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Barnaby sighed. He was plagued with a strange sense of disquiet whenever this particular subject was broached, and today was no different.
“I am aware that others do it, but they risk leaving their wives and loved ones behind if something goes wrong. I have no intention of having any wife or child of mine living in extreme poverty because some lunatic with a knife wanted me gone so he could have the way clear to steal precious gems.” He tapped the newspaper in his hand for emphasis. “These people are ruthless. Tahlia was safest moving away, and not just from the gossips. She has been able to get on with her life and settle down somewhere else. Three years apart has changed you both.”
Connor’s gaze flew to Barnaby’s, and he mentally cursed. “Is she married?”
His voice was far sharper than he intended and made Barnaby stare at him in concern.
“It is a possibility for someone so beautiful, don’t you think?”
Barnaby made his way to the door, but paused before he passed through it.
“I cannot tell you what to do, but Sayers won’t quit. If you do rekindle your association with Tahlia, remember what state you were in the last time you left her behind.”
Connor nodded.
Barnaby studied him thoughtfully for several moments.
“Henry Gillingham lives on the same street as the house that was burgled,” Barnaby murmured with a nod at the broadsheet.
“I know,” Connor replied with a nod.
“Best stick close to her then,” Barnaby cautioned before he went in search of his cloak.
Another man down, Barnaby mused silently as he drew his cloak on. Not that he blamed his colleague. If he was honest, he was a little envious of the happiness his friends had managed to find in their lives. He, however, had no intention of being bitten by the matrimonial bug. He would never be foolish enough to lose his heart to a weak-willed female, no manner how much they batted their eyelashes at him.
Connor, however, was already doomed.
Tahlia lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling while she contemplated the day’s events. She was exhausted, but suspected that the day wasn’t over yet. She couldn’t settle her mind to anything, largely because the men were getting ready to leave to search Mr Tate’s house. She had no idea how long they would be gone, but suspected she wouldn’t be able to sleep until Connor was back in the house where it was safe. How he could even contemplate going back there after what had happened today was beyond her. Wild horses couldn’t get her to do it, but he was determined and had agreed to allow Barnaby and Isaac to go with him.
Her solitude was interrupted by a knock on the door. Before she could call out, Connor opened the door and peered into the room. As soon as she saw him she knew her decision was made for her and sat up as he crossed the room.
“How are you?” he asked gently as he sat beside her.
“Connor, there is something I need to tell you,” she began, struggling to find the right words to say. Everything she ran through in her mind just didn’t seem right.
She wanted to get up and pace but she didn’t think she was able to stand up without being sick. Everything within her shook. While she didn’t want to tell him about Joseph, she knew that she had to, for Joseph’s sake if nothing else.
“What is it?” Connor sensed her nervousness, and waited patiently.
He knew that to push right now might stop her from confiding in him. If he was honest, he was pleased that she wanted to tell him things. It meant that he hadn’t completely ruined the trust between them after all. Getting her to talk to him was the first step in their new relationship.
“It is about what happened between us before,” she began cautiously. “More went on than you realise.”
“I spoke with your uncle last year, Tahlia,” Connor began.
“What did he tell you?” she whispered weakly suspecting it wasn’t what she was about to tell him.
“That you had moved to Rutland and wouldn’t be back,” he replied honestly. “He said you were happy, and that it would be best to leave you alone. He said that the circles you moved in before you left London had closed their doors on you. Not only that, but they scorned and ridiculed you to the point that remaining here became impossible. He also lost friends and connections as a result of what happened.”
Tahlia nodded. “I didn’t mind leaving London. I didn’t like the place much anyway.”
Connor offered her a smile. “You still didn’t deserve what happened, Tahlia. I am well aware that people who deride others often have a lot to hide themselves. They savaged you, and need to be treated with the contempt they deserve. Why, if you wish to keep this house then you should do so regardless of what anyone else thinks.”
“I can’t keep this house. It has never really felt like home, and never will do. Rutland is my home now, and needs to remain that way. There is not just myself to consider now, you see?”
“No, I don’t see,” Connor replied honestly, silently willing her to stop prevaricating and tell him. “Is it this Joseph fellow?”
“He isn’t a fellow,” Tahlia said softly. “He is our son.”
