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“None of this is your fault, Roxina.”

He shifted, flicking a small stone pressing into his bum into the brush. “As for your question… When I learned of Desmond’s interaction with Mitchel, I decided to bring Desmond in, after I questioned him about your brother. The bounty would have kept me funded for a few months as I continued to search for Mitchel.”

“You believe Mitchel is still in England?” Folding her hands in her lap, Roxina canted her head. “I’m not so certain.”

Shelby gave a sharp nod. “I do, but I don’t think he’ll remain here for long. His plan has always been to leave England and never return.” He crossed his ankles. “But my guess is he gambled away the thousand pounds he procured in my name and found himself without means to flee the country.”

“That sounds like my brother.” Roxina twisted her mouth into a wry smile. “Selfish to the core.”

Sighing, Shelby closed his eyes for a moment.

“I rather think I’ll have to reevaluate my tactics now,” he murmured, keeping his tone low.

Sound traveled great distances outdoors.

A red squirrel chattered angrily, and somewhere in the woods, the rhythmic drumming of a great spotted woodpecker echoed among the trees.

When he opened his eyes, he couldn’t help but notice Roxina’s pensive expression as she gazed into the woodland.

“I suppose this means I cannot return to my cottage?” She gave him a sad, sideways look. “I have been happy there. Village life suits me.”

“I’m glad.” It very well might suit him too. “But until Mitchel has been apprehended, and Desmond is no longer a threat—as well as the moneylender satisfied—we must change our plans. I think we must travel to London.”

Shoulders slumping, a defeated sigh escaped her.

Suddenly, she lifted her head. “Dash!”

“What’s wrong?” Tensing, Shelby cast a swift, alert glance around and reached for the blade in his boot.

She chuckled, a low, throaty, lyrical sound.

Had he ever heard her laugh before?

“No—Dash is my dog. He tried to protect me and got kicked soundly.” She chewed her lower lip. “I hope he’s not injured too badly. I only recently rescued him from the streets. I’m sure he’ll return to the cottage.”

Shelby considered that for a moment. “I expect Desmond’s men to be watching the cottage as well. It would be dangerous to return there.”

“I shan’t leave my dog.” She jutted out her chin mulishly. “He’s been abandoned once already.”

Ah, there was the Roxina Shelby knew so well.

Then to the cottage, they would go.

It was perilous.

Foolish. Plain stupid, in fact, but Shelby couldn’t tell her no.

“If we wait until dark and stealthily return to Blackheath, your dog may be waiting.” Shelby cupped his chin. “Perhaps I can cause a distraction.” God alone knows what that will be. “Giving you enough time to collect a few possessions and your dog. Do you have a neighbor where you could wait for me?”

“I’ve become friendly with an elderly lady.” Roxina crinkled her nose. “I’m not sure she would want to get involved.”

“Come.” Shelby wrapped an arm around Roxina’s back, urging her to lay her head on his shoulder. “Don’t get disheartened, Roxina. We have friends that will help us.” Getting to them would be challenging, and traveling with a dog would draw attention. “Rest now. It will be several hours before we can leave.”

To Shelby’s astonishment, she didn’t argue.

Once she removed her bonnet, she snuggled into his side.

He struggled to adjust to this amiable Roxina.