Her eyes flew wide. “What?”
Toby waited until, patently stunned, Diana looked back at him. He caught her gaze again and stated, “To dally even by a day will be courting danger.”
He didn’t want to examine too closely the relief he’d felt on confirming that there was no romantic connection between her and Fellows and that instead, the link holding her there, in Vienna, was one of care. Caring for Fellows as he approached death and caring for his children. He hadn’t yet learned why that link was so strong—far stronger than that between a nurse and patient would normally be—but he recognized and accepted that she was deeply devoted to and entirely committed to Fellows and, even more, to his children.
She was well named. There was a fierceness in her he instinctively recognized, a protective impulse regarding those she considered in her care.
He could imagine her role in helping Fellows’s family deal with the approaching tragedy, could understand how crucial it might be, but to his mind, in this instance, her own safety had to take precedence. He hadn’t exaggerated the potential threat from the Prussians. There had to be others who could care for the children, and Fellows himself was past saving. Toby had to get Diana to think of herself and her own safety, and he knew he would need all the help he could get.
Luckily, Fellows felt similarly toward her as she did to him and, therefore, agreed with Toby.
He had hoped that would be so, and that meant he could rely on Fellows’s support in getting Diana out of danger.
That was now his most urgent and immediate goal. That and securing the dispatches.
She’d been staring at Fellows as if he’d grown two heads, and now, she started to slowly shake hers. “I can’t?—”
Fellows held up a hand. “I have a suggestion. A request. A proposal and a plea.”
She blinked.
Suddenly alert, Toby switched his gaze to Fellows.
Lowering his hand, Fellows looked at Diana. “My dear, I know and understand how deeply devoted you are to the children. And these days, they are never happier than when they’re with you.” He glanced at Toby, then returned his gaze to Diana’s face. “I ask you both to consider carefully what I’m about to suggest. If you do, I believe you will see that my proposal is in all of our best interests. Indeed, in the best interests of everyone under this roof.”
Fellows redirected his attention to Toby. “I suggest that you, Diana, and the children leave Vienna as soon as possible and ask that you see the children safely to my aunt’s house in Hampshire.”
His mind whirling, Toby held Fellows’s gaze. Rapidly—lightning fast—he evaluated his options, from a point-blank refusal all the way to… A minute later, he blinked, then nodded. “All right.”
He looked at Diana. The reason for the silence that had given him time to think was that she had been struck dumb. His acceptance broke the spell.
Horrified, she stared at Fellows. “No! How can you?—”
“Hear me out.” Fellows spoke with more strength than previously, clearly drawing on reserves. “My dear, I’m as good as dead. My only remaining thoughts are for the children.” His gaze softened as it rested on her. “And for you, my darling Alicia’s most-loyal friend, and mine, too.” Holding her gaze, he tipped his head. “Can you imagine how I would feel if you remained to take care of me and mine and because of that, harm befell you?”
Toby appreciated the small pause Fellows took, giving Diana time to think of that.
“But here we are, the three of us”—Fellows’s gaze included Toby—“and we have a chance, just one, tonight, to make a decision that will solve a great many issues in one stroke.” He focused on Toby. “Am I right in assuming that, once these Prussians learn of the doctor and come looking for Diana, if we at this house—on whose door they will eventually knock—inform them that she has left the city, the Prussians and anyone else seeking the dispatches will search for the trail of a single English lady—or possibly a lady and a courier—traveling as quickly as possible toward London?”
Toby nodded. “They would never think to ask after a family.”
“Exactly.” Fellows glanced at Diana, who appeared dumbfounded, then returned his gaze to Toby. “By taking the children to my aunt’s house, you will be doing me an immense favor. You’re a Cynster—you understand family. There is no one I would rather trust to take my three home. And in keeping them with you, you will also be furthering your mission. Their presence will help shield you and Diana from your enemies.”
The more Toby thought of it, the more he agreed. Being with children, having them about, never bothered him. Not that he’d ever traveled with children, but how hard could that be? And he couldn’t fault Fellows for seizing the chance to ensure his children would reach England safely and be well cared for en route.
“You were going to get a courier service to take the children back to England.” Diana’s tone suggested she was at least thinking things through.
Fellows nodded. “I have it in my diary to make the final arrangements and sign the papers later this week.” He trapped Diana’s gaze, his expression one of deep understanding. “What would you have done if this matter of the dispatches had never arisen?”
Instantly, the words were on her lips. “I would have gone with them.” She paused, then admitted, “Even if Papa hadn’t died.”
Fellows smiled. “I rest my case.”
And a very fine case it was, not least because it seemed the one sure way to convince Diana Locke to leave Vienna, and that, as soon as possible.
Diana frowned. “I can’t help but feel that taking the children with us will be tantamount to knowingly exposing them to danger, let alone denying them their last days with you.”
Toby stirred, but before he could speak, Adrian stated, “Quite aside from what I want, my dear, you know that taking the children with you and Toby is what Alicia would want you to do.” He caught her gaze and smiled wanly. “My days are numbered, and nothing can change that, but allowing me to farewell my three darlings with dignity would mean a lot to me.”
