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Soon enough all the lads had roused and eventually made their way to the breakfast table. Ashwood’s shy smile upon waking had sent Bellamy’s stomach in a free fall.
Ashwood was quieter than usual while eating his porridge, no doubt in anticipation of the meeting with the madams. He would likely be leaving and beginning anew elsewhere, where Kipling would not find him. Unfortunately, he would always be looking into the shadows, and that didn’t seem like any sort of life, though he supposed it would be easier without the constant turmoil of Bellamy’s indecision and umbrage.
That same anger and disgust he felt toward his mother’s murderer churned in his gut, but he saw no other way to exact retribution on Kipling than to not give in to his blinding thirst for it.
He would heed Ashwood’s advice to finally decide what sort of life he would prefer to live—conceivably in human form—but thus far ideas seemed just out of his reach. Perhaps when things settled down after Ashwood’s departure, he could seek the other lads’ advice. He would still need to remain hidden under Madam Langley’s watch, but at least he would be afforded the time.
Something Ashwood no longer had. And as if proving that very fact, Ashwood strode with purpose to meet Madam Langley, Bellamy barely able to keep up with him.
“What is it?” Bellamy asked as he and Ashwood arrived in the sitting room and he noted the tense set of Madam Langley’s shoulders.
“Nothing.” She cleared her throat and unfurled her brow. “Apparently Madam Fairborn is running late. I’m sure she’ll be along shortly.”
Ah, so that was the reason. Madam Fairborn was always punctual. “Perhaps there was an important delivery at Enchantment?”
“Perhaps,” she said with a strained smile, then turned to Ashwood. “And how are you getting along?”
The color had risen high on Ashwood’s cheeks, and he seemed to avoid looking at Bellamy, perhaps because of what they’d been up to last night. Bellamy found it difficult enough to keep his hands to himself this morning.
“Very well,” Ashwood replied. “Thank you for your hospitality.”
“Of course.” She poured him some tea. “It was the least I could do after you saved one of our own.”
“Though I cannot help thinking…” Ashwood adjusted himself in his seat. “The longer I remain in Lunar’s Reach, the better chance Kipling has of discovering how close I am.”
“I understand your concern. In fact, I sent the twins into town yesterday.” Wren and Sparrow were her eyes and ears and normally returned with gossip Oscar loved to savor and embellish. “There’s been no word of a Mr. Kipling or any other gentlemen inquiring about you.”
“Perhaps he thinks I escaped into the woods, and he’s trying to scent my trail there.”
The idea that Ashwood was so familiar to Kipling bothered Bellamy again. Especially after the man had almost killed him.
“Is there anywhere else he might pick up your trail?”
Ashwood gulped. “I tried to stay near my rooms for just this reason, so I kept my errands to local establishments.”
Right then Bellamy remembered that Enchantment was one such establishment.
He breathed out in relief when he heard a noise on the stairs. Madam Fairborn had arrived.
When she appeared quite flushed, Madam Langley startled. “What is it?”
“Sorry I’m late.” She deposited herself on the settee across from them. “I had a visit from Mr. Kipling this morning.”
Bellamy gasped. “What did he want?”
“He inquired about Ashwood, of course, then accused me of supplying suppressant to wolves. I told him I’d done no such thing in regard to Ashwood, and though he’d been a customer at Enchantment, I’d not seen him in quite some time.”
“Did that seem to satisfy him?” Madam Langley asked, lifting her cup of tea.
“I’m not certain.” She frowned. “I waited as long as I could after he left to be sure I wasn’t followed.”
“I shouldn’t have gone into town at all,” Ashwood said with a look of remorse. “At least not on foot since that’s how he would’ve tracked my scent. And now I’ve put you in jeopardy.”
“It’s not your fault,” Bellamy said. “As far as he knew, you were as good as dead.”
Plus, Ashwood had stayed in Lunar’s Reach to wait for Bellamy. Though it was misguided, it came from a pure place. Ashwood saved his life, and Bellamy wished he could return the favor.
“I’m afraid it was only a matter of time with a man like Kipling,” Madam Langley said. “There’s no need for guilt or apologies.”
Ashwood stood and glanced at the door. “He’ll undoubtedly make the connection to Moon Flower if he hasn’t already.”
Bellamy’s chest squeezed tight. “I wouldn’t want you to have to face him alone again.”
“Which is one more reason for me to be on my way,” he replied with a despondent look. “I promised to send word. I’ll let you know when I’m somewhere safe.”
