“The babe has been born,” Miss Howard said, pouring hot water into the teapot. “The doctor came by while you were sleeping and said the Randalls have a new baby boy. He is a bit small but doing well.”
Hew smiled. “That is good news.” He rubbed his temple. “I don’t seem to remember the doctor visiting.”
She looked up at him. “I’m not surprised. You were rather feverish at the time. The doctor didn’t examine him,” she said to her father, taking cups and saucers from cupboards. “He said to give Mr. Arundel more laudanum and that he’d probably die. That was the extent of his visit.”
Hew laughed. “That sounds like most doctors I know. I can’t even argue with him. I feel like I’m about to die.”
Miss Howard gave him a sharp look. “Perhaps you should go lie down.”
“Not until I try this hibiscus tea.”
“Too late,” she said, pouring a cup of tea from a second pot he hadn’t noticed before. “I made you the Earl Grey.”
Hew opened his mouth to ask how she’d known then closed it again. Clearly, she possessed some sort of witchcraft when it came to tea. She placed the steaming cup before him, and Hew made himself wait before sipping it. He’d rather not have both a burnt tongue and a knife wound.
“Putting aside the doctor’s incompetence,” Mr. Howard said, “clearly, someone wants you dead, Mr. Arundel. Any idea who?”
“I have some idea, yes. But I’m sure the man has sent lackeys to do his bidding. I assume that’s who you met when you were out.”
Belle put the hibiscus tea before her father. It smelled somewhat flowery but also slightly medicinal. He was glad he had his Earl Grey.
“I wouldn’t say I met them, exactly,” Howard said. “But as I walked to the landlord’s house, I became aware I was being followed.”
“I knew I should have gone,” Belle muttered.
“So they could follow you?” Her father shook his head. “I don’t think so.” He looked back at Hew. “At first, I thought I might be imagining it. After all, it was raining lightly and the few people out were all skulking about, trying to stay dry. But after I paid the landlord and started home, I saw the same two men, and that’s when I knew.”
“But why were they following you?” Belle asked.
“I imagine they know Mr. Arundel is here with us.”
“How? Surely Mrs. Price hasn’t had the opportunity to spread the news yet.”
“They aren’t relying on gossip,” Hew said. “They won’t be paid unless I’m dead. After they attacked, they regrouped and came back to watch the Randalls’ home. They undoubtedly saw you arrive, saw me loaded into the carriage, and followed us here. Or perhaps with all the rain, they couldn’t follow and had to make an attempt to discover who you were. They might be following you to discover whether or not I am here, and if I am, if I’m still alive.”
“Then I suppose all of my efforts to avoid being followed home were for naught,” Howard said. “I led them on a merry chase through London. In and out of shops and pubs, finally managing to lose them after hours of pursuit. Only then did I return.”
“I applaud your efforts, but they probably know where you live. Their question is whether or not I am here, and as they didn’t discover that following you, they’ll try another way.”
“I don’t like the sound of that,” Belle said.
“And I don’t like having to be the bearer of ill tidings, but I don’t have time to sweeten the truth. It’s almost nightfall,” Hew said, glancing at Mr. Howard for confirmation. The older man nodded. Hew continued, “They’ll strike when it’s dark. Perhaps tonight. Perhaps tomorrow. We can’t wait. We have to leave. Now.”
Chapter Nine
“Leave?” Belle set her teacup back on the table and stared at Arundel. He was pale, his dark hair disheveled, and it was clear he was holding onto the table in an effort to remain upright. “We can’t leave. Even if my father and I were willing to abandon the shop, you are in no condition to go anywhere.”
“I’m stronger than you think.”
“I think you quite strong,” she said, “but you are not a god. It’s clear you have reached your limit. Father?” Belle gave her father a pointed look.
Her father took a deep breath then let it out again. “It may kill you to travel now,” he said to Arundel.
“It may kill all of us if we stay here.”
“This is madness,” Belle said. “Where would we go?”
“Leave that to me.” Arundel looked about. “I need a pen and paper.”
