Free Forbidden by Jo Beverley Page B

than the fading light made wise.
    Night settled inexorably, however, and soon even rash courage was not enough. They had to admit that it would be madness to go on and that the chances of finding their man were remote.
    Francis let loose a string of oaths.
    "What harm can he do you?" asked Nicholas, sitting at ease on his horse.
    So, as they turned their mounts back toward Weymouth, Francis told him.
    "Strange story," said Nicholas. "The man sounds ready for Bedlam, but of little danger."
    "But that sort of mischief-maker can cause trouble. I just hoped to frighten him into giving up his game."
    "Perhaps you've succeeded."
    "Perhaps. But there are some bothersome questions. Who sent him a warning note, and why did he run when he'd asked me to come here?"
    "The pistol could have had something to do with it," said Nicholas dryly.
    "He decamped before he saw it."
    "Perhaps the letter did not so much warn of your coming, but that he'd misjudged his pigeon."
    "But who? No one knew I was coming here. The innkeeper said that the letter was brought by a groom...."
    "Perhaps friend Ferncliff has an accomplice in your house."
    "Damnation."
    "At least this has likely put an end to it all. Which leaves you free to pursue the more interesting question of your siren."
    "It's doubtless wisest to give her the money to get safely to London, where she can pursue her profession."
    "But 'tis folly to be wise, or so the poet says."
    "And ignorance is bliss? I never thought to hear you recommending ignorance."
    "How true. And I suppose with you contemplating matrimony, it would be unwise to entangle yourself with such a woman."
    "Very unwise."
    "But if I were you I couldn't feel comfortable with just shipping her off to fend for herself in London with winter coming on."
    "I'm sure she'll fend easily."
    "Are you?"
    After a while, Francis said, "No, dammit. In a way she's like a frightened child."
    "Ah." They rode on, slowly and carefully now in the dark. "Then," said Nicholas, "if your siren is agreeable, I think you should take her to your Aunt Arabella."
    "Aunt Arabella? Why, for God's sake?"
    "I suspect she needs some help."
    "Aunt Arabella?" repeated Francis in astonishment. His aunt was a tough single lady who was a great believer in women's rights, especially her own. He had recruited her to help Eleanor during the terrible days after Nicholas's disappearance, and Nicholas and Arabella had a warm, though hard-edged, friendship.
    "No," said Nicholas. "I think your siren needs help. Though I'm sure Arabella Hurstman can put her to use."
    The rightness of the idea came quickly to Francis. Late November was no time for a woman to be wandering about, no matter how bold she might be, and he wasn't at all sure Serena Allbright was bold. He wouldn't feel easy in his mind just putting her on the coach to London.
    He also knew that he was reluctant to send her to London for another reason. She would soon find a protector there, and he hadn't entirely made up his mind on the matter of making her his own mistress.
    Aunt Arabella would take her in and care for her, but would put up with no nonsense. Given a week or two to think things through, Francis would be clearer in his mind as to the wisest course.
    "Taking a candidate for carte blanche to live with one's female relatives is not really done," he pointed out.
    "Your estimable aunt," said Nicholas dryly, "will at least ensure that you pay her well."
    When Francis drove up to the Red Lion the next day he still didn't know how he felt, except that he was crashingly anxious to see Serena again.
    He and Nicholas had spent the evening sharing stories and catching up on their friendship without the subject of Serena being raised. They had parted this morning with a promise that Francis would visit the Delaneys at Redoaks as soon as possible. Francis was feeling happier today than he had in almost a year; he hadn't been aware until now of how he had cut himself off from Nicholas, and how much he had missed