“Yes, of course. But I was speaking of a personal visit, my lady. I was hoping I could pay my regards and escort you about Town, perhaps to a horserace.”
She sensed she had best proceed with caution. A response ofcertainly notwith the accompanying shudder that had welled up inside her would not be well received. Men did not like to be rebuffed. She’d learned that from her prime location as a wallflower, listening to the dramas, both large and small, play out around her.
Until recently, she had never been part of one and hadn’t realized how fortunate she was. Now, it seemed, she was in the thick of one after the other.
“Why, Mr. Beaumont, that is too kind of you. However, as you must understand, while my brother is going through such tribulations, I cannot think of anything other than securing his release.”
His eyes narrowed. Again, she wondered if he knew about Owen.Had he seen her riding with him in Hyde Park?Now, she was the one being paranoid.
In the thickening silence, she rapped quickly upon the carriage ceiling, and it halted with a rocking motion. Her footman jumped down and opened the door.
“Good day,” she said, giving Mr. Beaumont no choice but to exit.
“Good day, my lady.” This time, he didn’t bother to try to take her still-clasped hands. He jumped down to the sidewalk and strolled away.
When she reached Newgate, she found her brother already had a visitor. This time, without benefit of a solicitor, Adelia had been forced to one of the inner yards in which the prisoners took the air and got a little exercise. Constance Moore was already pressed against an iron gate, her arms reaching through to Thomas, who had hold of her hands.
Her heart ached to see him. And in fact, he looked the worse for wear despite the bribes they’d paid. His hair was obviously unwashed and uncombed, and he had a hollowness to his cheeks.
Not wishing to break up their discussion, she hung back until Thomas noticed her.
“Dilly-girl!” His face lit up, and Miss Moore turned to greet her.
Adelia could see streaks of tears on the young woman’s face, which made her own sad emotions flood to the surface. Regardless, she would not cause her brother more grief by joining in with volatile female emotions.
“How are you?” she asked him. “Eating well, I hope.” She managed to keep a note of cheer in her voice.
“Well enough. Not like our cook’s fare, that’s for sure.”
She nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat, and turned to Miss Moore. “I am ever so glad they let you visit.”
The woman gave her a wobbly smile. “They didn’t care who I was, actually. Anyone can wander in here.”
If only one could wander out as easily!
“I brought you more money. I hope it helps.” Adelia passed a small purse through the wide fence posts, which he took and pocketed.
“It does. An extra helping of bread or stew, a warmer blanket. That type of thing. But seeing the both of you does better for my health than anything. It’s been a busy day already.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“I also had a visit from Victor Beaumont.”
“Really! That’s odd.”
“Why?” Thomas asked. “He still works for me.” He sounded as if his pride were wounded.
“Of course he does. Yet, I only just spoke with him prior to coming here, and he didn’t mention it.”
“That is odd, especially considering his visit was all about you.”
She had a sinking feeling in her stomach. “He wants to court me, doesn’t he?”
Thomas frowned. “Maybe, but that’s not what I meant. He was concerned—”
“About Smythe Coal!” Adelia shook her head at the man’s gall.
“Yes. To be frank, he thought you were confused and needed guidance, and he was convinced you were going to Burnley for advice.”
