He didn’t argue, but he also didn’t agree. Instead, he pulled her hand into his. They sat together like that, hand in hand, as the carriage drove through the London streets. Bit by bit, the neighborhood grew darker and more dangerous. The smell of sewage grew stronger, and she knew the rookeries were close.
This was not something she would miss. She was accustomed to the danger, only going out during the day and in clothing that attracted no attention. And even then, she was often accompanied by one of the Wolf Pack.
If she were to ride in a fine carriage, though, would she be in more danger or less? Would she need to hire footmen who could protect her, or would her family have to come see her in a different part of town?
Thank heavens, they arrived quickly at the Lyon’s Den because she kept thinking of more questions, more problems, and more details that had never occurred in her daydreams. There, everything was perfectly easy, but suddenly the details were too much to bear. As soon as the horses stopped, she pushed open the door.
“Amber!” Elliott called, but she was too quick, and she knew this place well. She heard him following her. His heavy tread was close behind as she dashed around the corner of the building to the small door in the back of the shop.
It was locked. It was after dark. So she banged on it, crying out as she hammered on the door.
“Papa! Open up! Papa!”
No one answered, and her cries grew more frantic until she was sobbing at the door. Lord Byrn joined her and gently pulled her fists from the door. “Think Amber. Where would your father usually be right now?”
“In the back, cutting stones!”
“But then who would be with your grandfather?”
“I would.” Except she had been at Almack’s. She took a breath and tried to think. “They’re both upstairs,” she said quietly. She turned and headed for the ladies’ entrance, only to realize that Lord Byrn would not be able to join her that way. It was not a problem. After all, she’d spent nearly her entire life going in and out of the Den without his company. But at this moment, he was the only touchstone she had in a world gone crazy. She didn’t want to leave his side.
“We can go in the main entrance,” she said softly. “Women sometimes enter that way.”
He didn’t question her. He simply extended his forearm to her. She didn’t want to take it. She wanted to hold his hand like they had in the carriage, but this was better than nothing. She would hold onto his arm and feel his solid presence that way. She set her palm to his arm, and he covered it with his free hand while tucking her close to his side.
“I do not understand what you are feeling right now, but I will not leave your side until you are comfortable. Agreed?”
“Yes,” she exhaled, relief in the word. “Thank you.”
They made it inside with little issue. Lord Byrn was welcome here, as well as any of his companions, even if she be female and entering through the wrong door. Amber ran up the steps as soon as they made it inside and headed straight to the cage. But as soon as she got to the main floor, the noise and the smell assaulted her. Smoke, stale spirits, and sweat made for a nauseating atmosphere. She coughed just as a burst of raucous laughter filled the room. This was so familiar to her, like a second skin, and yet it didn’t seem to fit her now. Compared to the pastel colors and sedate dancing of Almack’s, this was a decidedly male environment, and not a very nice one.
Nevertheless, she rushed forward, going straight to the cage door. “Papa!” she whispered through the grate. “Papa, open up. It’s me.”
The door immediately opened, but not by her father. It was Lina, the Abacas Woman. “Thisbe!” she cried. “What are you doing here?”
Thisbe. The name she used at the den, jolting her yet again. She’d gotten used to being called Amber and Miss Gohar. “Where is my father?”
“He’s gone to get some tea for your grandfather. Come in, come in.”
She opened the cage door and pulled Amber inside. Lord Byrn was right behind her, and if Lina tried to block him out, she was unsuccessful.
“Enkelin? Is that you?” It was her grandfather using the German name for granddaughter, and she rushed to the back of the tiny room to hug him. Unlike the other smells, his scent was welcome and reassuring.
“I’m here now, Grandfather.”
“But why? Aren’t you to be a fine lady now?”
The very words brought tears to her eyes, and she couldn’t answer. Meanwhile, Lina took her hand and pressed her forehead to it in a kind of bow. Few knew that Lina was from China, and this was her way of giving respect.
“Thank you, Thisbe,” Lina said. “Thank you.”
“What?”
“Thank you for helping me get the money I need to send for my sister in China. Thank you for sending Lord Easterly to me.”
What? “But—”
“I took your suggestion,” Lord Byrn said, his voice a low rumble by her ear. “The arrangement was made this afternoon, as you recommended.”
