God, he wished he’d found a host of sentimental treasures.
She removed her spectacles and slipped them into the pocket of her wrapper before scanning the damaged boots. “The floor looks like a cobbler’s workbench. Howard will be furious.”
“Why? When I’ve finished with him, he’ll not walk again.”
Her exuberant smile returned. “What made you search for the jewels amid all the commotion?”
Ah, now to the difficult part.
“It’s not safe here,” he said, his tone conveying the full gravity of the situation. “I need you to pack a valise. I need you to get dressed and leave with me. Now. Tonight.”
“Leave?” Confusion marred her brow. “I’ll not have the fiend drive me from my home. And where would I go? I had barely enough money to buy boots without withdrawing my invest—”
“You don’t need money. I need to keep you close until the threat passes.”
“Close?” The uncertainty in her eyes faded.
“Somewhere I know you’ll be safe.”
“Where?”
“Wigmore Street.”
“Wigmore Street?” Her breathing quickened. “But people will talk.”
“You don’t give a hoot what people think.”
“No, not about me. But I care what they say about you.”
He laughed. “It cannot be worse than what they say already.” He didn’t want her to think it was an excuse to take liberties. “You would have your own chamber. I could retire to my room in Hart Street if necessary.”
She remained silent.
Panic rose in his chest. “It would be a temporary arrangement.”
“I—I’m not sure I would cope.”
“Being in unfamiliar territory? Or are you worried I might become as obsessed with you as Hemming is?” There. The truth was better out than left to fester within.
Eva shook her head and drew her mouth into a serious line. “I’m not sure you would understand.” She gazed at the pretty necklace clutched in her hand.
“Help me understand.”
A brief silence ensued.
“Do you know what it’s like to feel powerless? To have one’s world pulled from under one’s feet, to have—” She stopped abruptly. “Forgive me. Of course you do.”
He wished he didn’t know. “You feel empty yet heavy at the same time. You blame yourself for being weak. Strive to ensure you never feel that way again.”
“Yes,” she whispered. “So many people take freedom for granted.”
“But one must question if we’re ever truly free. There is always someone to please. Someone to hold you to account.”
A sad sigh breezed from her lips. “Although stressful, this last week has been wonderful, too. I don’t want Howard to live here. I’m tired of pandering to his whims. I want to wake in the morning knowing the house is quiet, knowing the day will be pleasantly uneventful.”
“Eva, I’m just asking you to stay with me for a few days.”
“I know.” She shook her head again and laughed.