Page 96 of My Gentleman Spy
Will walkedHattie home to Edgar’s house, ignoring her protests of being safe for the short distance between the houses. After he returned to number forty-three, he went back to the sitting room and poured himself anotherbrandy.
It was apparent to Hattie’s mind, that they were at an impasse. For Will, while it had been a challenging evening, he was able to see that they had made unexpectedprogress.
Hattie now knew the truth of Yvette’s death. That secret no longer lay between them. There was an odd sense of relief in having passed that point in their relationship. While Hattie did not agree with Will’s need to protect her, she at least now had somewhat of an understanding of his motives. She knew what lowering his guard had once costhim.
He set the glass down on the table, and pondered the other unexpected, but welcome development of thenight.
She loved him. She had spoken thewords.
The decision he now faced was what to do with that new knowledge. She wanted more than his wealth or social connections could give, she wanted a true partnership. A marriage where she would be able to make her own choices. Where he would have to let go of the need tocontrol.
The challenge now lay in how they could find a way forward. How they could forge a future together where both could behappy.
The problem he faced was the sure knowledge that he would never be happy having his wife working in the dangerous streets of St.Giles.
The clock in the sitting room chimed the hour of twelve. He was tired, but his mind was too restless to considersleep.
Hattie had made it clear that if she was ever to consider living back in his world, then she would have to be able to keep herwork.
“Fool”, hemuttered.
Grabbing his coat, he headed downstairs and hailed a hackoutside.
“St. John’s church, Holborn, please,” he instructed thedriver.
