“What is it now?”
“What will people say if they notice you and I together?”
He moved to stand before her, his expression grave. “When will you understand that I’m not an enemy to your reputation? We will have your maid and my daughter tagging along as chaperones at all times.”
She shook her head. “It would not be right to take Ava with us.”
“The maid comes whether you want her to hear what is going on or not.”
“She already knows,” Rebecca admitted. “What do we do now?”
“Well, tonight, my lovely wife unfortunately must sleep alon
e because I told the innkeeper I snore quite terribly.” He shrugged. “Beyond that, after your affairs are in order, I don’t know.”
Rebecca nodded slowly, but her mind was awhirl with uncertainty. Permanency had not been a consideration when she’d met with Rafferty the first time. Now, though…well it was indeed something that seemed very appealing.
Chapter 15
Adam waited impatiently within the carriage as his card was presented at Rebecca’s door the day after they’d arrived in London. They had parted company the afternoon before without making plans to see each other again. They had all been exhausted, but he did not think Rebecca had meant to forget him. Still, he had delivered himself at the time he deemed suitable for their outing—half afraid she’d gone on without him. There was no knocker on her door to announce her return to town. It was better that way too, in his opinion. The creditors would not come knocking.
A servant of the Upper Brook Street townhouse suddenly appeared at the door and pushed it wide. Rebecca appeared, and then she and her maid Nancy slipped down the stairs and into his carriage without delay. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, Mrs. Warner. Nancy.”
Rebecca’s maid smiled quickly and took her place across the carriage while her mistress fidgeted at Adam’s side.
He glanced her way. “The driver needs to know where to take us first.”
Rebecca removed a paper from her reticule and read off a location for the waiting driver. “As quick as you can,” she asked.
Adam chuckled. “The last time you said that, we destroyed a carriage and I had to have my head stitched. Please do not rush the journey, Mr. Chapman.”
“Yes, my lord.”
She smiled quickly. “How is Lady Ava this morning?”
“Surly. Ava misses you already.” He looked out the window. Ava had not been happy to be left behind today. However, he had promised she could host a fine dinner to share with Rebecca soon. He carried an invitation in his pocket for that express purpose that he would deliver later when they were alone. “She begged to come see you.”
Rebecca sighed. “I thought she understood.”
“She has enjoyed your company a great deal. It is normal for her to become attached to the only friends she has made in her short life. How was your evening?”
Rebecca smiled. “I found last night a bit quiet. What did you do?”
“I had some errands to run and then went to the club. I ran into an old friend there. Sir John Culpepper will be only to happy to lend any assistance we might require.”
The maid was following their exchange with unbridled curiosity so he said no more for now.
Thank heavens the solicitor’s office was only a short distance away.
They stopped before an impressive building. Clearly the solicitor was doing well. Adam assisted Rebecca exit the carriage and waited till the maid joined them. He escorted Rebecca up the stairs and into the entrance hall. To one side, he heard voices engaged in a heated debate.
“This way,” Rebecca said as she strode forward toward a tall side desk and rang a little brass bell. A neatly dressed young man suddenly appeared from the back, smiling broadly. “Welcome to Barclay & Jones. How may I help you?”
“I should like to speak with Mr. Barclay,” Rebecca explained.
The fellow winced a little. “I am afraid that is quite impossible today, madam.”