Free A Disappearance in Drury Lane by Ashley Gardner Page A

studied Gabriella, whose eyes sparkled with amusement. “You do not look very shocked, Gabriella. Please do not tell me you approve.”
    “Of course I do not. I rather like Lady Bradford. But it is not uncommon, is it? For men to take lovers? At least among the wealthy classes. So says . . . my papa.” Her tongue tripped a little as she made the distinction.
    “No, it is not uncommon. But I’d not have spoken of such things to a child.”
    “In France it is spoken of more openly, even if we don’t approve,” Gabriella said, a little primly. “And I am not a child.”
    The stubborn words, spoken with a little push of her lips, reminded me strongly of the little girl she’d been. I sank to the window seat, pretending my leg hurt me, but in truth I could not breathe. January morning cold came through the window, but I had to sit still for a moment before the ache inside me eased.
    I cleared my throat. “I suppose someone will inform Felicity when our coach is leaving for London.”
    “I will make certain. I must say, I am looking forward to London and staying with Lady Breckenridge . . . Mrs. Lacey, I mean. I want to see the city. Properly, this time.”
    Another qualm, this one of remembered terror when Gabriella, come to London last year with her mother, had gone missing. I took her hand and held it between mine.
    “I am so sorry for what happened to you, Gabriella. The bastard is dead; you know that. He cannot hurt you anymore.”
    “I know.” Remembered fear flickered through her eyes. “But I want to mend. I want to see the streets and the sights, find a London that is not frightening.”
    I tried a smile. “I’m not certain that’s possible.”
    “This time, you will be with me. I know that if I’d listened to you before and trusted you, I’d have been safe.”
    “Do not blame yourself. It was my bloody fault.”
    “Do you think that?” Gabriella gave me a thoughtful look. “I have had a long time to contemplate this, sir . . . Father. I was confused and frightened, and young. I hope I am more sensible these days.”
    How long a time half a year was to the young! But I admired Gabriella for her determination and courage. She could have remained in France cowering in her stepfather’s home instead of deciding to face life and conquer her fears.
    “This time, you’ll stay in a fine house in Mayfair and be perfectly safe,” I said. “You’ll have plenty of people to look after you—Donata, Mrs. Brandon, Lady Aline, the Derwents. I promise you this.”
    Gabriella wrinkled her nose. “Smothered, you mean. My parents have looked after me with embarrassing watchfulness. But do not worry, I am not so foolish as to run off on my own because too many people are concerned about me.” She shivered. “Never again, in fact.”
    The man who’d abducted Gabriella had stolen her sense of safety and the ease with which she moved about on her own. I hated him all over again. I rarely was glad when a human being died, but the man who’d hurt my Gabriella deserved what he’d gotten.
    I squeezed her hand. The niche was cold, and by tacit agreement, we returned to the warmer confines of my suite to tell Donata what Gabriella had discovered. As I closed the doors against the chill, I wished I could likewise close the doors on all fear and pain my daughter could experience. I knew, though, that life would never be that simple.
    *** *** ***
     
    Felicity did appear when we were boarding coaches to return to London. She only looked at me when I growled at her, and languidly climbed to the landau’s box.
    “Such a fuss,” she said. “I am not truly your servant, Captain, if you’ll remember.”
    I could have lectured her about her promise to behave herself, but I gave up. Felicity had survived alone for years, using her charms to provide herself safety, money, food. She’d done what had come naturally to seek comfort, and probably gifts, while she hid.
    I kept my frown in place as Felicity ascended, then I