“Since she was a child in cloth diapers, and who later got herself into trouble for wanting to save wild animals,” he said none too gently. “Not much has changed.”
“She’s a lady, and you’ll treat her as such.” Dobkins jutted out her chin.
He muttered something Vivienne didn’t catch. “So everything is on my shoulders,” he said. “I have to take him out and hide himhere, taking all the risks. And for what?”
“I’ll give you my diamond bracelet,” Vivienne said.
Dobkins gasped.
“It’s worth thousands of pounds. And I’ll help you take care of him. I’ll come here every day and do everything I can to help you.” She would need another plan for that, but he didn’t need to know. “You’re a physician. You care about people. I know you do.” She didn’t mention Adele. That would be a low blow. “You wouldn’t let that poor young man suffer at the hands of a cruel man, and you’ll know what to do to make him feel better.”
He lit a cheroot. She nearly gagged at the smell.
“Why are you so desperate to help him?” he asked.
“Because I saw his pain, his desperation, and his hopelessness. I’m sure he doesn’t believe anyone will ever help him. Please, Captain. We’ll keep him hidden until the police stop searching for him. The circus should leave London soon, anyway, and if we cut his hair, give him a bath, and decent clothes, no one will recognise him.”
That was a stretch, but in new clothes and well groomed, he wouldn’t attract attention.
He opened the window and blew out a puff of smoke. She breathed deeply as fresh air rushed inside. He stood there smoking for a few long moments without looking at her. The only movement was that of his fingers dropping the ashes.
She slumped her shoulders. If he didn’t want to help her, then she would do it herself. Somehow, she would.
“We’re wasting time, my lady. The captain doesn’t care about anyone but himself and his liquor.” Dobkins took her arm. “Let’s go.”
“I’ll do it,” he said, curling up his upper lip in derision, either because he agreed to help or because she was here asking a favour.
She exhaled in relief. “Thank you, Captain. Thank you.”
He thankfully put out the cheroot. “But you’re going to help me once he’s here, as you said. And if he’s trouble, I’ll kick him out, and you’ll find him somewhere else to stay, and at the first sign of trouble with the police, I leave with or without him.”
“What a lionheart,” Dobkins said.
Vivienne offered him her hand. “I promise.”
He shook her hand. “And I want the damn bracelet.”
“Of course.” She turned towards the door, but he called her.
“It wasn’t Garrard’s but Harvey & Gore’s.” He had the audacity to smirk.
