Lord Valorous(17)

"Jacob is an excellent judge of character," Nick said. "I trust him."

"I did not say she would be suitable, Nick, nor that she wanted the position." But he wanted her to take it, Jacob realized. Wanted her to have the money and work in daylight hours, and he wanted her where he could see her. And that was the most worrying thought in quite a few of them, he realized. Miss March had got to him, and he couldn't work out how or why on such short acquaintance.

When Jacob left an hour later they had a plan in place, and he was eager to start implementing it. First he needed to send word to Miss March that he wished to meet with her, and offer her the position as Perkins' assistant. He felt a ridiculous surge of excitement at the thought of seeing her again and tamped it down. She was a novelty and nothing more, he reminded himself.







       
         
       
        

CHAPTER FIVE





Poppy loved the market. She visited there when she could, and had a few coins to purchase food.

"Well now, Miss March, aren't you a fine sight."

"Thank you, Mr. Dodd."

She knew most of the vendors by now, and they shouted a greeting as she passed. It was a place of hustle and bustle, and color on a gray day. She bought a slice of bread and jam, and ate as she wandered. The air was crisp, but she enjoyed it. She smelled flowers and herbs, and loved the fresh scent of baking.

Leaving the markets an hour after arriving, she made for the narrow lane that led to the main road that would take her past the shops. Poppy liked to look in the windows and imagine what she'd purchase when she had the money to do so. First would be a new bonnet, and perhaps gloves. Her coat was still serviceable, but she could do with a new dress.

She was halfway down the small lane when she felt a shiver of awareness roll down her spine. Turning, Poppy looked but saw no one. Was she imagining things? Hardly surprising considering the attempts on her life. Picking up her skirts, she increased her pace. There were not as many people here as there had been at the markets. But still, she was not entirely alone, so surely she was safe?

Eyes forward, she was almost running now. One more turn then she was out of the lane and on her way to Nita's, who lived only a matter of minutes away. Her dearest friend was a dressmaker, and she had the morning off, so Poppy was visiting. They would sit before a fire and eat toast and drink tea while discussing anything and everything. Nita had been Poppy's first friend when she arrived in London. They had met in a bookstore and formed an instant bond. Her friend was going away soon, to visit her sister, so this would be their last visit together for a while.

She spun quickly on her heel as the loud thud of a boot reached her, but could not evade the man's hand as he grabbed her arm.

"Unhand me at once!" When that failed, she began to scream. Cursing, the man started dragging her toward a building. The door was open, and she knew that was where he had come from, and this was why she hadn't heard him. Poppy realized if he succeeded in getting her inside, she was doomed. Her life would be over. Overly dramatic perhaps, but she believed it was the truth.

Swinging at the man, she connected with his ear. He cursed but did not release her; instead he cuffed her, his fist making contact with her chin. Poppy battled to clear her head as everything started to blur.

"You won't get away with this!" She redoubled her efforts and began making as much noise as she could, but no one came to her aid. The neighborhood was not one that inspired trust, but still, surely common decency for their fellow man should send someone to help her. 

"Shut up!"

He placed a large dirty hand over her mouth and she seized the opportunity and bit down hard on the fleshy palm, holding on as long as she could. His grunt of pain had him throwing her hard to the ground. Poppy tried to break her fall, and instead her head and hand took the impact. The pain was instant, but did not incapacitate her completely.

"Get up!"

He was on her in seconds, but Poppy crawled backward fast. He was big and lumbering and she had the advantage of agility. Scrambling to her feet, she ran down the alley with him on her heels.

"Stop!"

Stupid fool, did he honestly think she would?

Poppy sprinted down lane and out onto the next street, this one populated with more people thankfully.

"'Ere, watch out!"

"Sorry!" She cannoned off a woman. "I'm being chased."

"That great lumbering beast?"

Poppy looked behind her and saw the man, then nodded.

"You run on, lovely, I'll stop him for you."