The Lady's Courtship: A Second Chance Regency Romance (The Conrad Legacy Book 5) by C.K. Mackenzie

Author:C.K. Mackenzie [Mackenzie, C.K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Emelia Publishers, LLC
Published: 2024-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

“Do you know how tediously exhausting it is to wander Bond Street in search of the exact maker of a very specific black silk cravat?” Tristan sighed dramatically as he walked up behind Savannah on the crowded street.

She turned, unsurprised to see him, since they’d already made plans for dinner. That gave him pause. Not because Savannah wasn’t constantly aware of her surroundings—one had to be in the rookery, especially a woman. No, for a heartbeat, he hoped it was because she knew he’d followed her. That she knew it was him, as she had once always known where he stood.

Now, standing with her in the most unlikely of places, he swore Savannah’s lips twitched. Whether in annoyance or humor, he couldn’t tell, but at least it was a reaction. She walked along the street quite alone, which made the skin between his shoulders itch. He knew she carried her dagger in her specially made pocket, but it would take her precious seconds to reach for it.

Even if she wore it on her hip, it’d take too long as far as he was concerned. Then again, she’d assured him that Dem and his gang would protect her. They might, but at that moment, he didn’t see anyone else following her.

“Where’s Browne?” He looked behind her but didn’t see her footman or Peters. Not even one of Dem’s lieutenants.

“Waiting at the carriage,” she said, pausing near an abandoned doorway and turning to face him. “Why? Miss him already?”

Tristan ignored that, though part of him was grateful for the joking manner in which she said it. He asked seriously, “Why isn’t he protecting you?”

She sighed but didn’t roll her eyes or snap at him.

Definite progress, he thought.

“He was, for a long time. Still would be, if I let him.” She stepped closer, and her voice lowered. “Part of it is that the women weren’t comfortable, and if he stood behind me, they wouldn’t share what was truly the problem. He helps deliver food baskets to the houses that will accept them, then waits beside the carriage. An added protection for any would-be thieves.”

“All right.” He still didn’t like it, but at least it was a valid point. “And the other reason?”

“Dem controls the street. If it looks as if he can’t protect me, then he loses power, and I lose protection. No one wins.”

Tristan scowled. “No one is protecting you now.” He waved a hand around them, where people milled through the filthy streets, some in threadbare shoes, most of the children barefoot. Not one looked like her protector.

“As I’m sure you remember,” she said condescendingly, “I can take care of myself.” Savannah paused and frowned. The relaxation in her shoulders stiffened now, and her eyes grew wary. “Though I admit, it’s odd no one is here. Not even Robbie, who usually follows me everywhere.”

He remembered Robbie. The lad had raced to do Savannah’s bidding, finding the vicar and reporting sharply to Dem. Had that been for show? To show Tristan,

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