That surprised Leah. “He didn’t threaten to throw it into the fire?”
“On the contrary,” he returned. “He felt it was the right thing to do.”
She laughed at that. “Coming from a thief, I suppose I ought to take that as a compliment and be grateful he has some honor left.”
A slight frown grew between his brows. “Whatever you might think about Harlan, I can assure you that it is wrong.”
“And how might I know anything about him since he keeps everything such a closely guarded secret?”
He tilted his head to the side. “Have you considered the possibility that he might not have a choice in the matter?”
She hesitated. Actually, that thought hadn’t crossed her mind at all. She just assumed that Harlan was the leader of a bunch of mischief makers out to terrorize unsuspecting passengers. “Enlighten me, then.”
He pushed his spectacles up his nose. “I would, but it is not my position to tell someone else’s story. If Harlan wants to express the reasons behind his actions, then it shall be up to him to do so.”
“What time is he due to return?” she demanded. “I should like to hear the truth from him, if he is capable of it.”
“It is difficult to say. They have all gone out for the evening.”
They.“I see,” she returned tightly. “I suppose they mean to rob another coach.” She waited for her companion to contradict her. When he didn’t, she had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. After today, when Harlan had showed her the camera obscura, and then been so candid with her about his attraction to her, she thought that they might have been gaining some common ground. But if he was still intent on carrying out these despicable exploits, then she had been fooling herself into believing he had any good left in his heart.
And here was this man, who appeared perfectly innocent, and yet, he was part of the same band of revelers. “Why didn’t you join them?” She asked, trying to keep the bitterness out of her voice.
“I offered to remain behind.”
Her lips twisted. “You mean to imply you had to ensure I didn’t escape.”
This time, he was the one who chuckled. “I should not presume to jump to any such conclusions. However, I am also not the sort who enjoys holding up coaches. I am a mathematical man, not one fit for that sort of physical work.”
That description definitely didn’t fit his occupation. “Then how is it you were recruited to join a group of highwaymen?”
“Because of my knowledge of statistics.”
“And this is the only line of work you could find?” she asked in disbelief.
His focus was steady. “My wife knows that what I do is important.”
She leaned forward. “You’remarried?”
“Yes. And we have a two-year old daughter.”
Leah sat back in her chair, stunned. “Surely the other men aren’t in similar circumstances?”
“We all have families, except for Harlan.”
Somehow that didn’t come as a surprise. And yet, any mention of Harlan and it caused the flutters in her stomach to start beating wildly.. “I suppose I should look around to find something for supper. Unless you’ve already eaten?”
“I have, and I was able to procure a plate for you from my wife as well, should you accept the offering.”
Leah was touched by the kindness, even if she was still reeling from the fact these men took on such dangerous tasks, knowing the impact it would make on their families. “That was very kind of both of you,” she murmured.
As they made their way into the kitchen, she offered him an olive branch, “I daresay it is nice to finally converse with someone who isn’t wearing a mask. I admit that I used to find them quite dashing in novels, but it has not taken me long to tire of them.”
He smiled. “I have the feeling you will not have to worry about them for much longer, Miss Lindquist. Harlan is quite taken with you, and unless you are determined to make your way to your brother’s house, I believe he is content to let you remain here.”
I can’t letyou go. Not yet. Not untilI can understand this overwhelming appeal foryou.”Harlan’s words at the windmill replayed in her mind.
She wished she could tell Lucas that she was eager to be on her way, but she had never been able to lie to such an extent. If she was being honest with herself, she was curious where this attraction with Harlan might lead—but only if he could offer her something palatable in return.
