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Beatrice had arrived almost a half hour ago. They’d only have about two hours head start before Hampton arrived to pick her up.
Already, it might be too late. The journey would take two to three days, and that was if they had a four-horse team, changed horses every fifteen miles, and only stopped to sleep for no more than eight hours.
“Is there no one who can care for your other animals?” he asked.
“Yes.” She nodded, her face still pale as milk except for two bright pink spots on her freckled cheeks. “Hans. The cook’s grandson.”
“Can he read?”
If they stood any chance of outsmarting Highbury, they must leave post haste, but Cassius knew Beatrice well enough to know that she would not abandon her companion or pets.
“Yes.” She wadded the handkerchief in her palm, a telltale sign of her agitation.
Cassius hurried to his desk and pulled out a sheet of foolscap. He pushed an inkwell and pen toward her. “Write him a note. Only ask him to care for your animals. Don’t tell him anything else.”
“Of course.” Nodding, she took the pen.
Cassius grabbed a second pen and swiftly wrote a short message to Doctor Lawrence Lancaster.
After folding her note to Hans, she met his gaze.
He took her hand in his, and she clasped his tightly, seeming to need his strength.
“It shall not be an easy or comfortable journey, Beatrice. We might not be able to outrun your uncle if he decides to pursue us.” Cassius honestly didn’t know if the earl would or not, but if Highbury had lied to Beatrice all this time, what else was the earl capable of?
She merely pressed her lips together and gave a single curt nod.
“Your reputation will be in shreds after traveling alone with me.” He must tell her the rest—make certain there would be no misunderstandings or false assumptions. “And I shan’t be making an offer of marriage.”
She didn’t even flinch at his callous announcement, and Cassius couldn’t decide if that made him admire her even more or saddened him.
It didn’t matter that his actions would be beyond reproach. A young, unmarried woman traveling alone with a man was scandalous. Many a man had been compelled to marry a chit compromised far less than Beatrice would be after their hasty journey.
“My reputation is the least of my worries, and I wouldn’t accept a m-marriage offer from you, or any man for that matter. I have no wish to marry. Ever.” Her posture grew stiffer with each word. “So you can rest easy on that account.”
What a pair they were—both averse to marriage.
She offered him a fragile smile. “Besides, I trust you to act the gentleman.”
As long as her trust didn’t turn into something more, for Cassius had sworn an oath to himself he would not break. Which was why he’d made certain to inform her he’d not be salvaging her reputation by trotting down the aisle.
He helped her on with her cloak—entirely too identifiable, but he didn’t have another to offer her instead. Once they were on their way, he’d purchase more suitable and less noticeable clothing for her.
“We go now.” Chin held high, she snapped her fingers. At once, her faithful dogs trotted to her side. “Today, I take control of my life and future.”
“Bravo, Beatrice.”
Surely the sensation pelting Cassius’s ribs was pride and admiration—nothing more, and certainly nothing as stupid and senseless as affection.
After securing the front door, he removed his money from a locked desk drawer, tucked it inside an inner coat pocket, and bundled Beatrice out the rear entrance, the letters for Hans and Dr. Lancaster in his hand.
He sent an ironic glance heavenward.
A fine mess I’ve embroiled myself in.
Of all his siblings, he was the most sensible.
Everyone said so.
Then why was he jumping headlong into this insane escapade?
Because, dammit, despite his best intentions, and though he’d fought it from the first time he’d laid eyes upon Beatrice Fairfax, she’d managed to wiggle her way beneath his skin, and he very much feared, was well on her way to burrowing into his heart.
And that he must put a stop to it at once.
