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As she said the words aloud, a bud of warmth grew in her heart. He was trying to protect her. This man, this woodcarver, whom she’d known for a mere few weeks, had sacrificed his well-being, his livelihood, his future…for her. But, why?

She stared up at him, studying his face. He must have sensed her question, as he shrugged and looked away.

“I did what I needed to do. Besides, what would your father have said had I allowed you to go off on your own?” His words were weak, a mask to hide the real reason why he had gone along with her, but Marianne allowed him to keep his knowledge secret.

“Even so,” she said, “I cannot allow you to risk anything further by forcing you to attend the assembly this evening.”

He was silent for a moment, pursing his lips. “What if you weren’t the one asking me to risk everything, and I was simply offering?”

She paused, hope spreading its wings within her heart. But she could not allow the wind to take them. “No, I cannot. What if you lose your work at Daffley because of me?”

A shadow passed over his eyes, but it was gone in an instant. “All is taken care of.”

Was that true? Had Father paid Edward enough to satisfy his debts?

Mr. Steele peered down at her, his gaze stalwart. “You’ve come so far, Miss Coventry. Be brave and take the opportunity for which you’ve worked so hard.”

The urging in his tone and the smile on his lips finally pushed her forward. “You are certain?”

“Absolutely.”

Her chest rose and fell, excitement flooding her senses. “Very well, Mr. Steele. Let us follow through with our plan.”

He grinned. “Excellent. Now, before we do anything else, let us first decide on what we shall call each other.”

“Oh.” Yet another thing she hadn’t taken into account. “But we do not have to worry about such a thing until the assembly.”

“Not if we walk about Wells.”

“But I thought you said…”

He raised a careless shoulder. “Perhaps I was a bit hasty before. We do not need to stay in our rooms for the entirety of the day. Unless you wish it, of course.”

“But will we not be leaving more opportunities for us to be discovered?”

“Your cloak or bonnet will cover you more than enough.” He tugged the hood forward to better cover her face. “We shall be on close alert. Besides, are you here to hide, Miss Coventry, or are you here to live?”

With a shake of her head, she beamed. “You are a terrible influence, Mr. Steele.”

He smiled right back. “As are you. But perhaps that is why we make such an excellent married couple.”

Her heart stuttered, though she did not know why. He was teasing, after all. “Yes, what shall we call each other then?”

“I’ve just the name. The Hickenbottoms.”

She pulled back. “The Hickenbottoms?”

“Oh, yes. They were a very respectable family in Bath when I was growing up.”

She laughed. “Very well, I suppose that will do.”

“It will do nicely.” He offered her his arm. “Come along then, Mrs. Hickenbottom. We’ve a town to explore.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Edward had never seen Miss Coventry so happy. In truth, he’d never seen anyone so happy.

After a brief walk around the town, the two of them had decided it would be best to take a moment to rest from their early morning—especially because it was sure to be a late night for them both.