Page 32 of Charming the Accidental Suitor
Finally, the carriage stopped. And while Albright wanted nothing more than to knock down the door and charge in to Felicity’s rescue, some logical part of his mind was pointing out that he could make matters worse if he did not handle this carefully.
And so he and Marlin scouted out the building, looking for the best way in…
Assuming Felicity was in there. With Everson.
Albright’s every muscle tensed at the thought. What could she have been thinking coming here? And why hadn’t she come to him first?
That second thought hurt more than it should.
She hadn’t come to him because he’d behaved like a brute. He’d rejected her out of hand and scared her off with his temper, and…
No. Now was not the time. He could apologize later after he was done here.
He and Marlin found a back door propped open in the alley and slipped inside.
Besides, it was possible Felicity wasn’t here at all. Perhaps she’d just been too preoccupied to relay the message herself.
He didn’t actually believe this, but it was his best attempt at calming this sickening fear.
Fear that Felicity was in danger—and that he was too late to help.
He clung to the hope that Felicity hadn’t actually decided to meet with Everson…
Until he heard her voice. Clear and light, and filled with that passion that was so particular to Felicity. “...I do so appreciate you taking the time to?—”
“Enough with the niceties, Miss McGovern.” Everson’s voice was clipped and low. Far from the pleasant, amused tone Albright was used to from the cad. “What is it you want?”
Albright cut a sidelong look at Marlin, who was pressed against the hallway wall beside him. Marlin nodded, and they worked their way closer to the open doorway before Albright held up a hand to pause when Felicity spoke again.
“I thought we agreed that you ought to call me Felicity.” She sounded perfectly at ease. As though they were taking tea and not sharing a clandestine meeting in the worst neighborhood in London.
Still, the lack of fear in her voice helped to ease the worst of his dread, though his temples still pounded as his pulse raced. But she’d told them to come here…
For a reason, undoubtedly. And while his instincts told him to say hang it all to whatever plan she’d concocted, he found himself pausing and waiting.
Felicity was many things, but she was not simpleminded. If she’d asked them here to listen it was for a reason.
“Well then, Felicity,” Everson bit out. “Do you want to tell me how you knew to find me here? Or why I got a letter threatening to expose all my secrets?”
“Threatening?” Felicity repeated as if shocked. “I would never! Come, let us be civil, at the very least, Mr. Everson. I mean you no harm, I swear it.”
“What did I say about pleasantries?” he snapped. “The way you’ve been carrying on, one would think you’re waiting for something.” His voice grew louder and Albright heard footsteps. “What are you waiting for?”
Albright exchanged a look with Marlin. She was killing time waiting for them.
Blast. Now he knew he had to see this through.
“What is it that you want?” Everson continued.
She’d murder him with her bare hands if he ruined whatever scheme she’d dreamed up. Slowly, carefully, he craned his neck so he could see around the corner.
His hands clenched tight at the sight of Felicity so close to him.
Everson loomed over her, but she smiled brightly up at him. “It isn’t about whatIwant, Mr. Everson.”
Everson blinked, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. “What?”
“You asked what I want, but it’s not about what I want—at least, not entirely.” Her smile widened and Everson seemed momentarily stunned.
