“It’s a mistake.” His tone sounded low and cold.
“I have to do something before he has me arrested for his injuries.” She panted. “What will happen to David then? Please help me leave England. Please.”
Ethan exhaled. “If this is your choice, I’ll have a carriage prepared for you tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you.” Her heart broke when he bowed and left her room with Mr. Purnell.
The night didn’t bringany counsel to Cora. She was sore and sleepy in the morning but determined to leave England. Jacob had always held more power than she. If he accused her of having tried to kill him and kidnapping David, she would get arrested immediately, and David would live with Jacob. Unacceptable.
She flinched as she slid on a coat with Mrs. Parker’s help in the hallway. Ethan stood silent in a corner, waiting to escort her to the carriage that would take her to the train station.
The housekeeper shook her head. “You’re making a mistake, my lady. Dover is far, and the trip is going to be uncomfortable. You can’t face such a troublesome journey in your condition.”
“I must, Mrs. Parker.” Cora kept her gaze down.
“If you wait two weeks, his lordship will come with you,” she insisted.
“Cora,” Ethan said. “You’ll start bleeding again in an hour.”
“It’ll be painful.” She swallowed hard. “But the idea of Jacob taking David is more painful. After all, you told me the way we make decisions is pain versus pain.”
“I can protect you here.” He must have repeated that a dozen times. “Roxbury expects you to travel to Dover. He might be ready to catch you.”
“It’s a risk I must take.”
David dragged his feet down the stairs. His flat hat fell over his face but couldn’t hide his scowl.
“We have to go, David.” Cora stretched out her arm.
He took her hand, but when she pulled him towards her, he didn’t budge.
“Mama.”
“Please, darling.” A knot formed in her throat, both from the pain and the sorrow of leaving. “We have no choice.”
His expression hardened into that of a man. “I want to stay.” His voice sounded as hard as steel.
“Don’t make this more difficult.” Instead, her voice cracked.
“You aren’t well, and for the first time in my life—” David blinked tears away.
“For the first time what?” she asked.
David sucked in a deep breath and wiped his face with his sleeve. “Lord Stark is taking good care of us. He’s kind. He never makes fun of me. He promised to teach me to read better. Mrs. Parker prepares hot cocoa for me, and Harry wants to play with me. He says he has fun with me. I have a friend. My first friend. Trust Lord Stark. Please.”
Mrs. Parker wept in her handkerchief, muttering something about preparing all the hot cocoa David wanted. Ethan remained quiet, but his eyes were suspiciously shiny.
Cora hugged David, ignoring the sting of pain in her shoulder and chest. Yes, for David, it was the first time he’d enjoyed a normal, happy life without being mocked and insulted. What was she supposed to do? She couldn’t deprive him of this happiness. And yes, she trusted Ethan with all her heart.
“Please,” he whispered. “Lord Stark will protect us. I’m sure of it.”
She caressed his curls, letting his hat fall to the floor. “We’ll stay.”
eighteen
TWO WEEKS OF absolute rest and good food had done wonders for Cora’s wound. She could move her arm without feeling pain, and while the flesh was a bit stiff, there was no sign of infection. Ethan had showered her and David with gifts, refurbishing their wardrobes with new clothes, which had kept her busy and David happy. Also, the modiste and her seamstresses were likely celebrating in the best restaurant in London with the ridiculous sum Ethan had given them to stay quiet about the presence of a countess and her son in his house.
The two weeks hadn’t been so generous with her mood. She’d gone from high peaks of optimism to deep pits of despair. She’d kept searching the shadows and dark corners of the street from her window, expecting Jacob to materialise out of nowhere. But he hadn’t shown himself. Either his head wound was more serious than she thought, or he’d believed the rumour about her leaving for Dover. Whatever the reason, she was glad he was staying away from her.
