That sounded like a dangerous venture. She didn’t want Hart involving himself in her uncle’s affairs. What if those men hurt him, or worse? Losing him would be as bad as losing her parents. The possibility made her stomach clench. She was well acquainted with the pain of losing those she cared about. She drew back to look up at him. “Surely it would be best to let the law deal with him?”
“With no proof, the magistrate won’t act. And in the country, a Bow Street Runner will stand out like a scarecrow in a plowed field. He can’t do much except lurk around Wakeham’s estate, trying to discover what goes on there. I doubt your uncle acts alone. There will be someone higher in charge. Wakeham must grow nervous and fear discovery, and that will make him vigilant. But I’ll engage a runner, although right now I have little to tell him. I’ll return to Pembury after we reach London. See if I can discover more..”
Hart planned to leave her alone in London? “Can’t I go with you to Pembury?”
“I don’t think it’s wise with your uncle so close. You would have to be guarded and remain in the house, which you would hate. In London, you can stroll in the park with my sister. I intend to invite her to join you. You’ll enjoy Diane’s company. She will advise you about dressmakers and where the best shops are to be found.”
Relieved, Maddie smiled. “An excellent idea, Hart.” She had taken to Diane immediately. A warm-hearted, sensible woman.
He dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Good night then, my sweet.”
“Goodnight, Hart.”
Resigned now she’d committed herself to this loveless marriage, Maddie slipped through the door, wishing he’d kissed her on the mouth. He had been kind and caring. She supposed that should satisfy her.
In the truckle bed, Jane raised herself up on her elbows. “Did you have a good evening, milady?”
“It was pleasant.” At least the last bit.
Jane threw back the covers to help her undress.
Maddie put a hand on her maid’s shoulder. “Go back to sleep. I’ve become quite adept at changing my clothes.”
“You won’t need me at all soon.” Jane settled down again, her voice drowsy.
“Of course I will.” But Jane had fallen asleep. Maddie undressed. She witnessed the exchange between Jane and Henry when the coach stopped at the last inn. Their fondness for each other was solace to Maddie’s troubled heart. Why could life not be simpler and more straightforward for her? She doubted it would ever be. Hart was kind and would be an affectionate husband. But she, unreasonably, wanted passion. Her outrageous Aunt Gabby, referring to her own experiences, had told Maddie something that stayed with her:Once a rake, always a rake. A married woman might briefly enjoy their attention, something to fill their dreams, perhaps. But rakes cannot be cured of their love of women, Maddie,she had warned. So never fall into that trap. Unless you can accept their philandering, a miserable life awaits you.
After breakfast, pulling on her gloves, Maddie walked with Jane to the coach. Jane’s gaze immediately sought Henry’s, where he stood at the horses’ heads. The groom’s eyes were warm, filled with a yearning that made Maddie catch her breath. She wanted that kind of love. Would she ever have it?
Seated in the coach, they waited for Hart to settle the bill. Maddie glanced at her maid, whose flushed face told her all. “Did you speak often to Henry when he worked for my father?”
Jane ducked her head and smoothed her skirts. “Yes, milady.”
“You seem on good terms.”
Jane blushed furiously. “We are, milady.”
Maddie smiled. “He is a fine fellow.”
Hart climbed into the coach. “Who is a fine fellow?”
“Henry!” Both Maddie and Jane said as one.
“My goodness.” A corner of Hart’s lip quirked up. “And I thought you were speaking about me.”
Maddie laughed and shook her head.
Hart took outThe Timesnewspaper and folded it in two. He leaned back, crossed his legs, and perused it.
“Any news from London?” Maddie asked after a while.
“Yes. Another bank robbery. A man killed.”
“Dear heaven. In the city!”
“Yes.”
“How blatant.”