That wasn’t what she meant to say. He was sure of that. But pressing her for answers wouldn’t help her feel comfortable with him.
“I understand,” he said.
“Would you be so kind as to give me a few coins for a cab, and may I get a different set of clothes, please?” she said. “I’ll send someone to return you the money and the clothes.”
“Of course. I’ll take you home personally.”
She closed her eyes for a moment before answering. “Thank you.”
The words came out strangled as if her throat were swollen. She opened her mouth, but nothing else came out.
“Is there something you want to tell me?” He stared at her lovely face, trying to decipher her silence.
She shook her head. “Not now. Please.”
“Wait here.” He walked out of the sitting room and upstairs to his bedroom.
If she believed she’d disappointed him because she’d enjoyed herself, she was sorely mistaken. He had his own share of questionable nights and more questionable choices. Her safety was his only concern.
A pound should be more than enough for a cab. As for the clothes and shoes, he didn’t have anything that would fit her, but that was the least of his problems. He snatched a pair of soft leather boots she could easily put on, a pair of trousers, a shirt, and a jacket.
His valet would be horrified at the mess in the wardrobe and his wet clothes.
After he selected a flat hat for good measure, since her hair was still wet, he ran downstairs. She paced in only the dressing gown, having dispensed with the blanket. She was a lovely sight; he couldn’t deny that. Elegant and graceful even in the large dressing gown that trailed behind her like a gown’s train.
“There.” He put the clothes on the sofa.
“Thank you.” She started to untie the sash of the dressing gown before giving him a sideways glance. “Do you mind?”
“I do. I mean, of course. I’ll leave.”
“Just turn around.”
“Yes.” He did as told and stoked the fire while she changed.
The swish of fabric came from behind him, and her shadow projected at his feet from the lamp behind her betrayed her movements.
“I’ve finished,” she said.
He faced her, and his breath hitched. Even in an oversized pair of trousers and jacket, she was a stunner. With her hair under the hat, she could easily be mistaken for a young lad.
A little smile played on her lips. “Wearing these clothes is a little odd.” She tugged at the jacket.
“You look beautiful,” he said before he could stop himself.
A slow blush coloured her cheeks. “I don’t feel beautiful right now, but thank you.”
“Let’s go.” He offered her his arm, and a little shot of energy went through him when she accepted it.
In those male clothes, no one would guess who she was. Still, he wouldn’t let her go alone. Maybe he’d been away from London for too long, but he saw dangers everywhere in this metropolis he didn’t recognise. Hell, compared to the Town of the Squirrels, London brimmed with criminals, crooks, and threats.
As she walked next to him to the entry hall, the hem of her trousers shuffled against the floor.
Once outside on the pavement, he hailed a passing cab and opened the door. “After you.”
“I might trip on the hem.” She held out her hand.
He took it, and the moment their hands touched, time seemed to stop. London looked less dark and grim when she flashed a timid smile. Although even in the dim light of the streetlamps, her pallor was evident.
