A Not So Respectable Gentleman? by Diane Gaston

Author:Diane Gaston [Gaston, Diane]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780263892581
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 17055011
Published: 2011-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

The next morning dawned fair, warm and clear, a perfect day for travel after the rains of recent weeks. Leo was glad of it. He’d promised Mariel to return in mere days, and he wanted to fulfil that goal, to stand before her and tell her the ordeal was finally over.

He and Walker had packed quickly, well practised in doing so after their travels throughout the Continent. Each had only a small bag, now resting by the door ready to grab as they went out.

Leo paced, trying to think of anything he might have missed that would affect their success. He worried a bit about leaving Mariel alone. Who knew what Kellford would do? Although the man would be a fool to do anything to ruin his chances with only days left before the wedding.

Walker sat by the window, his nose in a book.

‘What are you reading this time?’ Leo asked.

Walker did not look up. ‘Plutarch’s Lives.’

‘Good God. You are reading that for enjoyment?’ Leo remembered it from his school days.

‘It is fascinating,’ Walker said. ‘All these brave, ancient men either overcame their flaws or perished because of them.’

Ah, that was it. Overcome or perish. Walker had made the choice to overcome his past, to leave his criminal days behind him. He’d merely required a little help in eliminating the shackles that imprisoned him in that life.

Now that he was out of it, there was no limit to what Walker could do, what he might become. He would not be a servant forever. Leo counted himself fortunate to have Walker as a friend and companion. He wondered how long before Walker needed to strike out on his own as Leo had done.

There was a knock on the door.

‘The coach?’ Leo glanced at the hall clock. ‘It is early.’

‘Must be. I heard it outside.’ Walker closed his book and rose to cross the room to the door. He opened it.

‘My God!’

Leo turned.

Mariel crossed the threshold, her maid behind her. Each carried a portmanteau. ‘Good morning, Leo.’

‘Mariel, what the devil?’

‘We are accompanying you.’ She placed her bag on the floor.

‘The devil you are,’ he said sharply. ‘You cannot want this, Mariel. Your reputation will be ruined.’ Her ruin was not his biggest fear. He and Walker were heading into danger. The clerk would be guarded, certainly. Kellford was no fool.

She laughed. ‘Leo. My reputation is the least of my worries, as you should realise; however, to my parents and the world, I am visiting your sister Charlotte. No one will know I am with you.’

Damned Charlotte. Still ready to be talked into folly.

Walker approached the maid and took her bag. He nodded a greeting. ‘Miss Jenkins.’

The maid lowered her lashes. ‘Mr Walker.’

Leo glanced back to Mariel. ‘You will hamper us.’

She waved a dismissive hand. ‘Trust me to know when to stay out of your way.’ She faced him, looking defiant. ‘I’ll not wait here in London without a word from you. I endured that two years ago when I

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