Bad’s lips thinned as they pulled over his teeth. “What I know is that Jack and Emily, and Ada and Vice, along with myself, have all had their days ruined so that you can pick out a scrap of fabric that you likely don’t need. Don’t you feel the least bit of remorse?”
“I beg your pardon?” Grace sat up straighter, her face turning bright red. “I’ve been trapped in the house for weeks, thanks to your lot.”
Bad pointed his finger. “You’re the one who arrived uninvited to a gentleman’s club in the middle of the night.”
Grace squeaked out a sound of irritation. “That wasn’t my idea. In fact, I didn’t want to go and I wish I’d listened to myself.” She leaned over and poked Bad in the shoulder. “If I had, I wouldn’t be in danger and I wouldn’t need to find a husband posthaste because you lot are so bloody terrible at finding one single woman.”
Then she flounced back into her seat.
The carriage rolled to a stop and Bad launched from his place toward the door. “If you need me, I’ll be at the tavern.”
“Which tavern?” Jack asked crinkling his brow.
“Whichever one is closest,” Bad answered, hopping from the carriage and slamming the door behind him.
Grace sniffed. “Good riddance.”
But Ada wasn’t so certain. “Grace,” she reached for her cousin. “Going out is dangerous enough. We should have a man for every woman—”
“Ada,” Grace snapped back. “I don’t need your nervous little tweeting now. For goodness sake, stop being afraid all the time. It’s ridiculous.”
Ada winced, her shoulders hunching in embarrassment. She wasn’t just being nervous, she simply wanted to keep Grace safe. Vice leaned forward, touching her knee with his palm. She swallowed, her gaze meeting his as she placed her hand on top of his. She straightened back up. He’d certainly help her, which made Ada smile.
“It isn’t,” Vice cut in. “We flushed Abernath out last night. Despite your comment, catching one woman in a city full of thousands is difficult. But she knows we’re on to her and honestly, it would be safer for you to return home. I’m worried how she might retaliate.”
Ada’s breath caught in her throat. They’d been chasing Lady Abernath at night? She was both proud and frightened.
“No,” Grace snapped back, also standing. “I am not determining what I do with my life based on Bad’s ill temper or Lady’s Abernath’s blackmailing attempts. I’m done.” Then she snapped open the door and started down the steps, holding her dress, she made her way down out of the carriage.
Jack jumped up. “I’ll talk with her,” he said over his shoulder. “It’s been a trying time for everyone.”
Emily nodded. “I’ll come too.”
“We’ll all go,” Ada said as she slid down the bench, worrying her lip. “Grace is just tired of being at home and in need of a repose.”
“Are you very angry with her?” Emily asked climbing out of the carriage.
Ada shook her head. “Not very. She’s likely right.”
“She isn’t. You’re being smart while she is acting rash.” Vice reached out his hand and she placed her gloved one in his, warmth erasing some of her ill feeling. “Good for you for standing up to her. I know it wasn’t easy but I’m proud—”
A scream made Ada stop moving mid-sentence, her foot perched on one step. Quick as a snake, Blake reached for her and pulled her into his arms as a shot rang out on the busy street.
More screams filled the air as Vice pressed her body against the carriage, using his much larger one as a shield.
Someone else yelled. Emily, letting out a low moan close by. “Jack!”
Ada pushed against Blake’s chest but he held her tight. “Don’t move, love,” he said in a hushed whisper.
Was he serious? He wanted her to stay here with Emily yelling. Who in her family had been hurt? “Let me go,” she gasped out, pushing again.
“Ada,” he grated out in a clipped tone. “I can’t have you hurt. Hold still.”
She calmed and he slowly backed up, his head swiveling from side to side.
“Ada,” Emily yelled again. “Grace is gone!”
* * *