Jemina rocked Hope and Mrs. Feebs in her arms as Daniel’s carriage made the last turn toward Finchely.
She’d cried and sang almost the entire time back to London. This trip might have been too much.
“Taking turns holding Hope is not a bad ritual,” he said.
“What?” Jemina lifted her tear-stained face. “Did you say something?”
“Nothing.”
“Pa-Papa.”
Daniel took the invitation and sat with them. “I’m here.”
“Good. Mama and Pa-Papa. Just need Max.”
“We’re going to him, princess. We’re almost home.”
Hope smiled, then her little face flopped against Jemina.
He rubbed her cheek, then touched his wife’s.
Jemina didn’t object. She even leaned a little on his arm like she had at the docks.
This moment was one to savor.
Hope’s head fell back, her eyes closed. Her puckered lips held a smile.
Stroking her curls, Daniel sighed. “I think she’s tired enough to sleep through the night.”
Jemina didn’t respond but craned her head toward the window. “You have guests at this hour?”
Her breath came fast. “How could you? You took us away to Portsmouth to have them waiting for me here?”
“Never.” He turned her chin to him. “Never. You should know I’d never betray you. When will you ever trust me?”
He doused the lamp and peered out the window. “I know you need the truth; you want it more than anything. That’s why I found what I could for you.”
She grabbed his arm. “Then why are they here at this hour?”
He’d love to reassure her, but there were two carriages outside of his house. Daniel had a feeling this was his fight, not hers.
His pulse ramped as he shifted to get a better look and made out the Lord Mayor’s crest on one of the carriages. “They’re not here for you. They’ve come for me. Down on the floor, Jemina, with Hope. They need to think I’m alone.”
She did so, her chocolatey eyes glistened as she rocked their little girl. “Why?”
“Nothing good, Jemina, take Hope and hide in the mews. I’ll come for you when everything is safe.”
“What? What is happening?”
“This isn’t a social call, not at midnight.”
She gripped his hand like he had clasped hers in Portsmouth. “We face this together, Daniel.”
“No, this little girl will not be ripped from your arms again. You promise me to keep her safe.” He jerked open a compartment under his seat. There’s money and a knife to help you get away. Big-girl toys.”
“Daniel.”
“That’s the Lord Mayor’s carriage. He’s here to break up my family. He has the power to take me or you or Hope. Whatever this is, I’ll sacrifice myself before anyone can lay a hand on either of you. Please keep Hope safe. Promise me.”
