Jonathan had never known.
But now that Edward had begun to open up, he found himself reciprocating. He told him about the work he’d done in secret for the poor in London and his recent adventures in Cornwall, including with a certain lady.
When he was finished, Edward asked, “So what the hell are you doing here?”
Jonathan knew he was referring to Fanny, so he purposefully tried to change the subject. “Mr. Santon reassured me that I didn’t have to remain to oversee the process, that the mine—”
“That’s not what I’m talking about, and you know it,” Edward interrupted. “Miss Grouseman sounds like a fascinating woman, yet you take off without a word to her?”
“Trust me,” Jonathan murmured. “She said enough for both of us.”
“It sounds to me as if she had the good sense to protect herself.”
Jonathan bristled. “Ineverhurt her.”
“Perhaps not physically, but a woman’s emotions are complicated.” He sat forward. “Did you even tell her how you felt? Or that you’ve actually considered relocating to St. Austell?” He leaned back. “She’s an innocent, Jonathan, not one of your former doxies.”
Jonathan blew out a breath. “I’ve made a royal mess of this, haven’t I?”
“It’s never too late to change things,” his brother pointed out. “I just think it’s rather ironic that you have always been the authority on the fairer sex, yet here I am, giving you advice.” He stood. “Now, if memory serves, you have a ball to attend in Cornwall in less than twenty-four hours. If we’ve any hope to make it in time, I suggest we get a move on.”
Jonathan’s eyes widened. “You’re going with me?”
“Of course. I need to be there to caution you when you’re getting ready to do something foolish.”
Jonathan drained his glass of brandy with a hearty laugh, and set it on the table next to him with a decided clink. “Then let’s make haste. The gallant knight shall ride to the rescue.”
His brother winked. “I do believe, in this instance, that the fair damsel is the one doing the saving of the errant hero.”
***
FANNY PACED THE MODESTparlor at her family’s home. She worried her lower lip with her teeth, and nearly jumped when the clock struck the hour on the mantle. She was wearing a new gown this evening, courtesy of Lady Marwood. It was a delicate, lilac silk and caressed her skin with every movement. She knew it was an offering to make her feel better and it had, if only temporarily.
For the past three days, a little piece of her had withered and died when she realized that Jonathan wasn’t coming back. Seated at her desk, she had stared at a blank page, intent on writing to him. But every time she dipped her quill in the ink, the words faded and jumbled until she finally gave up. How did one portray so much emotion onto a single piece of paper?
At least she was given a reprieve from those seductive green eyes and that sensual smile hovering in the forefront of her thoughts. Tonight was the final smuggling mission at Talland Bay. Lord and Lady Marwood had decided to hold the ball as planned, even though their guest of honor was missing, in the hopes that attention would continue to be diverted, particularly those of the revenue officers that had been invited to attend.
While Fanny wasn’t looking forward to spending any more time with Mr. Linneman than was absolutely necessary, she would do what she must to ensure that her father, and the other village men who would be at the bay tonight, escaped the hangman’s noose.
And there is a certain satisfaction in knowing that it is all going to transpire right under his nose when he is completely unaware of it.
“Fanny, do stand still,” Agnes snapped as she adjusted her hair comb. “Your relentless pacing is wearing on my nerves.” In London, she wouldn’t have been old enough to attend a society ball, but in the country, the rules were a little more lax.
“Agnes, really,” Lilah said in reprimand. “She has a right to be nervous. It’s as if you don’t understand the severity of the situation at hand.”
“Of course, I do,” her younger sister replied in a huff. “But you seem to forget I’m not the selfish one who chased Lord Castleford away.”
Fanny was about to give Agnes a piece of her mind when their mother appeared.
“Girls, please.” Mrs. Grouseman put a hand to her forehead. “If you are quite through caterwauling, could we get in the carriage?”
Fanny glared at her youngest sister, who stuck her tongue out in return. Before Fanny could react, Agnes marched outside.
As usual, Lilah was the calming force of the household. She put her hand in Fanny’s and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “I know that you were only safeguarding your future by acting as you did toward Lord Castleford.” She was the only one Fanny had dared confide in. “I understand your reasons even if Agnes is still too young and immature to grasp the nature of the heart.”
The fight left Fanny like a gust of wind, leaving behind a certain feeling of desperation. “Oh, Lilah. What if something happens tonight? I couldn’t live with myself if I was responsible for—”
Lilah hushed her with a shake of her head. “Don’t even talk like that! You are responsible for nothing but being a smart woman who deferred the attentions of a known rake. As far as Papa and the others—” Her blue eyes hardened. “I fear if they are captured, then they’ve only brought the law unto themselves.”
