This he heard and acted and led her back to the carriage.
“Done?” Lady Shrewsbury offered the drooling Hope back to Jemina.
His wife held her as if she hadn’t seen Hope in forever. “Yes.”
Daniel couldn’t, wouldn’t interrupt. Instead, he accompanied his aunt back to her carriage.
“My lovely Ashbrook, was it necessary for Jemina to return to here? She looks so shaken.”
He opened her carriage and helped her inside. “It was. Dr. Scottson had to identify her, which the physician did. Jemina needed to see this place and confirm she’d been here as well. She did that, too.”
Adjusting her burgundy skirts and gathering Athena, the big snowball Angora cat, Lady Shrewsbury settled into her seat. “That’s a lot to risk.”
Nodding, Daniel stayed at the door, almost leaning against it, he hid his trepidations with a nod and a shrug. “I needed to show Lady Ashbrook I trusted her strength. It was one of the hardest things I’d ever done.”
“Her trauma could’ve worsened. Such a dangerous thing to do. You’re a gambler.”
“I’m confident in her. I know she’ll fight to keep what we have.”
“Keep thinking good thoughts and believe in the collection you’ve made, your found family.” She grasped his hand. “Go to your wife. Gambling is good for you.”
“I’ll stick to vingt-et-un with the fellows. Thank you for coming to my mission, Lady Shrewsbury.”
“Anytime, but be careful, Daniel, my darling. The St. Maurs are influential. You never know whose ear they’ll bend.”
She had that look as if she knew more, but that was his aunt being the Widow’s Grace mastermind. “Well, it’s good to have Lady Shrewsbury or her women rush in to save me. See you in London.”
“Yes and at Hope’s birthday. It’s in a few weeks. Will it be a big celebration?”
“A small one. Bring treats. Those currant and carraway shortbread, and stay out of Newgate till I’m back in London.” Chuckling, he shut the door, then trudged back to his carriage.
His poor wife still seemed shaken and even more lost. Jemina cradled Hope so tightly, he made sure they both breathed.
“I can only image the memories in your head. You remembered more.”
“Daniel, I remember my baby being ripped from my arms. Then everyone told me she didn’t exist. I can’t remember her name.” She kissed Hope’s braids. “Why would anyone believe a mother like that?”
Daniel hated what she’d suffered. He left his bench and sat beside her and put her head to his shoulder. “There’s one more thing to do before we head back.”
“Please let it be something easy.”
He wished it was. They had lignum vitae to deliver.
CHAPTER 54
JEMINA—THEMEANING OFHOME
The carriage passed houses of red and orange bricks, then buildings of wood with roofs of thatch or slate. It made a colorful canvas lining their way to the sea.
Daniel held her, even as Hope woke up with all the energy of the duke’s blasting cannons.
Salted air snuck inside. It was so much stronger now.
Hope bounced on the seat and peered out the window.
Daniel had that thoughtful look on his face, one that said he understood.
Maybe he did.
