All too soon the embrace came to a reluctant end as the carriage drew to a halt. Harlan leaned back. “We shall have to finish this conversation later,” he said huskily.
Although doubts were swirling in her head, this was one thing of which she was certain. “I agree,” she breathed.
The door opened, and Harlan assisted Leah to the ground. She could tell his focus had altered, become more aware of the danger that could be lurking around them, because he scanned the surrounding area and ushered her inside a lodging house, where he led her up a set of rickety stairs to the second floor.
She noticed Matthew wasn’t following them. When she asked after him, Harlan said, “He stays wherever the horses are in case we need to make a hasty retreat.” He looked at her directly. “Trust me, he is well armed and as someone who used to be in the military, he knows how to fire a pistol if necessary.”
The rooms she entered made the cottage in Gravesend seem like a grand estate, but she was not about to complain about her change in fortune. She was grateful to have escaped a man like Mr. Bernard and to not have to return to her brother.
She spied a settee with faded upholstery and frayed edges, but she gratefully sank down onto it. Glancing down, she had nearly forgotten the dress she wore and wished that she had something else to put on. “This gown is despicable,” she grumbled.
Harlan sat across from her in an equally worn chair that creaked beneath his weight. Loosely clasping his hands together, he said, “I thought it an interesting choice.”
“Trust me, it was not my choice, but that of—” She ceased her tirade when she saw the merriment shining in his gaze. She crossed her arms. “You’re teasing me.”
“I might have been.”
She laughed, finding it good to do so. “You are incorrigible.” As she sobered once more, she reached out and threaded one of her hands through his. “How did you find me?”
“One of the house maids. She was returning from the village and was nearly frightened out of her wits by Benjamin.”
She couldn’t resist a slight laugh, mainly because she couldn’t imagine being scared of such a gentle man. Then again, when she had first laid eyes on him with his highwayman mask, she had to admit he had made an intimidating figure. “I almost feel sorry for her.”
“I would, if it hadn’t led me to you.”
She adored the warmth in his hazel eyes. She couldn’t wait for them to be alone where they wouldn’t be disturbed. “What do we do now?”
He scrubbed a hand down his face. “We wait for Benjamin to return. And then we head back to London.”
“I see.” A yawn caught her and she wondered what time it was. The hour was surely growing late, but now that the horrors of the night had passed, she found that exhaustion was starting to set in.
He nodded toward a closed door. “You should get some rest. The bedchamber is just through there.”
Although her eyes were heavy, she said, “I can’t possibly think of sleep when Benjamin hasn’t returned.”
Harlan snorted. “I can’t wait to see Benjamin’s reaction when I tell him you think he is some wilting hero, unable to withstand a bit of a challenge.”
“I never said that!” Leah said with an outraged gasp. “I shall deny—” She shook her head. “You are teasing me again.”
He tilted his head to the side. “It is worth it to see you smile.”
Leah’s heart fluttered. “I wish I might do the same for you.”
“Your presence here is enough to relieve the tightness that has been in my chest since I left you.” His face was serious. “I was afraid that you would be so furious that you might not speak to me again.”
“I admit that I was hurt,” she said. “But I could never stay angry at you for long.”
The silence between them lengthened, as awareness swirled around them once more. Harlan got to his feet, and Leah’s pulse started to race. “There is a pub across the street. I could do with something to eat while I wait for Benjamin to arrive. I will return shortly. Do not open the door for any reason while I’m gone.” He reached out to touch her face gently. “Are you hungry?”
“No.”
He inclined his head and left.
Once he was gone, Leah yawned again. As much as she wanted to stay awake for Benjamin’s return, the combination of the hour and so many mixed emotions were starting to take their toll. Rather than going into the bedchamber, she lay down on the settee and closed her eyes, telling herself she would take a brief repose until Harlan returned.
Harlan wasgrateful the barkeep was willing to offer him some leftover stew and bread. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to keep his stomach from gnawing with hunger. He had been traveling all day, intent on reaching Leah. Something had told him that time was of the essence. He was glad he’d wasted no time in listening to his instincts, for her fate might have turned out differently should he have delayed. He hadn’t thought about anything but her until now, but if he hoped to keep up his strength for what was to come, then he had to do something to retain his energy.
He also hadn’t wanted to worry Leah earlier, but as the minutes started to tick by, Harlan started to wonder if there was a problem. From what he knew of Benjamin, he didn’t waste time. Then again, this was a highly intelligent man he was dealing with, likely someone who had been trained in the art of defiance since the war ended. He would be a worthy adversary, so perhaps that was the reason he hadn’t yet returned.
