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“Shh. That was no fault of yours,” he told her, giving her a light squeeze. “Your father made some very foolish choices, Sabrina. He hurt your mother deeply and he knew it. I’m certain he never intended to hurt you. If he had known, I’m sure he would have reconsidered his actions. But that’s over now, and as I said, I will spend the rest of my life proving to you that not all men are like him.”
Turning in his arms, she buried her head against his chest. Gently, Henry stroked her hair and held her as she cried. He held her until her breathing evened out and her body went limp and heavy.
Now he knew all would be well between them. Looking back at the dwindling coastline with satisfaction, he at last relaxed.
They had a couple of days before facing whatever awaited them in London.
Fairford would certainly retaliate. The only question was when and in what manner. Looking down at his wife’s peaceful face, Henry sincerely hoped their enemy had indeed pursued them all the way to Scotland; it would give them a chance to beat him back to London and maybe allow for some preemptive measures.
If the twisted bastard had given up and turned back before reaching Scotland, however…
An unpleasant shiver ran down his spine, a fluttering trail of ice that touched each of his vertebrae like ghostly fingers.
TWO DAYS LATER
SABRINA WATCHED WITH relief as London slipped past her window. Home. How she longed for it, for the sight of her mother’s face. Then it occurred to Sabrina that Aylesford House was no longer her home. She was Lady Montgomery now, and home would be Pembroke.
As they approached Charing Cross, her husband rapped on the roof and instructed the driver to turn.
“Are we not going to Pembroke?”
“Our homes are likely being watched,” he replied. “I doubt Fairford would be so bold as to attempt anything so soon, but I dare not risk it. We already know he has men in his pay to take care of any inconveniences, and I’m certain we qualify as such. No, we must go where he’ll least expect us to, and get some help before he learns of our return.”
“I agree, but from whom?”
“Percy.”
She sucked in a breath. “Do you truly believe he will help us after everything that has passed?”
“He has already offered.”
“I am glad your friendship withstood my assault,” she replied. Shame filled her. “I admit I am not eager to see him again.”
“He holds no ill will toward you,” he told her. “And rest assured, he will do all he can to help us against Fairford.”
Not long after, she sat in Percy’s elegantly appointed parlor, embarrassed right down to the soles of her borrowed boots. “I look a mess,” she whispered.
Henry smiled and kissed the back of her hand. “You look lovely.”
“Thank God you’re alive!” exclaimed Percy upon entering the room. “Lady Aylesford is beside herself. Fairford returned to London yesterday afternoon and hasn’t shown his face since. We were beginning to wonder when—if you’d ever return. Lady Aylesford was going to begin a formal inquiry into the matter if you hadn’t appeared by tomorrow. I suppose you sent the old dog home with his tail properly tucked between his legs?”
“Not quite,” Henry told him. “We need your help.”
“You needn’t even ask,” said Percy. “I’m assuming you wish to go to Pembroke?”
“Yes, but we dare not go unprepared. If he returned yesterday, he’s had time to put plans into action. I fear an ambush or some other foul play on his part.”
“You’ll use my carriage and take a contingent of footmen along.”
“Will you convey the news to Sabrina’s mother?”
“I shall, as soon as I’m certain you’re safe.”
Henry’s shoulders sagged with relief. “Thank you. You’re truly a decent fellow.”
“I am, aren’t I?” said Percy, laughing. “You look the very devil, the both of you,” he said, wrinkling his nose at her. “What is that you’re wearing?”
She flushed. “I had to leave all of my own clothes behind when we made our escape.”
