He just shifted on his feet, looking slightly uncomfortable and vulnerable.
“Michael, I know that you are joking, because you would never make such an outrageous offer in earnest. But now we are in a predicament. You told my cousin we were engaged. They will spread the rumor.”
“So let them.” At her look of surprise, he went on. “Look, Josie. I can’t claim I’ve thought it all through. The idea came to me on the spur of the moment. They were insulting you and it was an almost instinctive reaction. But it has its advantages. As your fiancé, I’ll have more standing to claim an interest in this guardianship. It will also disprove any rumors about your character. And most important, I can be near you and Edward. After what happened last night, you need protection.”
“Surely you don’t think I am so irresponsible that I would cause a fire that endangered—”
“Of course not! I know you didn’t cause the fire. Not even by accident. But someone did.”
“So you think it was done on purpose? To harm Edward?”
“To harm Edward, or to harm you, or both. Or even to make you look incompetent. Either way, it benefits the Everleighs, does it not?”
She gasped. “You think they had something to do with it?”
“I don’t know. What I do know is the fire was set on purpose with the intention to harm. They want to get guardianship. Edward’s or your demise would benefit them. They were in the area yesterday, and this morning they wasted no time coming here to throw their accusations at you. It makes me think they are capable of anything and are not going to stop. We should be prepared to stand together and face them.”
Concern licked down her spine like an icy rain. “What do you plan to do?”
“For now, I think it’s best we keep up the betrothal story. At least until we can get the case before court and it is decided. If you want to break the engagement after that, I’ll understand.”
“But society… surely people would talk. It would ruin your reputation. And then when I break the engagement, you would be humiliated.”
“My reputation is the least of my concerns right now, Josephine. Protecting you and Edward is my foremost priority.”
“I think we are exaggerating. We are overwrought by the fire and exhaustion and must not be thinking clearly. Titus and his wife are ambitious, yes. But surely they wouldn’t purposely set a fire that could kill dozens of people and destroy the very property they aspire to inherit? I know my brother feared their intentions, but I thought they merely sought to control Edward’s inheritance. Would they really stoop so low as to harm the child? Aren’t they afraid of going to prison?”
“Not if they made it look like an accident.” He circled the table to come to stand before her. “Look, I would not believe it either, but I’ve seen it happen, or at least attempted. Not long ago, I had to preside as Justice over a case where someone attempted to murder an innocent infant in order to inherit his title. Fortunately, a friend of mine was present and able to prevent the tragedy.”
She gasped, bringing her hand to her mouth, horrified. “That is horrible.”
“Yes, it is. But people do horrible things all the time. Is it really that hard for you to believe? Look at your own story, Josie. Your brother sold you into slavery.”
Much to her chagrin, her eyes filled with tears. God, she was tired and afraid. And she was tired of being afraid. She had thought that once she reached England, she would be safe again. Free. Instead, it seemed she had just changed one peril for another. She wanted to lean against Michael's broad chest. Shewanted to bask in his strength. But that was so unfair to him. This was her mess, and he had already done more than enough to help her. Did she have any right to accept more from him?
As if divining her thoughts, he extended his hand, inviting her to stand. She took it and stood, facing him. Slowly, as if coaxing a skittish doe, he pulled her against his chest. She gave in. Her need for comfort overriding her fears. His arms came around her in a protective embrace and she sank into him, absorbing his warmth, feeling safe for the first time in twelve years.
“Let me help you, Josie. It’s the least I can do.”
“You don’t owe me anything.”
“Yes, I do. But that is beside the point. I want to help and protect you. It would be my privilege to do so. Please.”
“How are you going to do that? Even if we pretend to be engaged, you can’t stay here. Quite a scandal that would cause.”
“I have another plan. Why don’t you and Edward come for a stay at my home? My mother would be there, to lend respectability. We’ll stop in London first, so you can replace your wardrobe and buy anything else you may need.”
“Oh God, London. Society. And your mother…” She turned her head in his embrace, burying her face in the soft linen of his shirt. Underneath the smoky aroma, it smelled like him. So good. So safe. Her arms tightened around his waist. “I can’t face your mother. The duchess must hate me.”
“She doesn’t. But even if she did, she would change her mind once she learned the truth.”
“You seem to think society will accept me back with open arms, but it won’t. And I don’t want to show my face in society. Why can’t I stay hidden away here so that everyone can forget my existence?”
“I can’t forget. I’ve never been able to forget you, Josie.”
That declaration spoke a thousand words in one single sentence. It was bittersweet. At once the one thing she wantedmost in the world and the one thing she couldn't have. She shuddered.
“Michael…”
