“I’ll be with you every step.” Hale’s voice was steady, reassuring.
She drew a shaking breath. “I’ve come this far.”
“Indeed you have.”
Hale helped her down onto the odorous street. The mingled scents of brine, smoke, and unwashed bodies made her wrinkle her nose, but she lifted her chin and approached the heavy oak door.
A thin boy with unruly brown hair lounged nearby, bare feet dirty against the cobblestones. “Spare a ha’penny, miss? Ain’t eaten today.”
Rose pressed a coin into his palm without hesitation.
“Bless you, fine lady.” He pocketed it and scurried away into the crowd.
Hale opened the tavern door, and Rose stepped inside. Thick air heavy with pipe smoke and cheap ale enveloped her. The few patrons turned to stare at the finely dressed lady who’d appeared in their midst, conversations faltering.
Rose ignored them, her gaze sweeping the dim interior until she found what she sought.
There he was. Sebastian sat at a scarred table near a dust-streaked window, dark hair falling across his brow, sleeves rolled up over strong forearms. Across from him sat a man with honey-colored curls and sharp blue eyes. Was this his brother, James? They were deep in conversation, heads bent close together.
James noticed her first, his body going rigid as he set down his mug. He murmured something to Sebastian, who turned toward the door.
Sebastian shot to his feet so quickly his chair nearly toppled. His face went pale, then flushed. “Lady Rose?” Her name came out rough,disbelieving. “What are you doing here?”
The familiar sound of his voice made her chest tighten with longing. The smoky air, the curious stares, her racing heart faded into nothing. There was only Sebastian, only this moment, only the truth she’d traveled so far to tell him.
“I’m here to see you.” The words rang clear in the sudden quiet.
Sebastian stared at her, his lips parting in shock. James half-rose from his seat, looking between them with keen interest. The other patrons had gone completely silent, sensing drama unfolding.
Rose took a step forward, her hands trembling at her sides. “Mr. Hale has brought me because I could not wait another moment. I had to see you.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Sebastian’s pulse quickenedat the sight of the woman he loved. She looked lovely in her dark blue traveling cloak, but there was a lightness, a confidence that made her eyes shine. Justice had been served. She was free to choose her own life.
But had she come for him, or to confront him for his betrayal?
Sebastian nodded, his throat tight. “I’m suddenly without words.”
“Perhaps we can start with an introduction,” Rose said. “Is this your brother?”
“Yes. James, this is Lady Rose.”
James bowed respectfully, his blue eyes taking her in with obvious curiosity. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Rose.”
“The pleasure is mine. I imagine the circumstances of Sebastian’s and my acquaintance have been most unusual to hear about.”
James glanced between them. “Unexpected, certainly. But my father used to say that solace often comes from finding good in even the worst circumstances. Even a kernel can bloom into something beautiful.”
“He did say that,” Sebastian said with a rueful smile.
Mr. Hale approached. Sebastian held out his hand for the man to shake, before introducing him to James. “This is the courageous Mr. Hale I told you about.”
James suggested Mr. Hale come to the bar for an ale. After they were gone, Sebastian turned back to Rose. “Shall we take a walk?Somewhere we can speak privately?”
“Yes, if you think it’s safe.”
“You’re safe with me.”
