The Highwayman (Rakes and Rogues of the Restoration Book 3) by Judith James Page B

the more confusion there is as to who I am. I like it that way. Mystery is doubt, and doubt can make the difference between the gallows and walking free. Was it Mr. Nicks? Mr. Nevison, Swift Nick, Mr. Johnson, William, Jack, Samuel, John or James? Swift Nick was seen tonight just outside of London, while Gentleman Jack was seen the night before in Newark. As for John…hardly anyone knows him and he’s never run afoul of the law. That’s a secret I share with very few and I should like it to stay that way.”
    “Of course. I am not one to break a confidence, I assure you. But wouldn’t the better course be simply to avoid those activities which might—”
    He grinned and tugged gently on a lock of her hair. “The answer is ‘no,’ and as there’s no adequate way to explain it to you, I shan’t even try. Look now. Here comes Nate. He was once a high-pad himself, and though he’s married and gone respectable, he’s still a rum colt. We can rely on him.”
    “A colt?”
    “An innkeeper who is a helper of sorts, with lending mounts and other things.” His grin flashed white in the night.
    “He is a criminal too?”
    “Of course not! Not anymore. He is a good friend. He merely caters to a diverse clientele.”
    A portly man in a rich, gold-brocaded vest and a fine velvet coat hurried over to greet them, a beaming smile on his face.
    “Jack, you bog-trotting son of the devil! ’Tis grand to see you, indeed! You’ve been far too scarce in London as of late. Mary will be all aflutter and we shall dine exceptionally well tonight because of it.” He turned to look at Arabella with undisguised curiosity, taking note of her bruises and her swollen lip, her disordered but finely cut clothing, and what was clearly a gentleman’s coat wrapped about her shoulders. “Is the lass another of your projects, then? I’m sure Mary has room for one more. And how is young Allen by the way?”
    “Allen has grown since last you saw him, Nate. And so have you! He eats as much as a regiment of foot. Be glad I foisted him on someone else.”
    Nate patted his belly proudly. “’Tis the sign of a successful businessman, old friend. Drinking and dining on the sweet fruit of his own labors.”
    “Then you have been successful indeed,” Jack said with a grin. “My companion is Miss Hamilton. We have journeyed a long way together, but I’m afraid I’ve accompanied the lady as far as I might. I would have you see her safely home in my stead. Personally, and with the utmost care and circumspection. She will need trustworthy guards. Civil and presentable enough to act as footmen. Two for her home, and at least one more to accompany her about her business. A dependable man with military training, not a street thug. Will Butcher perhaps, as a favor to me. If you can arrange this for her, you’ll have my gratitude.”
    The innkeeper grinned, looking from Jack to Arabella and back again. “My wife and I owe you our happiness, Jack. We’d be delighted to help you and your lady in any way we can. Mary is always saying how happy she’d be to see you take an interest in a nice—”
    Arabella broke in, suddenly mindful of the proprieties. “I thank you very much for your kindness, Mr. Tully. Truly, I cannot tell you how grateful I am. But I must correct you. I am not Jack…that is Mr. Nick’s lady, but very much my own.”
    Mr. Tully winked at Jack. “I see you’ve still got some convincing to do, lad. It’s always the way with the spirited ones, but of course, that’s half the fun. Why even today my Mary—”
    “I don’t mean to interrupt, Nate. But I’ve still urgent business and hard riding ahead. You will see her home? You understand why it’s best she not be seen with me?”
    “I can and I will and I do, lad. Though next time I’ll be expecting a proper visit.”
    Jack nodded. “You have my word on it. As for the girl, if it happens that she has been ill, or visiting a friend…?”
    “The wife and I can vouch for