“Not that I’m aware of, but then I’ve not involved myself in the area for many years,” Toby said.
“And look who has just arrived.”
At Jamie’s words, Toby looked around him and there she was. Liberty with her maid, Helen.
“I don’t want her in Bidham without protection,” he said, walking toward her.
“Nothing will happen in daylight surrounded by people. Don’t overreact, and don’t for pity’s sake forbid her from coming here,” Anthony whispered. “Trust me in this. It will not go well for you.”
“He’d probably know better than us to be fair about this kind of thing, Toby,” Jamie added.
“I need another piece of gingerbread. Come along, Jamie. We will get some for Florence and Evie too,” Anthony said, walking toward the bakery and leaving Toby with Liberty.
He watched the color flush her cheeks as their eyes met. He wanted to forbid her from coming here, but knew Anthony was right. To do so would be folly now, when everything between them was so new. Instead, he leaned in and kissed her cheek.
“Hello, my sweet,” he whispered in her ear.
“Hello, Toby,” she said as she dropped into a curtsey. The small smile on her face told him she was pleased with his words. “How is Florence?”
“She is well, and at present with her nanny and Evangeline, being spoiled, I am sure.”
Toby took her arm and moved her a few steps down the road, as ifthey were looking out over the water. “Are you all right, Liberty?”
“Of course.”
“The carriage ride here, we—”
“I’m all right, Toby, I promise.”
“You look beautiful today. I’m glad to see you are wearing your glasses. I have no wish for you to trip and hurt yourself.”
“Mother does not mind me wearing them here, where no one from London is likely to see me.”
“You don’t have to worry about that anymore,” Toby said, taking her fingers in his. “Your future is determined.”
“Toby—”
“However, we cannot get into that now, as I want to understand what is happening in Bidham, Liberty.” She nodded her agreement to that. “Now I need to ask you something.”
“Of course. Anything,” she said.
He wanted to kiss her again. Lean in and nibble that full bottom lip. No woman had ever consumed him before. It was unsettling.
“Do you know of any other nobleman living in the surrounding area, close to Bidham?” She frowned then, her eyes alert through the lenses of her glasses. “It’s important, and I believe connected to what is happening here,” Toby added.
She thought about his words for a moment, and then said, “After I saw you here that day, the first time you returned to the village, I came upon Lord Michael when I was leaving. He told me he was here visiting Mr. Landon as he had a telescope, but I’m sure they have nothing to do with this.”
“Why are you sure of that?” Toby asked, feeling his anger bite for no other reason than she’d mentioned Michael.
“I do not know Mr. Landon well, but of course Lord Michael is a well-respected society peer, and a good man, even if…”
“Even if what Liberty?” Toby demanded as her words faltered.
“He is not the right man for me,” she whispered.
“Has he wanted to be the right man for you?”Stay calm.
“Why are you angry with me, Toby?” She was frowning now.
