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She snorted.
He placed his fingertip under her chin and raised her head up. “I care about you. A great deal. Remember, we are in this together. You will see justice done. I promise you that.” Staring at her lips, he slowly lowered his head and she turned aside, stopping him from what she knew he’d planned to do. She wasn’t ready for that. She would probably never be ready. Something else that had been stolen from her.
Marcus smiled as Lizbeth made it clear she was not open to a kiss. Perhaps she was right, and he was taking advantage of her distressed state. However, kissing her had been on his mind since the first time he laid eyes on her.
Not wishing to push her, he made nothing of her action and released her so she could scramble from his lap. The door opened and he climbed from the vehicle. He offered his hand and she stepped out. “Do I look terrible?” she asked, knowing her eyes were probably red and swollen, as well as her nose and cheeks.
He smiled at her. “You look fine.”
She took a deep breath and started up the steps. “Liar.”
Addie was sitting in the drawing room when they arrived. She looked up from a needlepoint she was working on. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes.” Lizbeth collapsed on the sofa. “Well, not really.”
Marcus was still irate from the meeting with Mrs. O’Leary and her bold denial of having Lizbeth’s things and insisting she moved out on her own. He was naturally concerned that she would most likely contact her people and let them know that Lizbeth was back in Bath.
Would they attempt to kidnap her again? Would they be so bold? On the other hand, if it became known that one of their captives had managed to escape the brothel, it would not look good.
“Marcus, are you paying attention?” Addie scowled at him.
He gave her a lazy, crooked smile. One that got many a woman into his bed. Hence his reputation. “Yes. I was certainly paying attention. Don’t I always, Sister?”
Addie huffed. “I was just telling Lizbeth that the store I sold last year has an opening for a clerk for part time hours. I think Lizbeth would be perfect for that job.”
Lizbeth patted Addie’s hand. “As much as I appreciate that, I prefer to work a full-time job so I can pay my own way.” Lizbeth didn’t look as determined as her words were. Actually, what she looked like was a lost little waif, which put Marcus’s sense of protection in action.
“I disagree.” He sat across from the ladies. “Addie, Lizbeth is an artist. She was planning an art show in her town before she moved to Bath. In fact, we just tried to reclaim her belongings in the boarding house, which includes her artwork.”
Addie smiled brightly. “Oh, how wonderful. I so wish I had some talent. I’m dyslexic, you know, and can barely make it through the day without some sort of catastrophe.”
“Don’t disparage yourself, Addie,” Marcus said, “you have many talents and your husband thinks you are the finest of women.”
“He told you that?” Addie said, her brows raised.
“He doesn’t need to. It’s in his eyes every time he looks at you.”
Addie blushed and he turned his attention back to Lizbeth. “I think you need time to spend on your painting.”
“Yes. I agree,” Addie said. “I really don’t want you to leave me too soon. With the new baby coming, I would appreciate the company.”
“I thought Mother was going to be here,” Marcus said.
His sister laughed. “Yes. Mother will probably be here a lot, but that is precisely why I need another woman.” Addie turned back to Lizbeth. “I love my mother dearly, but she can be trying, and having someone else available for me to roll my eyes at would be wonderful. In fact, you will be doing me a favor. The hours at the store are just a few each week, which will leave you time to do your painting and help me with my mother.”
Lizbeth chewed on her lip as she took in Addie’s words. “I have the feeling you are making this all up to keep me from feeling guilty.”
Addie shook her head. “Marcus, tell Lizbeth about Mother.”
He leaned back in his chair and grinned. “Our mother is wonderful. In small doses. Don’t get me wrong, we both love her to death, but she can be, shall we say…trying?”
Addie clapped her hands. “Then it’s settled. You can take the job at Once Upon a Book and continue with your art.”
“Wait a minute,” Lizbeth said. “Don’t I have to interview and offer references to the owner? Remember, I was fired for stealing. I doubt if anyone who owns a store wants a thief handing money.”
“Stop it!” Marcus leaned forward. “You are not a thief and you know how that entire thing came about. Take the job, since it appears Addie has already offered your services to Mr. Finch.” He could tell by the look on her face that his sister had already made the arrangements for Lizbeth’s employment.
“He is the owner?” Lizbeth asked.
