“You can tell me anything. You can ask me anything,” he said. “Anything you need.”
He didn’t have Mrs. Sterling’s connections or an understanding of her work. He couldn’t provide forged documents and safe passages to other countries, and Cora had to leave London, and England, if she wanted to start a new life. The law was on Roxbury’s side. If she left with his heir, the future Earl of Roxbury, the police would chase her and David. Besides, she wouldn’t leave without David, and the child posed a new series of difficulties Ethan wouldn’t know how to solve. Not to mention his relationship with Mrs. Sterling was too strained to ask her help.
“If you need money,” he said when she didn’t talk. “I can provide for you and David.”
She flushed but not in a good way. “Thank you. I… I’ll let you know how much I need.”
That was a start. She didn’t react as Mrs. Sterling had done, although by the way she lowered her gaze and voice, she found asking for money embarrassing.
“I hope that your husband has behaved.” Or he would seek Roxbury right in that moment.
“He did. Thank you.”
He loitered in case she added something else. Since she didn’t want to tell him more, they’d better start to work. “Let me show you what your work here might be.”
seven
CORA’S WORK AT the centre wasn’t exhausting or difficult, but when she finished her shift, she exhaled in relief. She’d underestimated the gravity of dealing with people who had gone through a war. She’d played whist, chatted, and taken tea with a few of Ethan’s guests. Nothing too complicated. Yet a heaviness set on her chest. Maybe the conversation she’d had with Ethan was partly to blame for her fatigue. She would accept his offer, take the money, and leave. She could be in France in a couple of weeks. Her dream would come true. She had only to write to her contact in Paris and arrange her stay. Mrs. Delois wasn’t a friend, a mere acquaintance, but the woman had promised to help Cora if she decided to go to France granted Cora had the money to pay Mrs. Delois.
She left the main hall and headed to Ethan’s study. If she wrote to Mrs. Delois that night and Ethan gave her some money, she and David would leave as soon as Mrs. Delois replied with a suitable date.
She knocked on the door. “Ethan? It’s me, Cora.”
“Come in.” Not Ethan’s voice.
“Mr. Purnell.” She searched the small room, but only Ethan’s friend was present.
“Lady Roxbury.” Mr. Purnell staggered to his feet.
“Don’t stand up on my account.”
He did all the same. “A lady deserves respect. How do you find your work here, my lady?”
“I enjoyed it, thank you.”
The sound of wood against wood came when he shifted his weight. “Then I hope we’ll see you again.”
“I played whist with Mr. Jackson.”
Mr. Purnell leant against the desk. “Did he upset you? He usually doesn’t talk much. In the months I’ve been here, I haven’t heard more than a handful of words from him. I’m not sure what troubles him.”
“It’s what he doesn’t say that speaks louder.” She sat on the chair to allow him to sit as well. “He has a lost, empty stare and a constant tremor in his hands. It’s heartbreaking.”
“You’re quite perceptive, madam.” He sat down with a clunky noise.
“I tried to engage him in conversation, but I think he isn’t ready yet.”
“I think you’ll do an excellent job here. After I returned from Lias Island, I didn’t necessarily need to speak every day.” He lifted the hand with the missing fingers. “One doesn’t realise how important the thumb is for every hand movement until it’s gone. Well, unless you are a violinist.” He laughed, but she didn’t return the laughter. “Losing my thumb bothered me more than losing my leg, and some days the loss bothered me so much I refused to talk.”
“The accident must have been horrible for you.”
“Blissfully, I don’t remember much of it. Ethan and I were charging against the pirates along one of the narrow streets in Lias.” He closed his fists and imitated a charge. “Thenthere was an explosion. The Thorne Pirates had an obsession with explosives. The next thing I remember is waking up in a hospital bed, minus my leg and fingers. I’m grateful for not remembering. Then Ethan ordered me to return home. Unfortunately, I had to leave Lias two years before he did.”
She wasn’t sure she would be grateful if she were in his position. “You’re very brave.”
“Not really. I have to thank my wife and son for putting me back on my feet.” He laughed. “As a manner of speaking. And Ethan, of course. He helped me find a job at Scotland Yard.”
She couldn’t laugh. Her chest tightened for him.
