decided to wed her to a man old enough to be her grandfather, how she’d stolen money to get her and her brother to London confirmed to him that Ruby Knight was brave and resilient. However, something was off with her. That man had been intent on harming her, not ask directions. Forrest wasn’t sure how to get her to talk to him, but he would keep trying.
“How far away from London did you live, Ruby?”
“Some distance,” she said evasively.
“You got the stagecoach?”
She nodded. “Good evening, Mr. Howarth.” She dropped into a curtsey.
“I’m walking you to your door.”
“That is not necessary.” She was a bit panicked now.
“And yet the gentleman in me insists.”
He watched the emotions chase across her face. She did not want to insult him, but also did not want him to see her home.
“Lead on.” Forrest waved a hand before him; in the other he held the new walking sticks.
“Good evening, Miss Knight.”
Two men came toward them carrying what looked to be sacks and poles.
“Good evening, Mr. Riggers, Master Riggers.”
They nodded to Forrest, but Ruby did not introduce them. They walked on, and he looked at the street his daughter’s tutor lived on. The houses were joined and rose high so the sky was almost obscured. It was a bleak-looking place, the buildings in need of cleaning, paint, and repair, like many he’d seen in his time in London.
He knew people lived like this; he just hadn’t known anyone who did until now. Forrest wasn’t entirely sure what was going on inside him when it came to Ruby Knight. That she made him feel things was obvious; his family had noticed that. In fact, they felt she would make him the perfect wife.
He’d vowed that would never happen, but if he was honest, he’d never come close before to feeling what he did for Ruby with another woman.
What was her story? Was there something else off with her, or had the burden of the responsibility for her brother just weighed her down?
“I live there. Good evening, Mr. Howarth.”
She walked to a narrow front door. The entire house was narrow, actually, and wedged in between two taller ones on either side. The windows were crooked, and the inside must be dark.
He followed with the walking sticks.
