Page 42 of The Work of Art

Her cheeks burned with sudden warmth. “You needn’t be concerned. Captain Heywood is a gentleman. Nothing untoward is going to happen.”

“This is going to be the end of me,” William lamented as he followed her. “First, I delivered that letter to him, and now, if you don’t come back, they’re all like to think I helped you run away. Mr. Townsend will let me go without a reference. I know he will. I’ll be left to starve in the streets.”

“I won’t leave you to starve in the streets,” Philly promised. “I shall mention it to Captain Heywood, and if he can’t help, then I…” She thought rapidly of what remedies would be within her power. “I shall pay your wages myself out of the stipend left me by my grandfather.”

William protested this generosity, but the prospect of it appeared to soothe his fears. For the remainder of their journey, he was silent.

When they turned the corner that led to the entrance of the park, Philly saw Captain Heywood’s town carriage. It was glossy black, with the Earl of Gordon’s coat of arms emblazoned on the door, and a team of fine bays in the harness. A liveried coachman sat on the box seat with a similarly attired footman standing on the footboard.

As Philly, William, and the dogs approached, the footman leapt down and opened the door of the carriage. Within seconds, Arthur Heywood had alighted.

He was dressed for the country in buckskin breeches, top boots, and a coat of dark blue superfine that set off his shoulders to magnificent effect.

Philly’s heartbeat quickened. She scolded herself. It was only Captain Heywood. Her friend and confidante. But he looked extraordinarily tall and handsome—and much more intimidating than he had in the park yesterday.

She supposed it was nothing more than wedding day nerves. A rational explanation, to be sure. And yet, as he approached her, she still found it very hard to look at him.

“Miss Satterthwaite, I hope nothing is amiss.” There was a note of uncertainty in his gruff voice.

Good gracious, had he thought she wasn’t coming? That she wouldn’t keep her word? The very idea made her feel a little braver. “Good morning, Captain Heywood. Forgive me for being so late.” She paused as he lifted her valise from her hand and passed it off to the waiting footman. “There have been a few difficulties, but all is well now. Except—”

“What is it?” he asked at once. “I’ll remedy it if I can.”

“It’s William, sir. He kindly came along as my chaperone, and now, as a result of my leaving with you, he may well lose his place.”

An odd expression passed over Captain Heywood’s face. Was it relief? “Yes, of course.” He turned to address William. “As it happens, I’m in need of someone who is capable of helping with Miss Satterthwaite’s dogs on occasion. If you’re prepared to leave service with Townsend and come down to the West Country, I can offer you a place with us.”

William looked between Philly and Captain Heywood in confusion. “With us?” he echoed. “Do you mean…with the both of you, sir?”

“Miss Satterthwaite and I are to be married this morning.”

William was dumbfounded. “Well, I never would’ve… Why, this is…” He smiled broadly. “It would be an honor, sir. I’ll just have to fetch my things from Mr. Townsend’s and—”

“I’d rather you come along with us now,” Captain Heywood said. “I’ll send someone to collect your belongings after the wedding.”

“Yes, sir. Whatever you say.” William thanked them profusely, and then, in his exuberance, proceeded to assist Philly and Fox into the carriage.

Captain Heywood waited for Basil, Jasper, and Dash to jump in before climbing into the carriage himself and sitting down in the seat across from Philly.

“I began to think you wouldn’t come,” he said once they were underway. “When half an hour had passed, I was almost sure of it.”

Securely inside the carriage, Philly began to experience the full effects of her ordeal. All the courage she’d mustered to get past Evans drained away. “I began to think so, as well.” Her voice trembled. “Evans was in the hall when I came downstairs. He attempted to take hold of me and prevent me from leaving, but Basil and Fox scared him away. I was so frightened.”

Captain Heywood moved from his seat and came to sit beside her.

“He said he was going to wake Mrs. Vale, and by now he must have done so. She and my uncle will know I’ve run away. Do you think they’ll have any idea where to find me? Do you think they’ll try…?” Her voice trailed off as Captain Heywood picked up her gloved hand and held it gently in his. She looked at him, her heart pounding hard in her chest.

“Is this all right?” he asked.

She moistened her lips. “Yes.”

“You needn’t be afraid anymore, Miss Satterthwaite. You’re safe now. No one save William knows you’ve come to meet me, and I’ve made sure he won’t be free to speak of it until after we’re wed.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. In truth, I’ve overlooked so many things.”

“Have you?”

Philly’s hand was small and slender in his larger one. It was his left hand. The one that was so badly scarred. She couldn’t see the scars now, for he was wearing gloves, but the memory of them compelled her to squeeze his hand.