“I just wanted to say how sorry I am that I didn’t know about it.”
“Why now? Why are you talking to me like this now, after all these years? I don’t understand,” Liberty said, going for honesty.
He sighed loudly. “I’m not sure I know how to answer that, Liberty. I’ll just say that things are changing and taking me with them. I’ve seen what I’ve become, and suddenly I don’t like that man very much.”
They stared at each other for a long time, and then she said, “I’ll find one of your friends to help you.”
“I don’t need them. I will leave and return home.” He got to his feet before she could stop him.
“Do not go anywhere alone from now on, Liberty, and don’t investigate what is going on in Bidham further. I believe whoever is behind this business knows both your and my identities. Therefore, it is dangerous for you to be anywhere alone. Until you hear from me, leave the house with company… please.”
She had so many questions, but instead just nodded. He walked away from her then, and this time it was Liberty who fell on the seat and stared out at the night sky.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Two days afterthe Talbot ball, Toby woke feeling a great deal better.
His manservant had taken one look at him that night and asked what was wrong. After he’d told Joseph, he had gone to speak with his cook, who was excellent at healing, something else he’d not known. He’d returned with something for his head that had made him thankfully fall into a deep dreamless sleep.
Pushing himself upright, Toby leaned on the headboard and thought about Liberty and that kiss. He wanted that woman with a desperation he’d never felt with another. A simple kiss and he’d lost the ability to think rationally. For years he’d ignored her, but no more.
He remembered what he’d overheard at that warehouse. Liberty wasn’t safe, and he had to make sure she understood that. Make sure she didn’t take any further risks.
“Enter,” he responded to a tap on the door. What surprised him was that it was Florence and Barnaby standing there when it opened. She was still wearing her dressing gown and slippers.
“What’s happened? Are you all right?” He’d taken to wearing a nightshirt to bed since she’d entered his household in case she needed him.
She came in with one hand on the dog, and the other clutching a book, to stand beside his bed looking up at him with those big eyes that would always get her whatever she asked for.
“You did not read to me yesterday.”
“I’m sorry about that, Florence. I was unwell.”
“Miss Haigh told me that.”
“So you came here with your book to ask me to read to you now?” She nodded solemnly.
“Have you had your morning meal?” Florence shook her head.
“Good morning, my lord.” Joseph appeared in the doorway behind the little girl. “And Miss Florence and Barnaby,” he added.
“Good morning, Joseph.”
Barnaby jumped onto the bed and draped himself across Tobias’s legs.
“Ah, it appears we need a tray of food, as Miss Florence has yet to eat her morning meal,” Toby said. “Also, could you just check on Miss Haigh, please?” Clearly, the slight tinge of panic in his words resonated, and his manservant fled.
“I like this book.”
“Well then, perhaps we should read it.”
Florence rarely came right out and asked for anything. She wasn’t outspoken yet, but he was sure that, given time and confidence in her surroundings, that would come. But she did like to spend time with Tobias.
“But you’ll have to come up here with Barnaby,” he added.
She held out her arms, and Toby lifted her up to settle beside him.
“Don’t mind me,” he muttered to the dog who made a sound in his throat as he moved his legs.
