Page 65 of Tender Blackguard

“Urged you not to search for me,” Harriet admonished, her eyes narrowing in accusation and concern. “I told you to stay away from here.”

Lark lifted a brow. “You really expected me to heed such nonsense?”

Harriet’s expression darkened as she clasped both of Lark’s hands in hers. “Not nonsense, I swear it. For once, I wasn’t exaggerating.”

“She’s right,” the gentleman in the bowler hat stepped forward to say in earnest. “There is a true threat, which is why we’ve come back only to fetch a few things before leaving town.” He glanced urgently to Harriet. “We really shouldn’t dally.”

“I know,” Harriet replied. “Please, fetch what you must. I’ll be fine here with Lark. I promise.”

Though he was obviously reluctant, he gave a nod, then left them in the room alone.

As soon as he was out of hearing, Lark spoke bluntly. “What happened to you? Where’ve you been? Have you been hurt? Who in bloody hell is that man and why are you with him?”

Harriet laughed and the sound went a long way toward dispelling much of Lark’s tension and worry. But it didn’t provide any answers.

“So many questions, but I’ll answer them as efficiently as possible in the time we have.”

She paused to smooth her skirts and straighten her gloves, obviously sorting through her thoughts for a place to start.

“I’m sorry, Lark. So much has happened.” She released an apologetic sigh and gave a tentative smile. “First of all, I’m utterly in love.”

That much Lark already knew, but her friend’s obvious happiness was far too infectious, and she smiled in return. “Am I to understand that man is W.K.?”

Harriet’s eyes widened, but she didn’t seem terribly shocked by Lark’s question. “You found the letters?” Then she waved a hand in dismissal. “Of course you did. I know well not to underestimate you.

“His name is Dr. William Kirby. He’s a brilliant physician and the kindest, most”—she sighed heavily—“wonderful man.” She slipped the glove off her left hand, revealing a lovely ring of gold cradling a solitary emerald. “We were married a few weeks ago. In Scotland. We’ve only just gotten back to town.”

Lark’s shock couldn’t have been greater if Harriet had told her the man was the prince regent himself. “Married?”

“Oh, Lark, I’m so sorry. I’d have done anything to have had you there with me, but it was a rather hasty exit from London.” Her soft eyes turned troubled. “You see, there was an incident...at my place of employment.”

“Lord Dryden.” Lark’s voice was hard, drawing Harriet’s surprised gaze.

“How did you know?” Then she shook her head with a smile. “Never mind. I should’ve guessed you’d have it all figured out.”

“Not all,” Lark corrected. “I had no idea where you’d gone. Or if Dryden had managed to hurt you,”

“He didn’t,” Harriet assured quickly. “I knew what he was about and managed to escape and run from the house before he could do any real harm. But for a moment there...I admit, I was frightened. He and his friends were all quite foxed. And rather intent upon their amusement.” Her eyes widened. “He actually told me to strip down. Right then and there. I might be naïve, but I’m not stupid. When I refused, he shared a glance with the others and smiled. It was the evilest sight I’d ever seen. That was when he said he’d had a feeling I was a defiant sort. That he preferred it that way but he’d have to take me somewhere more secure, where no one would hear my screams. He referred to it as the marketplace”—she tilted her head and furrowed her brow—“which was odd considering markets are typically quite busy.”

Lark’s stomach twisted with the realization of how close her friend had come to a horrid fate. “Thank God you made it out of there.”

A sly grin widened Harriet’s mouth. “When he made a grab for me, I fought dirty—like you taught me. As soon as my knee brought him low, I ran as fast as I could until I reached safety. I tore out of there like the hounds of hell were on my heels, but I didn’t have to go far since I knew Dr. Kirby was just next door. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him what’d happened at first. But he was gentle and kind and promised he’d keep me safe. By morning, I’d agreed to marry him.” Her smile then was radiant as she held Lark’s hand in both of hers. “He loves me. He truly does. Isn’t it amazing?”

“Not at all.” Lark smiled. “You’re the most deserving of love out of anyone I’ve ever known. But I wish you’d felt you could’ve told me you were eloping.”

Harriet glanced down at her lap. “I’m sorry. It was happening so fast. And I guess a part of me worried you might try to stop me.”

“I’d never want to keep you from your happiness, Harriet. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”

Tears filled Harriet’s eyes. “Thank you. I know that. I do. And I desperately want the same for you.”

“I’ve gathered what I need.” Both women turned to see Dr. Kirby standing in the doorway. Addressing a gentle smile to his bride, he added, “The rest can be fetched at a later date. But I don’t think it’d be prudent to tarry long, my dear.”

“Yes. You’re right,” Harriet replied with a nod. “Dr. Kirby—”

“William,” he interjected in a soft but stern tone.

She smiled. “William found a place to let in Suffolk, in a village that’s in need of a qualified doctor. You probably think me a coward for not going to the authorities—”

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