“I’m not sure I’m doing the right thing either,” Beatrix said softly. “If Henry is as affected as Ian said, how can he ever forgive me?”
“You’ll find out in London.”
“It could all blow up in my face.”
“Nonsense.” Diana flapped a hand. “But Henry’s diabolical uncle does concern me. You are taking precautions?”
“Yes. Amelia made all the arrangements. Poor dear, she’s working herself ragged for both of us.”
“I’ve dragged her into this mess with the emeralds. Luckily, she’s safe in France until we need her elsewhere.”
“She’s a smart woman. If she’s involved, it’s because she wants to be. And you’re too protective of all of us. We all need looking after sometimes.”
They both stole a glance at Ian pacing the docks.
Diana regarded the letter. She didn’t want to be alone with whatever it said. “Will you wait with me while I read it?”
“Of course.”
She opened the note and scanned it several times. “They want me to hand over the necklace. There’s a meet here, at sunrise.”
“But that would mean a delay. The women—”
“Ever Hartwill depart as planned. You’ll have to take them with Virgil. It’s too risky to stay here.”
Beatrix narrowed her eyes. “I don’t like it.”
“Neither do I.” Diana kept her voice steady. “But I can handle it.”
“Not by yourself, Di.”
“I won’t.”
They both turned back to Ian. He halted his pacing and paused beneath a lamppost. His expression was darker than the evening.
“He looks a little too murdery to be alone with you,” Beatrix murmured. “Take Birdie with you.”
Diana gave a low whistle and beckoned Ian with a dip of her head, which made him glower. He approached them carefully, with his hands buried in his pockets.
At least he wasn’t overtly reaching for his pistol.
“TheEver Hartmust make sail now,” Diana said. “Beatrix will take the cargo to Bristol with Virgil. For the safety of the women, you and I will not be on board. We have other orders.”
Ian remained suspiciously silent, which disappointed her; it was easier to know what he was thinking when he was growling and sniping.
Diana gave Beatrix one last hug. “Safe travels, dear. I’ll meet you in London soon. With Henry,” she added in a whisper.
Beatrix tossed her a grin before she scrambled up the gangplank.
“Come with me.” Diana flicked her eyes to Ian before she marched in the opposite direction down the pier. Over her shoulder, she added, “Perhaps we can find something for you to hit.”
They ended up in a docksidemesónthat catered to sailors making port and shipping out at all hours.
Diana’s stomach rumbled at the savory scent ofmarmitako—stewed bonito with sausage and potatoes. She signaled the barmaid for an order and two glasses of local cider.
She was always ravenous after an operation, and it was a relief to concentrate on the small act of fulfilling that need rather than plot out their next move. Ian demolished his food. She envied how he ate with such quiet and efficient zeal.
He leaned back in his chair and eyed her neck, as if he was trying to see through the thick scarf she wore to conceal the emeralds.
