After turning into the lane, they hurried down it. It was long and narrow with an arch above them. She counted five doors before they stepped back out into the light again.
“D-do you think this is wise?” Samantha wheezed. “Th-they’ll lock us inside for weeks if they get wind.”
“You were the one who said you wanted to visit with Mrs. Dilly.”
“I understand that, but now I’m having doubts.”
“Then we will return to the carriage,” Dorrie said.
“No.” Samantha waved the words away. “We will continue. I am just aware of how angry James will be if he hears what we are doing.”
“We have done this and worse many times before, Samantha,” Somer said.
“I know, but it’s the kidnapping. It has made him nervous.”
“We are with you. I doubt anyone would grab you when you are wedged between the two of us,” Somer added.
“And this is hardly a neighborhood where criminals lurk,” Dorrie said.
Samantha thought her friend was correct. There was a small green park in the center. Swept streets, tidy houses, and those walking about the place appeared well dressed.
“Of course you are correct. And I’m just out of practice, as it has been some time since I did something like this.”
“We shall rehabilitate you,” Dorrie said. “Now make haste, our window before Sam and the maids become suspicious is not a large one.”
They picked up their skirts and ran.
“It appears you did not get enough exercise in Ireland,” Somer said. “You are breathing like old Major Caruthers when he attempts to dance.”
“I did!” Samantha rasped.
Thankfully they stopped seconds later beside an iron railing. Behind it sat a row of two-story brick town houses. Samantha gripped it with one hand while digging the fingers of her other hand into her side where a pain stabbed at her.
“We need to walk you more,” Dorrie said.
“I’m not a dog, and I c-could outrun both of you on one leg.”
The twins nodded as two gentlemen walked by raising their hats. Samantha managed a smile that was surely more like a grimace.
“Please. We have always been faster than you,” Dorrie said.
“Oh, now that is a lie,” Samantha wheezed. They all burst out laughing just like they used to.
“I’ve missed doing that so much,” Somer said.
“Me too,” Samantha agreed.
“Well, you are not going away again, so we will make time to do it more,” Dorrie said.
“You’re both married now—”
“And that means you are not as important to us as before?” Dorrie demanded.
Samantha wasn’t sure how to answer that.
“Don’t be a goose,” Somer added.
“Don’t think I am not happy that you both married men you love.”
