‘That is exactly what Papa would do. He is not at all the kind of gentleman who would rush off in pursuit armed to the teeth. He is exceedingly conventional.’ She regarded him across the remains of their dinner. ‘You look very thoughtful.’
‘I am considering how to raise bail when I am arrested, without involving my grandfather,’ Ivo said, only half joking.
She bit her lower lip, clearly taking him seriously, and the memory of her mouth under his, of the sweet taste of her and the light floral scent that she wore, made his breath catch. The last thing that he needed was an inconvenient physical attraction to an innocent who was under his protection, he told himself. Perhaps the attraction was that she was so unlike Daphne. ‘There is no need to worry, I was teasing you.’
‘Even so, perhaps we had best not linger too long. If we set out at, say eight, that would be safe, I think.’
He had to agree. Given that Jane was going to exactly where she was supposed to go would probably be the least likely scenario that her parents might imagine so an eight o’clock departure should see them safely in Batheaston by one o’clock.
‘I suggest that you write to your parents and tell them you are on your way to your cousin, quite safe and sound. They should receive the letter by late tomorrow afternoon, I imagine. Then write again with some kind of explanation when you reach Batheaston.’
‘Without naming you, naturally. Let me think—I took you to an inn and called a doctor. When I was satisfied you were not in danger, I continued on my way. I simply do not mention that I continued with you, so it is not exactly an untruth.’ She beamed at him, pleased with her solution, and Ivo felt an unexpected jolt of sympathy for her father. For any parent of a daughter, for that matter, he concluded.
‘I suggest we have an early night and tell the staff that we require waking with breakfast and hot water at seven.’
‘Perfect,’ Jane said and tugged the bell pull.
* * *
Ivo slept like the proverbial log, only stirring when the faint light of dawn struggled between the gap in the curtains. He lay, half-awake, wondering what had woken him. A scuffling sound in the corner of his chamber? He came up on his elbows and peered into the shadows. Nothing stirred and he could just make out the shape of his clothes draped and piled on the chair. Mice, that was all. He punched the pillow into a more comfortable shape and closed his eyes again. This was an efficient inn, they would be woken up in plenty of time. He could relax again and get perhaps another hour’s sleep.
* * *
The sun streaming through the gap in the curtains woke him eventually. That and the noise from the inn yard. Ivo sat bolt upright in bed and grabbed for his pocket watch. The hands stood exactly at the right angle. Nine.
‘Nine?’
He flung back the covers, pulled on his clothes and tugged on the bell pull. He was wrestling with his boots when a pert maid in a large white cap and crisp apron came in.
‘What kind of hour do you call this? I left orders to be woken at seven.’
‘Yes, sir. But the lady, your sister, said to let you sleep. She came down at half past six, sir, and said she’d break her fast at the first change and to leave you to your rest, sir. She ordered you a very good breakfast and she has paid the shot. Said something about needing to reach a relative urgently and that you would understand. There’s a note on the dresser, she said.’
The little witch.
Ivo grabbed the note and coins fell out as he opened it.
Dear Ivo,
I realised last night that just as I might be compromised, then so might you, and really the last thing you need is some kind of misunderstood entanglement with a country gentleman’s daughter! It was foolish of me not to realise the delicacy of your position.
So, here is enough money to take the stage and then hire a gig or a horse when you are nearer home.
Please do not worry about paying me back until a convenient time for you—it will be some weeks before I need money for a lease on a shop and studio, I am sure, and in any case I have the jewellery to sell.
Thank you so much for your company on the road. I do hope your shoulder is much better soon and that you find your grandfather in the very best of health.
With kind regards,
Your friend,
J.N.
Ivo swore. The maid squeaked.
He had no hope of catching Jane now. He had best go to the Tower. Go home, as Jane put it. Go home and face the future.
Chapter Six