“Lucy.” Something hesitant in Peggy’s usually boisterous voice sent a ripple of unease down Lucy’s spine. Peggy waslooking out the window, tapping lightly on the glass. “I’ve something I need to tell you.”
“Oh?”
“I’ll not be doing this much longer.”
“What do you mean bythis?”
“Kidnapping the women.”
“Savingthe women.”
“Yes, that.”
“But why not?”
Peggy finally looked at Lucy. Difficult to read her eyes in the shadows, impossible to guess what she would say next. “I’m getting married.”
“Peggy, no!”
“Peggy, yes.” She put her fists on her hips. “I’ve been at this six years now, and it has been worth every minute, but I’m tired. I want to hang up my greatcoat and have another babe or ten.”
“Ten!” Lucy shivered. She did not want to imagine. She’d seen child after child come into the world at Hawthorne House. A warm, loving world. But who knew what awaited them once they left with their mothers, once they returned to a world that made Hawthorne House necessary.
“Yes, ten. I like children. And I like Rían.”
“Rían? The blacksmith? Rían Morgan?”
Peggy grinned, and the stars likely fainted. That bright it was, that joyous. “Yes.Rían. You remember the night I ran off in the rain?”
Lucy nodded.
“That’s when I realized I needed to propose.”
“Rightthen? No matter the state of the roads?”
“It happens like that. One moment you’re perfectly fine and the next you’re riding through a downpour to kiss the man you love.” Peggy leaned forward. “Don’t be angry with me. You’ll find a new partner. Or perhaps a husband of your own.”
“Hm.” Shehadbeen considering marriage of late. For practical purposes. Lucy reached across the carriage, took her friend’s hands in her own and squeezed. “I am happy for you, Peggy, and for Rían. You will invite me to the wedding, I hope.”
“Naturally.” The carriage rocked to a stop and Peggy looked out. “We’re here. Now let’s wake up the new girl and get her inside.” Her eyes glinted wicked in the dim morning light. “You think the Devil Doctor will be up and about yet?”
“Don’t let him hear you call him that.”
“Or he’ll scold me.” Peggy threw open the coach door and jumped to the ground. “Not much of a threat when he’s so attractive angry.”
“Don’t let Ríanhear you say that.”
“He has my heart in his big, strong hands, Lu, not my eyes. Though I’m sure you’ll agree my blacksmith is sweeter to the eyes than even the estimable doctor.” Peggy winked and strode toward the house. “So many delicious muscles. All mine.”
When Peggy disappeared inside the house, Lucy looked to the sleeping beauty in the coach, shook her shoulder lightly. “Lady Alexandra. My lady, wake up. We’re here.”
Lady Alexandra sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes with her fists. “Hawthorne House. Are we really here?” She never even looked at Lucy, her gaze drawn to the house outside the coach like a moth to the flame, but not nearly as dangerous. Not dangerous at all, in fact.
“You are home, my lady, for however long you need to call this place home.” Hopefully. The Becketts had not been keen on bringing a titled lady here.
They stepped out of the coach together, but Lady Alexandra took the lead, her steps long and eager. “It has seemed like a fairy tale to me. But there it is. And here I am. Is this a fairy story, Miss Lucy?”
“Not at all. It’s real.” Lucy squeezed the other woman’s hand. “And you are safe.”
