But he would walk over hot coals if it meant it might raise his regard in Fleur’s eyes. He never wanted her to view him with disdain or horror, as she had the day he’d found her in his secret room.
He hadn’t yet told her that he was intending to clear out the space, wanting to dispose of everything that had been a part of his old life. He wanted no visible recollection, although the memories would remain to haunt him, long after he’d passed on to the next life. His transgressions were many but with Fleur, he could almost believe that he could be a good man, a better person. Someone he aspired to be. That one day, their children might aspire to be.
He couldn’t dare to hope that Fleur might accept his hand but he’d thought many times of how he might propose in the romantic fashion that she deserved even if he wasn’t sure where to begin. Surely, flowers and embellished prose didn’t seem enough. She needed a grand gesture. Perhaps if he climbed to the top of Westminster Abbey and proclaimed his attentions to the entirety of London then he might feel as though he’d done his best efforts to win her.
He exhaled slowly. Whatever he decided he knew it would be the toughest battle he’d ever fought.
* * *
HadDrake found true love with her?
Fleur couldn’t seem to stop replaying Avalon’s accusation through her mind, although Drake had seemed rather reluctant to speak out in defense or denial of the claim. She wanted to believe that he loved her quite wholeheartedly, but now she was given to wonder if she had been the only one who was in danger of engaging in the foolish drivel of poets. She had nearly confessed her love for Drake just before he’d stopped her. Had he known she was about to make a terrible mistake? Perhaps once her brother was freed, he might ask her to leave. She knew that he didn’t stay with anyone for long, so perhaps their time together had run its course. But then, why was she that surprised? Could a man such as Drake Porter truly change?
The silence in the carriage was deafening, so thick that Fleur nearly choked on it, but she nearly convinced herself it was due to the upcoming chaos that would surely ensue once they arrived in Greenwich. She yearned to see Flavian, to ensure that he was safe and unharmed, but she also feared for the danger Drake would surely put himself in to see it happen.
Her brother or the man she loved. She was terrified she would have to make that choice. Not only was it terribly unfair, but it would surely be impossible. She intended to do whatever she must to ensure that decision didn’t come to pass.
She closed her eyes to gain her equilibrium, and they soon arrived in the village just across the Thames. They passed the familiar site of the orphanage where she had taught Latin. It seemed like a lifetime ago since she’d strode through those doors, and yet, she could still recall every minute detail as if it were some fantastical dream.
They continued on through the main thoroughfare until they finally drew to a halt at the Coach and Horses. As the conveyance shuddered to a halt, Fleur clenched the material of her dress in her fists. Her heart started to pound as the uncertainty of their arrival had finally struck her. She prayed that Daniel would see reason, but if it came to choosing his brother over her, she doubted she would come out victorious. Considering they had fought several battles together during the war, their bond was nearly unbreakable.
They remained in the coach as it came to a halt. Drake and Avalon glanced through the shadows and tried to ascertain any danger. As Fleur did the same, she saw that there was nothing to cause immediate concern. However, for a pub that was generally bustling with activity at this hour, it was particularly odd that it should be almost void of patrons. The stable looked practically deserted.
The fine hairs on the back of her neck started to prickle with warning. “Something’s wrong,” she whispered to Drake, who gave an imperceptible nod.
He glanced toward Avalon, as if an unspoken agreement had passed between them, and then he turned to her. “Stay here.”
She clutched his arm. “I don’t like this?—”
He lifted her chin lightly with his forefinger and spoke calmly. “Everything will be fine.”
“Are you sure about that?” she whispered back.
He glanced at Avalon, who was watching the exchange with a look of boredom. “I have him on my side. What could go wrong?”
Fleur closed her eyes. “Do you really want me to answer that?”
He offered her a consolatory wink and then he got out of the carriage, Avalon following close behind him.
Fleur sank back against the squabs of the carriage and blew out a breath. Once again, she was forced to cool her heels like a helpless female.
She glanced down at the shroud she was wearing and wondered why she was wearing the ridiculous thing when she wasn’t allowed to take part in the intrigue. She’d even brought along her rapier, although she wasn’t sure Drake knew about that last minute addition. She decided it might come in handy if things turned sour. But then, she didn’t imagine she would be stuck in the carriage waiting on pins and needles for something to happen either.
Minutes ticked by like hours and Fleur felt the slide of perspiration down her spine. She hated this. Her brother and the man she loved was out there while she was sitting there like a proper lady.
She’d had enough.
Fleur decided that she was putting an end to this nonsense once and for all. Surely Daniel could be reasoned with. She had always thought a lot of him. He had kept her secrets, which meant he had been an ally at one time. He could be acting on his brother’s behalf and not understand the entirety of the situation.
She thought of Flavian and how he must have been so desperate for help, to come to the one place he thought he might find refuge, only to be disappointed yet again. It angered her that he didn’t feel he could come to her, but after his gambling had put them in this situation to begin with, no doubt his shame wouldn’t let him come back to her for assistance.
She had just grabbed the carriage door handle when it was yanked out of her hand. With a gasp, she relaxed slightly when she saw the stablemaster. “Daniel.”
What she hadn’t been prepared for was the pistol that glinted in the moonlight as he held it out for her to clearly see. “Miss Davies,” he said evenly. “Step out of the carriage.”
Her hand trembled but she managed to climb down without incident. She hadn’t bothered to cover her face, so she faced her nemesis with her bare countenance. “Daniel, please. Surely there is no need for violence.”
“I wish it were that easy, Miss Davies.”
