Page 12 of To Heal a Broken Earl
And he would find her.
Satisfied that neither carriage had seen him, he stepped out from the shadows and untied his horse from the mulberry bush. As he mounted, he paused only briefly before nudgingthe animal toward the first carriage’s route, keeping far enough behind to remain unseen.
But not too far.
He had a job to finish.
~*~
Chapter Five[AM1]
Roused by the din of the carriage rolling down the dirt-covered road, Emma opened her eyes just enough to see Michael through the fringe of her lashes. His eyes were closed, and he appeared to be sleeping. The gaslight in the carriage was dim, with heavy black velvet curtains drawn. She lifted the corner of the curtain and saw it was still dark.How long have I been asleep?
Despite her continued agitation over the fire and the grogginess of just waking, Emma found it difficult to ignore the undeniable attractiveness of the man seated across from her. Then there was that adorable dimple etched into his lower-right chin, and thick, chocolate-brown, curly hair that curled over his collar. Although longer than what was fashionable for men, the length gave him a rakish air that suited him. It contrasted strikingly with his masculine face, especially the rugged cut of his square jaw. Not to mention his tall, broad-shouldered frame. Truth be told, everything about Michael made Emma’s heart race.
“You’re awake,” he whispered, the low rumble of his voice taking her by surprise. His captivating green eyes, now open, seemed to twinkle in the dim glow of the gas lamp.
He caught me. The thought that he may have been watching her made her feel both self-conscious and flattered at the same time. And something else—safe. She’d had barely enough time to comb her hair and wash her face before they departed. She had hastily changed into a clean gown, one of the few that she’d managed to stuff into her valise before she and Katie made their escape from the burning home. Well, it couldn’t be helped. She had the pouch with the household funds that she’d retrieved from Martin’s study. It wasn’t much, but it should enable her to purchase a few necessities and perhapssome simple muslin or cotton to make gowns for herself and Katie.
“If you’re up to it, I want to review our plan to get you and Katie safely to my estate. There are a few things concerning you and her that you’ll need to know. Everything is already in motion. Armstrong and I have already begun to execute it.”
“Lord Wilton, do you think the arsonist is following us?” she said, alarm coursing through her. She hugged her niece closer, twirling her fingers through the soft brown curls. The child was still in a deep sleep. Thankfully, she hadn’t stirred since they’d left Lady Beadle’s.
“You agreed to call me Michael when we were at Lady Beadle’s. As far as his following us… That is what we hope to prevent,” he said in a measured tone. “He knows you have seen him—both you and Katie—so we need to do the utmost to make sure to protect the two of you and to catch him before he can wreak more havoc.”
She gave a nod. “So, whatisthe plan, Michael?” she asked, testing his name on her lips. She glanced to her right and noticed Doris hadn’t stirred either.
“We are an hour or so outside of London and will be arriving at an inn soon, giving the impression that we will be checking in for the night. But in truth, you and Katie will change into disguises and then we will leave through the rear exit, assisted by the innkeeper and his wife.”
“What sort of disguises?”
“Boys’ clothing. You and Katie will dress as a youth and his young brother,” he said before clearing his throat.
His discomfort was not lost on Emma. “Boys’ clothing?”
“Yes, you’re too petite of stature to pass for the average man, so once disguised, you’ll resemble an older boy traveling with his young brother. We need to make sure your identity is disguised, in case we’re being followed. Remember, theappearance will be that you are staying at the inn for the night. As lovely as you are, you will be noticed leaving the inn. If the arsonist is following us, he will ask…and someone will recall. But no one will likely notice a scruffy urchin and his equally scruffy little brother,” Michael explained.
As lovely as you are…?
Did she just hear correctly?
She felt a blush heat her cheeks. She hoped he couldn’t see it in the dimly lit interior of the carriage.
She watched his lips move as he spoke. Perhaps it was just her fatigue, but she couldn’t help it. She couldn’t recall being fascinated by a man as she was by the earl.
Pay attention, you ninny. And stop acting like a besotted debutante at her first ball.
Katie’s safety depended upon her. She needed to pay attention.
“We will approach it like dressing up, with Katie. She enjoys that,” Emma said. A knot formed in her chest as she recalled the times she had played dress-up with Katie at home. Her niece had loved playing the lady of the manor, wearing one of Evie’s gowns and one of Emma’s hats.
Home.
She gave a brief shake of her head to clear it. That life was behind them now—certainly for the foreseeable future. As long as the arsonist was out there, they would be in danger.
“Good. That helps. Do you think Katie would hide in a trunk, one with holes drilled in it?” he asked.
“No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “Katie is terrified of the boogeyman. I’m afraid this whole thing, the fire, will make it worse. But I can carry her…”
