Everything he had said to Enid had been true. He didn’t have very many people that he could trust and he knew that Enid was special. When she spoke, he listened and took her words to heart. He wanted to know what she thought. No, heneededto know what she thought. Her happiness was his greatest priority.
As he led Enid into The Keeper’s House, Bourne stood up from behind the desk. “Well, well, look who it is, Stevens,” he said.
Stevens glanced up from the desk. “Ah, the high and mighty Bow Street Runner has decided to grace us with his presence,” he mocked. “Welcome to our humble prison.”
Greydon tried to keep his tone cordial as he said, “Gentlemen.”
Bourne let out a dry bark. “There are no gentlemen here. We are just doing our best to survive here.”
Reaching into his jacket pocket, Greydon removed a handful of gold coins and placed them on the desk. “We are here to see Lady Eugenie, per our arrangement.”
Bourne and Stevens moved quickly to scoop up their share of the money.
As he slipped the coins into his pocket, Bourne said, “Thank you for your donation, sir. It is greatly appreciated.”
Stevens spoke up. “You will be given ten minutes with Lady Eugenie.”
“I need more time than that,” Greydon argued.
“My advice is to speak quickly,” Stevens said. “If your presence is discovered here, it would spell trouble for all of us.”
“I understand,” Greydon said.
Stevens’ eyes shifted to Enid and he straightened in his seat. “Who did you bring with you?” he asked with a flirtatious smile.
Greydon felt Enid step closer to him but she was showing no outward signs of discomfort. “That is not important,” he said.
“Is she mute?” Stevens asked.
Enid’s voice was calm as she replied, “I am not.”
Stevens tossed up his arms. “She speaks!” he exclaimed. “And what a lovely voice it is.”
Bourne came around the desk and approached Enid. His eyes perused the length of her as he said, “You are like a mirage in the desert. I think you brightened the entire room when you stepped inside.”
Enid offered him a gracious smile. “You are too kind, sir, but if it wouldn’t be an imposition, I would like to see Lady Eugenie now.”
Bourne nodded. “Very well, but only because you asked nicely.” He gestured towards Greydon. “Your companion could use better manners.”
“I have told him as much,” Enid joked.
With a chuckle, Bourne spun on his heel. “Follow me and do not dillydally,” he ordered. “We will get in and get out, without anyone the wiser.”
Greydon escorted Enid through the back door as they followed behind Bourne. The guard came to a stop outside of a door and reached for the handle. “Wait here. I will go retrieve Lady Eugenie.”
After they stepped inside the small, square room, Enid slipped her hand off his arm and she walked over to the barred window. She looked out and shared, “I can see the gallows from here.”
Greydon went to stand next to her. “We will find a way to keep Lady Eugenie alive.”
“How can you promise such a thing?” she asked. “We both know the odds are stacked against her.”
He placed his hand on her arm and gently turned her to face him. “Are you losing hope?”
“Is there any hope in a place like this?” she asked softly.
“I understand your reservations but you mustn’t let Lady Eugenie see you despair,” he replied. “She needs a calm, reassuring voice that all will be well.”
Enid squared her shoulders. “You are right,” she said.
