Page 62 of The Mysterious Miss Lydia
“It’s true. I’ve fallen in love, and now I understand your predicament. It’s not easy to watch someone you love take risks.”
His father’s lips pinched tight, but he didn’t need to speak for the emotions were plainly written in his features.
“But part of loving someone is letting them be free. Letting them take chances, so long as they’re not reckless...”
And if he were there—if he and Richard were to keep an eye on her—he could help her have this adventure while ensuring her safety.
“Father, I want to tell you more about the woman I hope to make my wife, but I’m afraid I must go.”
His father muttered something, his voice suspiciously gruff. Then he said, “You’ll be back?”
Luke smiled. “Of course. And hopefully I’ll have your new daughter-in-law by my side.”
His father smiled then, and Luke was struck by it. He wasn't sure the last time he’d seen him smile.
Definitely not since before they’d lost his brother.
He patted his father’s back one last time, and then crossed the room to Richard. “If you want to come with me, we have to leave now.”
“I thought the meeting wasn't until midnight,” Richard said.
“It’s not.” Luke’s pulse hummed with nervous energy as he headed toward the door. “But there’s a stop we need to make first.”
18
Lydia eyed her reflection with a frown. “I cannot decide if I look discreet or frightening.”
Miss Farthington studied her black gown and cape. “Discreet, I’d say. And I cannot decide if I am the worst headmistress in the world for allowing this.”
Lydia glanced over at the other woman. “You’re not just a headmistress to me, you know. You’re also my friend.”
Miss Farthington smiled. “You have become a dear friend to me as well.”
They shared a sweet moment before Miss Farthington winced. “But truly Mary would be far more suited to this sort of mischief. Or better yet Charlotte, if she were around.”
“But they are not here,” Lydia pointed out.
Miss Farthington arched her brows. “You do know I’m coming with you, don’t you?”
Lydia started to protest. “That’s not why I told you—”
“I know that,” Miss Farthington interjected. “But I’m certainly not going to let you go alone—” She held up a hand. “I know Kitty offered to go with you, but that’s still not enough.”
Lydia pursed her lips. Miss Farthington looked resolute, and not for the first time Lydia wondered if she’d made a mistake intelling the other woman of her plan to be there when Wendell was caught.
Why? She wasn’t sure. It just felt necessary. She’d been the one to figure out the meeting time and place, after all. And this was the man her father wished for her to marry.
But more than that, she wanted todosomething for once. To be a part of the action rather than just reading about it.
She nibbled on her lower lip. She’d thought Luke would understand. But...
She shook off the disappointment. Of course, he wouldn’t want to see her put herself in harm’s way, no more than Lydia wished to see Miss Farthington in danger.
Before she could say as much, there was a knock on the front door.
The women exchanged a frown.
“Who would be visiting at this time of night?” Miss Farthington asked.
