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The fire brigade tried to form a blockade to prevent Edgar from dismounting, but everything was too chaotic. There was too much shouting, and smoke and flames and men running everywhere.
“It’s not Lumley’s,” said Grafton.
Thank Heaven. He was right. It was the bookstore next door. But he’d seen no sign of Lumley or the children. He had to be certain that they were safe.
He tied a handkerchief firmly around his face. “Is anyone inside that bookstore?” he asked one of the brigade men.
“No, the bookseller left in time.”
The flames were starting to spread into the second story, licking out the windows. He and Grafton had ridden as close to the water main as possible, while still being able to reach the fire with their hose.
“Let’s go,” Edgar said to Grafton. “They’re not making any headway with those buckets. Not when it’s reached the second story.”
He leapt down and located the foreman of the Hand in Hand fire brigade.
Grafton stayed behind to unhitch the horses and remove them a safe distance, locking the forecarriage of the engine in place with a pin to prevent it moving.
It was Edgar’s job to convince the fire brigade foreman to give him the socket to connect to the water main, because each parish had different ones.
“Give me the socket. You’re not making much progress with those buckets,” said Edgar.
“You can’t fight this fire with no license, no company,” said the man, glowering at Edgar.
“I don’t have time for your politics. My children could be inside that toy shop. I’m not going to let the fire spread.” Edgar grabbed the man’s collar. “Now give me that socket or I’ll take it by force.”
The foreman reluctantly handed over the socket and Edgar sprinted back to help Grafton connect to the main, set up the hoses, and quickly raise steam pressure.
When everything was ready, Edgar handed the gunmetal nozzle to Grafton. “You direct the stream. I’m going to find the children and make sure they’re safe.”
Grafton nodded. “Good luck.”
Suddenly, Mari appeared from behind them, dressed improbably in the coachman’s greatcoat, which hung down past her ankles and scraped on the ground.
Edgar caught her by the shoulders. “Mari, I told you to stay in the carriage.”
“As if I would stay in a carriage when the twins were in danger.”
“Have you seen them? Are they safe?”
“Quite safe.” Mari gestured over her shoulder, and he saw Lumley and the children watching them.
He ran to them. Gathering the children into his arms, he kissed their cheeks.
“Father,” Adele cried, clinging to him.
Michel shuffled his feet manfully.
“I was so worried about you,” said Edgar. “I love you both so much. Never, ever run away again. Promise me.”
“We promise,” said Michel.
“They came to me,” said Lumley, coughing slightly. “To tell me that they needed my Mari.” He smiled at Mari. “I told them we could share her.”
“Is that your engine?” asked Michel, pointing at Grafton where he was wrestling with the copper branch pipe.
“Yes, it is.” Edgar rose. He caught Mari’s eye, trying to communicate everything he hadn’t had the chance to say yet.
That he loved her, as well. And he hoped she loved him.
