“Yes. And the other day they sent for him here because two men in a rowboat came close where we ladies were bathing.”
An image of her slithering through the waves unclothed leapt into his head and became riveted there. With difficulty he forced his attention on to what Delia was saying.
“I wondered at the time if it was Sam and Barney, but I don’t think it could have been. Only I seized the chance to try and persuade Captain Rhoades at least to search the town. And it worked, Giff, for I haven’t felt them watching me now for two or three days.”
He snapped back to the danger still confronting him. “They’re not gone.”
Apprehension flickered in her gaze. “How do you know?”
“Sattar has them under observation. They’re hiding out in their lodging.”
She seized his arm in a painful grip. “They could have seen you! Oh, Giff, I wish you had not come!”
He set his hand on hers. “And I hoped you’d be pleased to see me.”
“Of course I’m pleased.” She released her grip, snatching her hand away. “But I’m scared too. I can’t bear the thought of them succeeding.”
“Devil a bit. Even if they saw me, they’d not recognise me. You didn’t.”
She gave an odd sort of laugh. “No. I thought you a very ruffian.”
He bared his teeth at her. “Perhaps I am.”
She made no answer, surveying his unshaven cheeks and the spotted neckerchief as if she sought to memorise his features anew. “You haven’t answered me about your wound.”
A husky note in her voice caught at his senses. A strong desire to caress her surprised him. He suppressed it, forcing his concentration back. “It’s healing well. I hardly feel it.”
Her brows drew together. “You were limping. I saw it.”
“No, you didn’t. You were too dazed to notice anything when I brought you round here.”
“Well, I’ve remembered now, so I must have noticed.”
“Delia, my leg is perfectly fine,” he said with finality.
She gave a little sigh. “I must accept that, I suppose. But you haven’t explained why you ventured here, especially knowing the enemy was in the area.”
A perfectly ridiculous feeling of chagrin entered in. Giff tried to ignore it, but it would not be contained. “Why do you think I came, foolish wench? To make sure those fellows did not menace you, of course.”
“They didn’t menace me, you idiot man! They’re waiting for you. And you have to do exactly what they hoped for. You really are the limit, Giff! Why could you not stay away?”
Her indignation warmed him. He grinned. “I wanted to thank you for saving my life.”
Delia rolled her eyes. “By putting your life back in danger?” Her voice became urgent. “You must go away again at once!”
Giff drew himself up. “I’ve no intention of going away. I’m going to confront Piers.”
“Well, you won’t because he’s not here.”
“He’s staying in a village close by.”
She gasped, looking horrified. “No, Giff! You’ve got to hide!”
“I can’t keep on hiding. I have to end this.”
“Yes, by getting yourself killed! Oh, pray don’t be so foolish, Giff!”
He was gratified by her vehemence and concern, but he did not hesitate to throw it back at her. “You’re the one who suggested it, or so my uncle said.”