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‘No, no, thank you. I think I should like to go home.’
‘Of course. Can you walk?’
‘Yes, if you give me your arm. I refuse to have you carry me out of here over your shoulder, my lord.’
He relaxed slightly, as if this little show of spirit reassured him.
‘Then let us go now.’
Their progress through the crowds was painfully slow, but Mary knew it would not do to hurry away. That would only arouse the conjecture they had so far managed to avoid.
* * *
‘I cannot think that no one noticed what happened,’ she remarked once they were in the earl’s carriage and bowling through the dark streets towards the Rue Haute.
‘No one could see you in that alcove.’
‘So how did you know where to find me?’
‘I have been watching you all evening. When I saw Bennington Ffog leading you away I followed, but it was slow work to do so without drawing attention to myself. I was obliged to stop and talk to goodness knows how many people on the way. I only wish I had got there sooner.’
Mary pulled her cloak a little closer around her.
‘I am only thankful you arrived when you did.’
There was silence, then she heard Randall draw a breath.
‘You should not have had to suffer that fellow’s insults.’
‘It is not your fault.’
‘But it is.’ He turned and pulled her into his arms. Gratefully she rested her head on his chest and felt the rapid thud of his heart against her cheek. ‘I should have taken better care of you.’
She closed her eyes, feeling safe and comfortable at last.
‘It does not matter now.’
‘But it does. I wish—’ He broke off as the carriage came to a stand. ‘You are home.’
Reluctantly she pushed herself upright and allowed him to help her out of the carriage.
He said urgently, ‘Let me come in. There is something I must explain to you.’
She hesitated. She felt drained, exhausted, but the thought of keeping him with her for a little longer was too strong to resist.
‘Very well.’
He dismissed the driver and accompanied her to the door.
‘I will walk back,’ he told her as a sleepy maidservant let them in.
Mary nodded and led him into the hall.
‘Therese, light the candles in my sitting room, if you please.’
* * *
Randall followed Mary to the darkened room, where they waited silently until the maid had put a taper to every available candle. Mary removed her cloak and laid it carefully across a chair. He watched her strip off her gloves and put them down, her hands shaking a little. The shutters were already closed but the maid checked the catch, then hovered uncertainly by the window, reluctant to leave her mistress.
