A Most Dangerous Profession(11)
Moira caught Aniston’s cold gaze over Rowena’s head and realized that the coachman was standing to one side, pistol already drawn.
Swallowing hard, Moira set the child back on the ground and stooped before her. The little face was tear streaked, the eyes red-rimmed as she hiccupped, “M-Mama, p-please t-take m-me with y-you.”
Moira’s heart ached even more. But she couldn’t afford weakness right now. These few moments may be all she has to support her until I can come for her. Moira brushed Rowena’s hair from her forehead and said in a calm voice, “Not this time, sweetheart, but soon. Very soon.”
“B-b-but I d-d-on’t want to go b-b-back! Miss Kimble hitted me and—”
Moira pulled the child closer, looking over her head at the nurse. “You hit her?”
The nurse looked uneasy and glanced at Aniston. He shrugged and dusted imaginary lint from his sleeve.
Seeing him so unmoved, the nurse sniffed and said in a cocky voice, “I dinna hit the lass when she’s quiet, but some days she’s whiny and willna listen weel, so I pop her upon the head and—”
Moira straightened.
The nurse squeaked and took two hurried steps behind Aniston.
He frowned and tugged his cloak closer. “Pray watch where you’re walking, foolish woman. I don’t want your dirt upon my good cloak.”
“She had better watch more than that,” Moira said furiously. Rowena’s thin body trembled, her small hands clinging so tightly around Moira’s leg that she couldn’t have moved if she’d wanted to.
Moira fixed her gaze on the nurse. “If this child comes to any harm under your care, there is no one in this world who will protect you. Not this cretin”—she jerked her head toward Aniston—“not the constable, not the devil himself.”
The nurse paled and glanced at Aniston, who said in an amused voice, “She is most likely telling the truth about that. She has certain abilities.” His cruel gaze then narrowed on Moira. “Of course, she can’t do anything right now, can she?”
Moira met his gaze steadily. “We two are almost finished.”
“We will end this when I say so, and not before.”
There was nothing more to be said. Heart heavy, Moira gave Rowena a hug and then gently disentangled the child’s arms. “Ah, sweetling, I am so glad to see you.” She pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her daughter’s face. “Are you well?”
Rowena nodded, hiccupping. “I-I am learning to read.”
Moira’s heart ached. She’d wished to teach the child to read; it was yet another thing stolen from them. “Who is teaching you to read?”
“Mrs. Kimble. When she’s not mad, she likes a good story.”
Surprised, Moira looked at the nurse, who turned red and mumbled, “She’s a bright ’un and takes to readin’ faster than me own bairns ever did.”
“Thank you,” Moira said quietly. “Thank you very much.”
After a surprised moment, the woman’s hard face softened. “Ye’re welcome. I will make sure I dinna smack her head, but ’twasn’t done in spite.”
“I appreciate that, but ’tis best if it isn’t done at all.” Moira kissed Rowena’s cheek. “We will be together soon. I promise.”
“But you said last time—”
“I know. Something changed, sweetheart. I need to leave just one more time—”
“Noooo!” Tears spilled down her cheeks again, but Rowena’s face was set with determination. “Please, Mama, take me with you. I will be good and I won’t make any noise and—”
Moira swooped the girl to her. “Sweetling, you are a good child. I can’t take you with me because it will be much too dangerous. But I promise that this will be the last time.” She met Aniston’s gaze. “I swear it.”
Aniston’s cold smile did nothing to ease her fear.
Collecting herself, Moira stood, Rowena held tightly against her. At her movement, the coachman cocked his pistol.
She turned her full scorn upon him. “Put that down. It could accidentally go off, and then where would your master be? God knows I wouldn’t do his bidding unless forced.”
Aniston flicked a finger and the coachman, red with anger, disarmed the pistol.
“I’ve had enough drama for one day,” Aniston said. “It’s time for Rowena to leave now.” He turned to the nurse. “Take her.”