AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Because the man and woman communicated using sign language,” Bathsheba calmly replied. “And they were adept at it.”
Samantha’s wits rarely failed her, but this nightmare of a conversation was making her brain freeze like a Highland pond in the dead of winter.
“And Dr. Kendrick knows sign language, does he?” she managed.
Bathsheba leaned forward, her gaze all but pinning Samantha to her chair. “Will you please stop pretending that you don’t know what I’m talking about? It was obviously you and Donny who rescued Braden. It was you bolting around the stews in disguise! Samantha, what in God’s name are you doing?”
Her heartbeat accelerated, making her chest go tight. “Why in God’s name would I do something so utterly foolhardy?”
“Something to do with Roger, I imagine. Which would be theheightof insanity.”
When Samantha flinched, Bathsheba put out a quick hand. “I didn’t mean it like that, my dear. It’s just that John and I are terribly worried about you. This coincidence is too strange and too close to home to ignore.”
An alarming thought penetrated Samantha’s frazzled brain. “Did you say something to Felicity?”
“Of course not. I simply asked her how you were feeling. But if you’ve been doing something as reckless as trying to hunt—”
Samantha chopped down a hand. “No. I do nothing but take care of Felicity and work at the foundation. Good God, Bathsheba. You know my situation. Do you really think I would risk scandal by running around Old Town like a common footpad?”
Bathsheba’s mouth twisted sideways for a moment. “I think you wish to avenge your husband’s death.”
“I certainly wish to see Roger’s killers brought to justice, but I would never do anything to risk Felicity’s situation.”
Except you already do.
That was a horrifying thought that she needed to continue to ignore, at least for now. And she needed to get out of this perilous conversation.
Thankfully, the mantel clock chimed, providing her with an escape.
She rose. “You must excuse me, Bathsheba. I have a meeting at the orphanage, and I cannot be late.”
Her friend exhaled a frustrated sigh as she stood. “I’ll let you put me off for now, but only because I’ve made my point. But Samantha, whatever it is you’re doing, please take care. Do not jeopardize your safety or your reputation. That warning comes not only from me, but from John.”
“It is not necessary, I assure you.” Samantha tried for a wry smile. “I’m not exactly an Amazon, or a heroine who faces down thugs. A year ago, I was barely out of my sickbed.”
“You are stronger than you look,” Bathsheba said as she collected her gloves and her reticule, “and you know it.”
“Tell that to my aching head,” Samantha muttered under her breath.
Bathsheba paused. “What?”
“Nothing. By the way, I do hope John didn’t discuss these imaginings with Dr. Kendrick. How embarrassing that would be.”
“My husband is not an idiot, Samantha.”
“No, but he’s a worrier, as are you.”
Bathsheba wrapped her in a softly scented hug. “Just be careful, my dear friend. All right?”
“I’m always careful.”
Except when you’re not.
CHAPTER5
Braden jogged up the front steps of Heriot Row, home in time for dinner for once. He’d been in surgery since lunchtime. Come to think of it, he’d not actuallyhadlunch—so he was ready for an evening off.
He pulled out his key and let himself into the spacious entrance hall. Then he stopped dead because there was a stupendous pile of luggage stacked in the middle of the marble floor.
