“And his handsome countenance has little to do with that, I suppose?” Daniel was enjoying the exchange.
“None at all.”
He laughed.
“I’m sorry to ruin your fun, Abby, but I really do think it would be for the best if you left.”
“I need to find Dimity.”
“I had hoped you wouldn’t be foolish enough to enter such a place alone again.”
“I beg your pardon, but I am rarely foolish.” She glared at him now.
“How incredibly controlled of you. My siblings are often foolish.”
“But not you?”
“No, not me.”
“How incredibly controlled you are, sir.” She repeated his words.
“Will you run away again without telling me, Abby?”
She looked away. “I had to go.”
She started to get off the chair; Daniel grabbed her waist and lifted her down. The top of her head reached his mouth, and he had the urge to lean in and kiss her forehead.
“I could have gotten down myself!”
“Undoubtedly, but this was easier.”
That lovely mouth formed a hard line.
“Where is the mouthy Dimity then? And why was she not looking after you?” He’d met Abby’s friend last time and liked her very much. She was loud and opinionated, and he was glad Abby had someone like that to watch over her.
“I can look after myself.”
“Yes, I can see that was working well for you.” Their eyes caught and held, and he felt it again, the connection between them. He wanted more, and this time the night would not end until he could ensure that would happen.
Chapter 2
“Here she comes.”
Daniel’s gaze followed the direction in which Abby was pointing.
“Abby!”
Dimity arrived. She was taller than Abby, with dark hair and a harried expression on her face.
“Hello, Dimity,” Daniel said. “Abby was accosted by that man.” He pointed down at the still slumbering idiot. “I think she should leave before he wakes.”
“Oh, I can—”
“What did he do to you?” Dimity had her hands on her hips, glaring at the man. “He’s a bloody fool is what Clancy is, can’t hold his liquor. How come he’s sleeping?”
“Daniel put him to sleep,” Abby said.
Dimity clapped her hands. “Did he now? That is good news. Clancy has had that coming for years. Are you all right, Abby?”
“I’m fine; he did not hurt me. Daniel arrived before anything could happen.”
“My hero.” Dimity batted her eyelashes. “How wonderful that you are here this evening. Abby has talked of you constantly.”
“Dimity! That is not true at all.” He could see the color in her cheeks, and Daniel had to say he was pleased. It only seemed fair she’d thought about him as he had her.
“I shouldn’t have let you come again tonight. I knew it would be busy. Gus’s barmaid has cut her hand on a glass, and one of his staff couldn’t make it, so I’m helping out.”
“Can I help?” Abby asked.
“No! Dear lord, if your brothers heard you were here it would be bad enough, but working too…. Good lord, it doesn’t bear thinking of.”
“Dimity.” The name was a caution.
Both women shot Daniel a look, and he wondered what it was Dimity had been about to say.
“Sorry. Let me tell Gus I’m walking you home, he’ll just have to cope—”
“I can manage the walk home, Dimity, don’t worry. I know the way, after all, and it is not far.”
Was she actually serious? Walking alone at this time of night in London? He’d just been held at gunpoint; he doubted Abby would have escaped the situation as easily as he had. Daniel was not letting anything happen to her even if he did miss his flute lesson.
“No. You can’t do that, something could happen and then your brothers would kill me. I have no wish to die before I find a rich husband,” Dimity said, which had both women giggling.
“I’ll walk her home,” Daniel offered.
Dimity stared at him. A long, searching look.
“I do not need you walking me home, Daniel, as I am more than capable of doing so myself,” Abby said. “I shall leave now and be home in under twenty minutes.”
“You bloody well will not!” Dimity exploded.
“What if you are accosted by a man like him en route?” Daniel looked at the now twitching form of Clancy below them. He’d be awake shortly.
“I don’t really know you, and it wouldn’t be right for me to walk home alone with a man.”
“Yes, you do know me,” Daniel said. “We spent several hours sharing confidences and singing along, terribly I might add, with the man you adore.” He pointed to where Eros still sat crooning. “You are not walking the London streets at this time of night alone.”
“I will be safe,” Abby added quickly. “No one will even notice me.”
“Someone attempted to rob me on my way to the Duck and Goose,” Daniel said. “He had a gun.”
“No!” Dimity said.
“Is that the truth?” Abby looked doubtful.
“It’s hardly something I would lie about.”
“He does seem nice, Abby, and I liked him right off, as you did. His eyes are kind. A gentleman.” Dimity leaned in to take a closer look at Daniel. “You even said as much. Plus, no one will ever find out that he is walking you home.”
“I assure you, I am a good man.” Well, most of the time. Why did it matter if he walked her home? After all, she wasn’t encumbered by the ridiculous rules that society had to follow. A woman of noble blood could be ruined just being seen alone with a man.
“I’ll vouch for his character.”
“You know Daniel, Toddy?” Dimity asked the question as the man appeared beside them.
“I do. He and his brother use us for their building work. Pay’s good, and always on time. Good men, him and Ace, no getting around that fact.”
“Toddy wouldn’t lie, Abby. If he says Mr. Dillinger is a good man, then he is,” Dimity said.
“Dimity, I can walk home alone,” Abby gritted out. “And have done so before.”
“I cannot allow it, and no, you have not, so don’t try and fool me. You either go with him or I walk you. Make it quick. Clancy
