Free Hearts of Gold by Janet Woods Page B

striped pole outside the barber’s shop?’
    ‘I think it goes back to when barbers were surgeons as well, and the red and white pole signifies blood and bandages.’
    She glanced with envy at a pair of button boots in a shop window, situated next to the barber’s shop. Her own boots were clumsy, scuffed and worn out. The clothes she had were good enough for the few weeks she’d be on board, with the addition of a warm coat and shawl, for even here it was midwinter and cold during the night. And he’d made provision for her when she reached England. Ignatious Grimble would handle her expenses from John’s private accounts.
    ‘The tea room is just a few doors down. Go and secure us a table. I’ll be there soon, I’m just going to get my beard trimmed.’
    He did more than that. He had it removed, then he purchased the boots she’d been admiring, with the provision they would be exchanged if they didn’t fit.
    Seated near the window, Sarette was gazing out at the street. Her gaze washed over him when he entered the tea room. She frowned and looked puzzled. Then her pretty laugh rang out, causing heads to turn towards her, and smiles to appear.
    ‘Miss Maitland, may I join you?’
    ‘You certainly may, Mr John. How handsome you look without your whiskers.’
    ‘Yes, I must admit I’d forgotten what I looked like.’ He handed her the parcel. ‘I hope they fit. If not we can change them.’
    She would have tried them on then and there if he hadn’t stopped her with, ‘Manners, my dear. A lady does not take her shoes off in public.’
    Tears trembled in her eyes. ‘I’d marry you if you’d just asked me, you know. I owe you so much and I want to look after you.’
    He knew she would. She was young, she was impressionable and she’d be willing to sacrifice her youth looking after an old man who could give her nothing of real value in return. Under different circumstances he might have been selfish enough to allow her to sacrifice herself, but he didn’t really think it was worth it for the little time he had left.
    John had always been a convincing liar, it had been part of his stock in trade. ‘I know you would, Sarry. So you’ll do as I ask, and I promise I’ll consider it. Go to England and do your best to improve yourself. When I arrive home we’ll see how we both feel about it then.’
    Her eyes rounded in surprise, then he saw doubt creeping into them. Inwardly, he grinned. Now he’d let her know there was a possibility she would begin the process of balancing the good and bad of such a union, then find him lacking, no doubt, and forget it.’
    He rose to his feet. ‘Ah, there you are, Mrs Kent. How lovely to see you again. We were just about to order tea. May I introduce you to my . . .
niece
, Miss Sarette Maitland.’
    Mischief flirted in her eyes as Sarette gave the woman a smile. Regally, she said, ‘I’ve been so looking forward to meeting you, Mrs Kent.’
    The following week was exhausting for John. He took Sarette shopping to make sure she was well provisioned for the voyage. He wrote a letter to Magnus. He wrote another, much longer letter to Grimble with his instructions, then another to Iris Lawrence, who had once been an actress and who now coached young ladies in the female arts.
    Parting was harder than he’d expected it to be, so he didn’t encourage Sarette to be maudlin. ‘You will hand the letter to Magnus if I’m not at Fierce Eagles to greet you at the end of your year with Iris Lawrence. Here is the key to my trunk. It contains my books and journals, so is heavy. I hope you’ll take good care of it until it’s time to hand it over to Magnus. Whatever else is in it is none of your business, so don’t go poking around in it.’
    An injured expression settled on her face. ‘You can say really mean things sometimes, John Kern. Besides, you’ve nailed those metal bands around it, so how could I poke around in it? You know I wouldn’t open it anyway.’
    ‘I know. Safe