“Forgive me, London,” he says when she catches up to him. He offers her his arm, “I’d forgotten about your leg. Shall I carry you?” he teases.
“Absolutely not!” she stammers and blushes when he laughs.
Looping her arm through his, they continue on until they reach the train. “Our train leaves in fifteen minutes, we should hurry.”
“London?” a female voice calls out, and she freezes, tightening her hold on Declan's arm. His hand covers hers, and they turn to greet the caller.
“Reagan?” London gasps as Reagan throws herself into her arms, rocking her back on her feet. Declan steadies them and glances at the young man standing behind her.
“Oh, I'd never have recognized you if it weren't for the paper,” Reagan pushes back and stares at her. “You don't look anything like the Mouse!”
“That was the point,” London replies. “Congratulations, Reagan,” she turns to her new husband. “Edmund, I hope you're very happy together.”
“Thank you, Lady Sheridan,” Edmund says. Declan introduces himself to Edmund.
“Where are you off too?” Reagan asks.
“Out of town for a holiday,” Declan answers for her, purposely not giving specifics.
“I see.” Reagan stares at her, and her eyes grow teary, “I hope you can forgive me for being such a brat, London. I'm so happy that you're out of that house.” She steps closer to her, “Tessa will be out for blood. We are heading to Europe on holiday for a month, but you must promise me that you will be careful. Don’t trust her,” she insists and turns to Declan.
“Lord Sheridan, I hope you understand this was not personal. I love Edmund, and I tried to tell my parents, but they wouldn't listen.” Her eyes glisten with tears, and Edmund pulls her close to his side.
“Not at all, I wish you nothing but happiness,” Declan states.
“You’re very kind,” Reagan sniffs and smiles at the way he stays close to London. “Keep her safe, Declan. My parents were counting on your name and money. Tessa especially had intentions where you were concerned. They will be out for revenge.”
“Thank you, but what could they possibly do now? It's too late.” The whistle blows on a train, and Declan insists, “We have to go.”
London hugs Reagan and fights tears when she whispers, “Be happy.”
“We will stay in touch,” Reagan insists.
“I’d like that,” London says with a smile.
Declan guides her away, stopping to board the train. London keeps hearing Declan say, ‘what can they possibly do?’ She’s nervous, Declan isn’t a man to be trifled with, but she can’t help but wonder how he will react to the rest of the story.
They maneuver through the different railcars and into a lushly decorated hallway with plush burgundy carpet and brass lanterns gleaming on the wallpapered walls. The porter stops and unlocks a door, sliding it inside the wall and steps back.
“This cabin is made for two people. There's a watering closet at the end of the hallway for your convenience. If the sun becomes too much, simply pull the large curtains close.” He gestures to the large window and turns to smile at her. “A porter is always available, simply pull the rope. Lunch is served in the dining car between noon and two pm. If you'd like reservations, I can arrange that for you.”
“No, thank you.” I’m too nervous to eat, she thinks.
“We’ll be eating in our cabin,” Declan says.
“Excellent. I’ll leave a menu for you to choose from. If you need anything else, just pull the cord.” He gestures to the right of the sliding door and leaves quickly.
The final whistle sounds causing London to startle.
“Are you well?” Declan asks with concern etched on his face after the train begins to move.
“What? Yes, I'm fine, thank you,” she smiles softly and removes the pin from her hat, and hangs it on a hook. Glancing out the window, she watches the sea of people and frowns. Her hand is throbbing, and her emotions are raw. “It has been a strange few days.”
Declan nods in agreement as he looks at his new bride. “Tell me, London, who are you, and how did you come to be my wife?”
London looks at him and smiles, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. “I've been working for the Hubbard family for four years.” She hesitates. How should I tell him? London bites her lip and decides he doesn’t need to know her life story. “The charade was necessary in order to obtain the job, which I desperately needed. Tessa prefers to surround herself with homely house staff.”
Declan snorts, “She must be blind.” London ignores his comment and continues.
“One day, while cleaning, I overheard her husband, George, discussing your business.”
He leans forward, “Go on.”
“In truth, you have been the topic of many discussions of late.” London pulls off her glove and stares at the wound on her hand. “Mr. Hubbard works from home with his business… not partners but…” she chooses her words carefully, “associates. He was agitated that you wouldn't sell him shares of your business.”
“I see,” Declan frowns. “How is it that you are privy to this information?”
Intelligent eyes pierce him.
“How many times have we met?” she asks.
“A few, but in all fairness, you were wearing a disguise.”
“True, but you have met the Mouse or been in the same room with me eighteen times.” She laughs at his look of shock. “Exactly, as a maid, I am gifted with invisibility. No one notices the maid in the corner. As long as I remain quiet and speak only when spoken too,
