“I didn’t want to,” Jack admitted. “I tried without him... and it is true I need him. However, what I have received is a reunion with my family. I hadn’t realized how much I missed them.”
“And what has he received in return?”
You. “He has not asked for anything. He truly is a good man.”
She studied him a moment. He could read her every thought in her clear eyes.
What Jack saw was that she understood what hehadn’tsaid.
“I pray your meeting is worth the cost,” she murmured.
He wanted to step forward, to tell her it wasn’t. That letting her go was an almost unbearable price, one he was just beginning to fathom—
“Here you are,” Gavin’s voice said from behind them. They both turned. He frowned. “Why do the two of you look so serious?”
“I was thanking Lady Charlene for rescuing me from Lady Damian’s teeth.”
“She was amazing, wasn’t she?” Gavin agreed. He looked to Lady Charlene. “And I can’t wait to meet your aunt. She sounds forthright. I now know why you are so special. When is she returning? Mother believes we should have her to Menheim for a family dinner.”
Jack had heard him mention the aunt before. Was that why he’d not offered marriage yet? He was waiting?
“Soon,” Lady Charlene said. “She will return soon.”
She did not look happy. Jack sensed immediately something was wrong.
However, Gavin was oblivious to the tension in her. “Come, I ordered the coach. Mother is ready to go and you must be as well.”
With those words, he took Lady Charlene away from Jack.
Chapter Fourteen
The next day, Sunday, the air was chilled but the sky was a brilliant blue in that way it rarely happens in winter. Jack set his hat low over his eyes and pulled on his gloves.
He had some thought of checking with Lawrence and Matthew. There was much to be done for the meeting on the morrow. Last night’s successful discussion around Raneleigh’s table had given him hope.
He found his reluctant compatriots sharing an early supper. After a list of instructions, all of which Jack was certain they would ignore, he began walking home... except his path led to Mulberry Street.
This time he didn’t just check the alley, he did something he’d not done before—he paused at the corner to study the house. There was no sign of his brother or Lady Charlene, which was good. Jack did not know how he would explain his loitering in the area. That would certainly raise his twin’s suspicions at a time he needed him most.
The streets were relatively quiet for a late Sunday afternoon. Most of the traffic was by foot.
Knowing he had stretched his luck, Jack forced himself to continue past Mulberry Street, and it was at that moment, he noticed a street boy snuggled down behind the rain barrel on the corner. Jack stopped, curious. He glanced back toward the house on Mulberry Street. At this angle, the boy would have a clear view of who was traveling up and down both Mulberry and the connecting street. The lad was small, not more than eight years of age. He could crouch by the barrel and not be seen.
Jack walked up to the boy who had dismissed him earlier as someone of no consequence. He probably had his eye out for the duke or Lady Charlene.
Coming up behind the boy, his steps so quiet the little rascal did not notice, Jack said, “Has Lady Charlene passed this way yet?”
The lad startled and looked up at Jack. He must have seen a resemblance because the boy tried to run but his feet barely scrambled to let him stand before Jack had him by the collar.
“What are you doing?” the boy complained. He twisted and turned trying to free himself.
“What is your name?” Jack asked.
The boy hit out at him. He was a skinny lad with the furtive movements of a weasel wanting to break free of a trap. Jack gave him a shake. “Your name.”
“Toady. Not let me go, sir.Let me go.” He said this last as a holler as if wishing to attract attention and possible rescue.
Jack held him up so he could look into Toady’s grimy face. “No one is interested in a gentleman chastising a street boy.”
