Page 19 of The Last Chance
Joanna couldn’t quite catch her breath. “Leave my home and my friends?” She had put her heart and soul into making The Burnished Jade successful. “I’m innocent. Surely it won’t come to that.”
“Let’s hope not,” he said, sounding sincere. “But I’m a pessimist, remember. I plan for every scenario. Money is no object. I’ll fund everything. You could live in France until the true villain is caught and locked in Newgate.”
He would give her the money to flee?
“But I couldn’t repay you.”
“It would be a gift, not a loan.”
“You’d give money to a stranger?”
“My sister would never forgive me if I let you perish.”
Joanna clasped her chest, fear creeping into her heart for the first time today. “What about you? You’re just as likely to be accused of the crime.”
“I’ll not leave London,” he said, his tone resolute. “I made an oath sixteen years ago. I would rather die than break that vow.”
Joanna stared at him, this handsome picture of perfection who boasted about his many flaws. Sticking to his principles wasn’t one of them. When the Lord gave men integrity, Mr Chance had the lion’s share.
“An oath to whom?”
“Myself.”
She swallowed deeply. “You’ll not save yourself, but you’ll save me?”
He shrugged like it didn’t matter. “There is nothing I hate more than injustice. You’re innocent. I’ll not let you die because of that”—he stopped abruptly and gritted his teeth—“fool.”
“There’s no need to curb your language on my account.”
“What I think of that fop is not fit for your ears.” He cracked his knuckles to show what he’d do if Lord Howard wasn’t dead. “Well? Will you permit me to put a plan in place?”
She snorted. “I’m surprised you’ve asked. You usually do what you want, regardless of other people’s opinions.”
He fixed her to the seat with his impenetrable gaze. “I can issue demands if you prefer.” His voice held the dangerous undertone that excited her more than unnerved her.
“Yes. If the time comes, you must force me to comply. Kidnap me if necessary.” She would not leave The Burnished Jade willingly. And though loath to admit it, she trusted him to make the right decision. He acted with his head, not his heart. “It’s the only time you will ever play the domineering patriarch with me, Mr Chance.”
He nodded. And the deal was done.
The carriage stopped outside Mr Josiah Grimshaw’s Pawnbroker and Curiosities shop on Regent Street. An odd assortment of items filled the bow windows: dusty hats and brass-topped walking sticks, tarnished silverware, old pocket watches and signet rings.
Mr Chance alighted. He lingered on the pavement as if he’d never assisted a woman from a carriage before and appeared confused about what to do.
Joanna lifted her skirts, ducked her head and reached for him.
He went to grip the tips of her fingers, but she slid her palm over his and clasped his hand. That’s when the world shifted. When the only thing on her mind was the delicious wave of warmth flooding her body.
He looked shaken. Like he did the night she entered hisbasement in her dressing gown and found him wearing nothing but his trousers.
She was attracted to him.
She’d never felt this with any other man.
Most of the time, their rows masked the odd flicker of feelings. Which was just as well, because only a fool would have romantic fantasies about a man who could barely tolerate her.
She released him, frustration bubbling because life was always unfair. “PerhapsIshould speak to Mr Grimshaw. You’re far too intimidating.” And oddly charming, she thought, especially when plotting to rescue a damsel in distress.
He made no protest and gestured for her to enter the shop. He even held the door open, so had no issue playing the gentleman when it suited him.
