Too Dangerous For a Lady by Jo Beverley Page B

he truly intended to leave his money to her and Polly, perhaps the fairy tale might become real after all. She didn’t dare to believe that, but she’d keep the possibility in her heart.
    She wanted to stay in his arms all night, but she movedaway. She was tempted to share her hope, but she was still sane enough to realize that he might not feel as she did about their connection and their future.
    She returned to bed and took off her robe just before climbing in. Then, impulsively, she returned and gave it to him.
    â€œSomething to keep you warm,” she said, and fled in her nightgown into the concealment of the curtained bed.

Chapter 6
    H ermione was woken by Roger pulling at her sleeve, “Miony? Miony?” That was his version of her name. “I’m hungry.”
    It was morning, for some light was coming through a chink in the bed-curtains. Perhaps it was late, for there seemed to be a bustle from the innyard. Time to get up and on their way.
    Then she remembered Thayne. Billy was waking up, yawning and rubbing his eyes. The children mustn’t see him!
    â€œYes, it’s morning, loves, and we’ll have breakfast soon. Stay under the covers, though, both of you, while I make up the fire so you don’t get a chill.”
    She tucked them up again and slipped out through the curtains on the side away from the fireplace. The chair was empty except for her robe draped over it. She hurried to put it on, looking around the room. He wasn’t there. He’d left, and without a proper farewell.
    He’d left before they’d had chance for more speech, and she’d failed to get any means of contacting him. How stupid. She could be a rich heiress soon and not be able to let him know. What if he was caught and put on trial? Or caught and murdered? Or escaped, only to steal again?
    â€œMiony?”
    She pulled her wits together and realized that the room wasn’t as cold as it should be. A small fire burned in thehearth. There’d been little coal, so he must have left recently, but she couldn’t pursue him, especially in her nightgown. The scanty fire wouldn’t last long, so they should dress quickly.
    â€œCome on out, loves. I’ll ring for washing water and then we’ll have breakfast.”
    The adjoining door rattled and Polly shouted, “Hermione? Why is this locked?
Open it!
” The shriek seemed an overreaction even for Polly, but Hermione rushed to lift the bar, preparing an explanation.
    She didn’t need it. Polly dashed in, clearly scrambled into her clothing. “You’re up. Thank heavens! We must leave immediately!”
    â€œWhat? Why?”
    The boys ran to hug their mother’s legs, but Polly only patted their heads. “Why are you just standing there? Our lives are in danger. A mob is gathering. They’re being inflamed by speeches. We have to leave,
immediately
!”
    Hermione scooped up little Roger. “Polly, love, you’re frightening the children. A protest gathering won’t affect us.”
    â€œIt’s a mob. You know what mobs are like. They break windows. They set fire to buildings. They steal weapons with intent to kill! William’s gone to prepare the coach. Get dressed. Get the boys dressed. Be quick,
be quick
!”
    She dashed back into her own room. Hermione wanted to protest, but once Polly ran on her wilder emotions, there was no reasoning with her.
    â€œWho’s going to kill us?” Billy asked, eyes huge. Roger had his thumb in his mouth, which he did only when anxious.
    Hermione knelt to gather them both into a hug. “No one’s going to hurt you, loves. But sometimes people become a little wild when they gather in a big group, so we’re going to leave and be out of their way. Let’s get dressed. You start for yourself, Billy, while I help Roger.”
    Hermione was still gathering the boys’ clothing when Polly dashed back in, hair somewhat tidy and bonnet