“I’m not angry with you. Please answer the question, Liberty.”
Her eyes ran over his face before she spoke again. “I’ve recently noticed an increase in his interest in me.”
The breath hissed out of Toby’s mouth. If Michael were involved, had he approached Liberty because she was a local to Bidham? Did he see her as someone he could manipulate? This seemed likely, particularly given that both she and Toby had been seen inquiring at the London warehouse.
Fear ran through his veins at the thought of that man near her.
“You need to listen to me now, Liberty. You cannot have anything to do with Michael,” Toby’s tone was harsher than he’d intended. Her chin raised, eyes defiant now.
“Toby.”
He turned at Jamie’s call and noted a man a few feet away. One of the two who’d been watching them earlier. Anthony moved to intercept him, but the man fled, running up the street.
“Was he listening to us?” Liberty asked, eyes shocked.
“Whoever is controlling what is going on here has eyes all over Bidham, Liberty. Promise me you will not speak with Michael again.”
“Tell me why I must do as you say?”
“Other than you are now mine, Michael is dangerous to you.”
Her blue eyes were almost arctic now as they glared at him. “I beg your pardon? I belong to no man.”
He turned fully to face her. “Wrong. You belong to me.” He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her close, kissing her hard. Shock had her mouth falling open when he released her.
“What are you doing? Someone will see.” She tried to look around, but he held her still.
“I don’t care. Look at me, Liberty.” She did. “Do you remember what we talked about in the carriage? About the men who inflictedwhat they did on me, Jamie, and Anthony?”
She nodded, the stiffness leaving her shoulders.
“Michael was a benefactor of Blackwood House and knew exactly what was going on there. He also watched my punishment.”
“No,” she whispered.
“Yes.”
“He told me in London that you were a man of questionable character,” Liberty said. Her eyes were now stricken. “Do you believe he is involved in what is happening in Bidham?”
“I don’t know, but it’s possible, and I’m going to find out for sure. I need to go now, Liberty, but I will see you tomorrow. Do not leave your house until then, and only to come to the fair with your family. Is that understood?”
“Where are you going?” She grabbed his arm. “I want to help you.”
“No. We must do this, and I need to know you are safe. If Michael calls at your house, do not let him in. Tell your parents everything if you wish, but do this for me, Liberty.”
“My family is visiting with Reverend Nelly today.”
“You should have gone with them,” Toby said.
“I didn’t want to, in case you called.” She threw her arms around his neck then, right there in the street, and squeezed him hard. “I love you,” she whispered in his ear. “Please stay safe. I don’t want to lose you again.”
“I have too much to live for now,” he said softly. “Trust no one and go nowhere alone. Now, go home at once please, Liberty.”
She studied him briefly and then walked to where Helen stood. Soon, they were heading back out of the village.
“There is a tavern,” Toby pointed to the Gill. “Go there and await me. I will join you soon,” he told his friends.
He walked up the street and watched Liberty and Helen get back into the carriage and roll away. Only when he knew they were safe didhe retrace his steps and join Anthony and Jamie.
