Grace and Wolf did not speak until they were in the carriage and on their way back to Hans Place, then Wolf let out a long breath.
‘You were right when you said she dislikes men.’
‘And you in particular.’ Grace clasped her hands together. ‘Will she help, do you think?’
‘Perhaps, when she has thought it over.’
Grace frowned, going back over everything she had seen and heard in Leg Alley. She said slowly, ‘She is frightened, but I do not think she stole the necklace.’
‘Then how did she find the money to set up her own business? Unlike Urmston, there is nothing to verify her story.’
‘I do not know, but you saw that rather than accept charity she has taken my gown to repair. Her appearance, too, is in her favour. Despite the squalor of the house her room was clean, and her cap and apron were spotless. I find it hard to believe she is dishonest. And besides, she said no one had stolen the necklace. That was an odd thing to say, do you not agree?’
‘There is that.’
Grace sighed. ‘Whatever the truth of it, I do not like to think of her living in such penury. Could you not instruct your lawyers to pay her a pension immediately?’
‘And if I do that, how am I supposed to persuade her to confide in me?’
‘You forget, she said she would see you hang, first.’
‘She may well do so.’
Grace flinched at his savage laugh.
‘Pray do not jest about that.’
He reached out and covered her hands for a moment with one of his own. It was large and strong and she had to resist the temptation to cling on to it.
He turned his head to look down at her. ‘You would have me pay an annuity to a woman who clearly hates me?’
‘Your wife left her nothing. That was not kind.’
‘My wife was never kind. Very well, I will visit Baylis in the morning and instruct him.’ His brows went up. ‘Now what is the matter, madam?’
‘We have the carriage at our disposal, should we not do it now?’
‘No. Emphatically not. Your aunt is anxious enough about your coming here today without delaying your return.’
‘You could drop me at Hans Place first. I am sure my aunt would not object to you using the carriage for such a good cause.’ She paused a moment before adding, ‘It would then be done, sir, and you need not worry about it.’
A moment’s silence then his breath hissed out and he gave a ragged laugh.
‘By heaven but you are persistent, Miss Duncombe! Very well, I will impose upon your aunt’s kindness and borrow the carriage to call at the offices of Baylis & Thistle today. There, will that do?’
‘Why, yes, sir, that will do very well.’ She could not help smiling. ‘And perhaps you would like to join us for dinner, afterwards?’
‘Thank you, but I am engaged to dine with my brother and his wife. We have a great deal to catch up on.’
‘Oh, of course. That is perfectly understandable.’
Grace tried to keep the wistful note from her voice as she enquired when they might expect to see him again.
Wolf did not reply and she felt the sudden tension in the air, as if harsh reality must be faced.
He said at last, ‘It would be safer for you and your aunt if I did not call again.’
‘We are too involved now for you to leave us without a word.’
