Her eyes turned to his. “Really?”
“Really.”
“Oh dear.” She pressed her face into the sweet-smelling hair of Jaccob.
“Merry, my love, will you hold Aunty Sam’s hand? She needs you to show her the way.”
Warwick lowered the little girl and took Jaccob from her. He then handed her his handkerchief.
“Do you have the sniffles, Aunty Sam?”
“I-I it seems I do.”
“Aunty Sam is very excited about the circus, Merry. She is a bit overcome at the prospect,” Warwick said gravely.
“I’ll look after you.” Her little hand slid into Samantha’s.
“It will be all right.” She felt Warwick’s large, warm hand on her back urging her forward. “We have you, Aunty Sam.”
She’d always known he would protect her, as the others did. In that moment surrounded by so much love, she wondered if in fact it would be all right. The kidnapping had been a random thing, and whoever wrote her that letter would not send another.
And you’re a fool if you actually believe that.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Warwick nudged Samantha ahead of him and Jaccob She was weepy, knowing that everyone was here today for her. And Kat, of course, as it was her birthday. But it had not only been he who had missed her. The entire family had felt adrift when Samantha was in Ireland.
Jaccob made a little squeak of excitement as they walked into the circus. Mr. Rolland stood there, leaning on his cane. The hair under the battered and worn black top hat was now silver. The lines on his face had deepened, but the smile he gave them was the same. Welcoming and yet tinged with weariness.
“We promise not to do any damage today, Mr. Rolland,” Cam said, shaking the man’s hand. “It is our Kat’s birthday, and we are also celebrating the return of Lady Samantha. She has been in Ireland becoming a world-renowned artist.”
Warwick caught Samantha’s eye roll out the corner of his eyes. She looked her sweet and lovely self today in a white dress and long pale blue jacket. He’d seen her a million times in his lifetime before she’d gone to Ireland, not once had he felt that burst of heat he now experienced when she was near.
“Well now, should you wish to practice, my lady, then you are more than welcome to come here and create your magic on my walls.” Mr. Rolland’s voice was still loud enough to make them wince.
“Really? I would love to create something on your wall, Mr. Rolland.”
“What? Absolutely not,” Warwick whispered in her ear.
“Really?” Mr. Rolland beamed.
“Yes,” she said, ignoring Warwick’s furious hiss of outrage. Jaccob patted his cheek, clearly feeling he needed it.
“What are you doing? You can’t leave the house to do this.”
“I can and will, and what’s more, I do not take direction from you.”
She was close, their faces mere inches apart.
“The man who saved you twice, do you mean?”
She muttered something unflattering under her breath, which of course he heard.
“Why do you have that feral look on your face?” Essie asked Warwick before he could retaliate. “Hello, darling,” she tickled under Jaccob’s chin.
“I don’t have a feral look on my face.”
“You do,” Eden said, joining her sister to stand before him. The twins then arrived, and suddenly he was surrounded by sisters, and Samantha was able to escape.
