Page 103 of My Gentleman Spy
She turned to Will with tears streaming down her face. In the chill night air, she began toshiver.
“I swear to you Will, I didn’t seek the gang out. I did everything I could to avoidthem.”
He nodded in the direction ofJoshua.
“I know. Joshua told me what happened. You did exactly what I would have done. You read the situation and you made the right choice,” hereplied.
Edgar let go of Hattie and pushed her gently in the direction ofWill.
“Go to him. He is where you belong. I will always be your brother, but Will Saunders is yourfuture.”
She got to within a foot or so of Will and stopped. He sensed her hesitation. Will reached out and pulled Hattie into hisarms.
“Come here mygirl.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and held on tight. Will sent a thousand prayers of thanks to the heavens. She was alive. He had savedher.
A carriage drew up at the end of the street and Francis jumped out. Edgar and Joshua walked toward him,waving.
On the beach, Will and Hattie held tightly to one another. As the others walked away, she looked up at him. He bent down and kissed her tenderly on thelips.
“You taste of the river,” hemurmured.
“Yes, I need a large brandy to wash my mouth out. I always thought the Thames looked filthy. Having now drunk at least a pint of it, I know forcertain.”
He ruffled what he could of her wet and tangled hair, and kissed her oncemore.
“Promise me this will be the last time I have to go into the water to save you. I would rather you didn’t make a habit ofit.”
“I was doing just fine in Gibraltar as I recall, but yes, I promise this will be the last time,” shereplied.
Will put his arm around her and they began to walk toward thecarriage.
“When we get home, I have a plan I wish to discuss withyou.”
