Page 93 of An Unwitting Alliance
Ignoring Ian’s grumbles, Tom followed Cassie to the door.
Once in the confines of the carriage, he realized he was cornered. Auntie Evans’s glare was nearly as uncomfortable as Cassie’s sullenness. Somehow she had learned about his rush to the inn, so it was not hard to believe she was also aware of his intentions to leave to Brookeside and the end of their engagement. They hadn’t had much of an opportunity to talk anything out, but under her aunt’s condemning gaze, he couldn’t form a proper explanation.
“We need to make a plan.” Cassie’s words sliced through the tension, forcing him to speak. Her voice was stern, but he could see the worry behind her eyes.
Tom rested his arms on his knees. “I’ll fetch Alan while you both remain in the carriage.”
“And you will work out the details as you go?” Cassie shook her head. “I have a better idea. You remain in the carriage, and Aunt Evans and I will find Alan.”
“You have a better plan, then?” Tom asked.
“Not as thought-out as I would have liked, but I do not possess your creative energy or the desire to take as many risks. I thought Aunt Evans could pose as the boy’s paternal grandmother—Mrs. Kelby. Her sources have informed her of the death of her daughter-in-law, and she has come to collect her grandson.”
“Not a bad idea, but I fear they will be suspicious after Miles stood in as the uncle.” He feared brute force would be the only way to get past Longbottom at this point.
“Yes, but from the account of your friends, there is a chance Mr. Longbottom did not connect Mr. Jackson to you and Lord Reynolds. It’s worth the attempt.”
There were so many ways this could fail, but Tom lacked any better ideas. “I will bow to your superior plan. What role would you have me play?”
Cassie gave him a smug look. “Keep the seats warm.”
She was teasing him, wasn’t she? There was no way he was going to let them walk into that workhouse without him. The carriage pulled to a stop, and he jumped out to help them down. “I’m coming too.”
Cassie put her hand out to stop him, the worry in her eyes flaring. “He’ll recognize you.”
Auntie took Cassie’s arm. “The gate is locked and the porter will be gone for the day. Could the boy have managed to get inside? What now?” She frowned deeply. It was clear that breaking into a workhouse was nowhere near a typical activity for her.
Tom was glad she’d asked. He gave her an impish grin. “What would you do if your grandson were locked inside?”
Auntie Evans grinned. “Excuse me. I believe I know what to do.” She marched up to the gate, latched on to it with both hands, and started shaking it. “Open this gate this instant!” she yelled. “Open this or I will call the magistrate!”
“Hurry and get into the carriage,” Cassie urged.
He knew she was scared, but he could not protect her or anyone else if he did not join them. “I cannot abandon Alan, and I won’t let you put yourself in harm’s way either.”
Cassie straightened and blinked. “Oh, Tom.” Her hand went to her mouth. “I understand now. This is about Charley, isn’t it?”
“What? No. This is not about Charley.” Why was she bringing up his brother? This was completely different.
Her eyes softened, and her smile was small but ever sympathetic. “Trust me once more and let Aunt and I do what we can.”
“It’s not that I don’t trust you...” He stared into her eyes, a swirl of blues. How could he explain?
“But you don’t want to lose anyone again?” she finished for him.
She was right. Charley. It was about him. Tom chewed on his lip. “Charley... died of consumption.”
Cassie’s brows knit together. A man could drown in the pool of compassion filling in her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Tom.”
He gave a curt nod, locking down his grief as he always did. “I have to help somehow. Can’t I just pretend to be your husband?”
Cassie shook her head. “I well remember what happened the last time when we were merely engaged. I can hardly imagine what you would do as my husband.”
“I also remember you quite enjoyed yourself.” His lips quirked at the memory of their kiss, but it was a sad smile, not a pleasant one. It hurt more than a little to remember it, knowing he had ended their engagement. He was tempted to forget his commitments and pull her to him then and there.
Thankfully, a noise came from the workhouse before he could make a fool of himself. Someone had finally come to deal with the noisy woman at the gate.
