His eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
“You think I have something you want. If I give it to you, I expect something in return.”
“You are blackmailing us?” He appeared incredulous.
“I am negotiating. Here are my terms. I want two thousand pounds. The real kind, not the kind printed up at night. It is a good bargain for you. Rebuilding your trade will cost much more.”
He scratched his chin. “I’ll be needing to talk this over with the others. I will come back tomorrow or the next day or so.”
The tiniest tap on her elbow made Padua ease back enough to see Ives out of the corner of her eye. He shook his head.
She thought fast. “If you must do that, you are notthe one making decisions. Tell him, whoever he is, that I will only bargain with him so we can make quick work of this.”
“That is not how he likes to do things.”
“It is the only way he will get what I have. If he does not agree by week’s end, I will hand it all to the local magistrate, and take my chances.”
He shook his head. He gave her a stare full of disdain. “Just like that, you sell your father. What kind of daughter are you?”
She felt her face warming, but she held her hard pose and expression. “The kind who would rather have two thousand in good notes than even thirty thousand of the amateurish forgeries you print up. I want this settled by week’s end, or I will become a dutiful daughter again.”
She closed the door in his face, and held her breath. Neither she nor Ives moved a hair for a long time. Then, on his nod, she opened the door again and peered out. The man had left.
“Do you think he will return tomorrow night?” she asked.
“Two nights hence, or three is more likely. It sounded like the man we want is not in London. He will have to journey here.”
“At least it is not Mrs. Lavender.”
“She may still know of it. She may use the bad money in that office of hers.” One of his eyebrows went up. “I just realized I may know how to find out if she does.” He turned her around and began unfastening her dress.
She waited until he was done. “It does not appear I will need protection tonight. Or until two nights hence, at least, you said.”
He turned her to face him. He looked down, his hands still on her shoulders. “I have grown accustomed to it, but I will leave if you want.”
She did not want that. It had taken all her strength to say what she had. She had grown accustomed to having him beside her too. Too much so, she feared. It had become normal. Expected. She wondered if she could even sleep now without his arm slung over her the way it was all night.
“If you don’t mind that narrow bed and cold water for the first washing, I am glad if you stay.”
Later, while she thought he slept but she stayed awake storing memories, he spoke into the peaceful space. “I want you to stay at Langley House tomorrow night.”
“You are not sure I will be safe here?”
“It is not that. I truly think nothing will happen for at least two days.”
“Then . . . ?”
“It would be nice to use a good bed for one night.”
She had to laugh. “What? You do not find this one comfortable? You are not sleeping well?”
“It isn’t the sleeping so much that is limited.”
“I would have said you managed the other more than well enough,my lord.”
“I did, didn’t I?” He sounded pleased with himself. “A resourceful mind can always find a way. However, a night of comfort is still called for. For your sake, Imean. We will join the others for a good dinner, and you will remain there as a guest.”
“I would not mind being spoiled for a night.”
