Chapter 26

The argument didn't last long after that. Grace asked to speak with Hades in private while Ford took Eloise to the kitchen and brewed her some tea the way Grace had taught him to do.

"We saw the light in the windows, and Hades thought it might be intruders, so he instructed me to stand outside while he investigated," she explained why Hades unceremoniously burst into their room. "He didn't think anyone would be there. Grace rarely leaves London."

Ford shrugged. "We didn't have much choice. We were being hunted." Ford briefly relayed the troubles they'd run into and how they found themselves in this cottage, leaving out the most salacious details.

"So… Grace, huh?" Eloise asked with raised eyebrows.

Ford found his cheeks flushing.

"Are you blushing?" she whispered, leaning toward him over the table.

Ford swatted at her. "We are here by necessity. It isn't a romantic liaison."

She lifted her brows. "Mhmm… What you were doing upstairs"—she paused—"was obviously by necessity."

"Eloise!" Ford reprimanded but she waved his concern away.

"I am a married lady now, I know these things."

Ford grimaced, "I don't want to know about you knowing these things. To me, you are still an innocent little girl."

Eloise just chuckled and took a sip of tea. "I like Grace. I always thought you'd make a good match."

I will not marry you. I will never marry anyone. I have too much to lose.

Obviously, Grace didn't agree. Now that Hades and Eloise were here, reality had slipped into their little fantasy cottage.

They would have to leave this place soon. Grace would go back to her brothel, and they would not see each other again.

His heart squeezed. Perhaps, he would convince her to reconsider.

There was still a possibility she was with child from their encounter on the horse. And if that were the case, he would forever be tied to her. A smile tugged at his lips at the thought.

"Tell me, how was your vacation?"

Eloise's face split into a beautiful smile and then she proceeded to tell him all about their adventures, her face animated, laughter easily spilling from her lips.

He'd missed his little sister. But he almost didn't recognize her like this. He had to admit, whatever he thought about Hades, he made Eloise happier than she had ever been.

Grace had been right from the start. He never should have judged the man for his past. He only hoped she would take her own advice and not judge him for his.

* * *

The missive from the Earl of Payne came the next day.

Porter had been killed. William had been captured for his and all the other aristocrats' murders. He was currently in the gaol, awaiting his execution.

A chill ran through Grace as absorbed the news. The decision was easy. They were going back to London to attempt to save their friend's life.

Conflicting feelings assailed Grace: happiness that she could return home, fear for William's life, and dread at the thought of separating from Ford.

They collected their belongings as Hades prepared the carriage.

As Grace tied her meager belongings she'd acquired here with twine, she glanced at Ford, who had a pensive look on his face.

"I wouldn't worry about William," she said, knowing they must have been close since William was the one who brought Ford into Grace's life. "He has a way with locks. I am certain he will escape before we even get there."

Ford's frown deepened. "I wasn't worried about him at all."

"Then what's wrong? You look… troubled."

He let out a deep sigh. "When we return to London, what does it mean for us?"

She swallowed. Good question. She wished they could be together. She wished he could accept Grace as his lifelong companion, if not his wife, without any stipulations. "We go back to the way things were."

"Back where?"

"Back to where we led separate lives." She cleared her throat, for her voice had gone hoarse.

"What if I don't want them to?" His voice was quiet.

"We want different things in life," she hastened to answer as if trying to shut down any possibility of hope. "You want to get married and have a family—"

"And you can't be that for me?"

Her heart leaped in her chest. "I am a harlot! A brothel owner. We lead opposite lives. I consort with criminals, and I thrive in my brothel. I am not willing to give up the life I've built."

He shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. "And what if you're with child?"

"I will let you know, and we shall decide from there. But I will not marry you just because of the child, Ford. I need far more than that if I were to sign over everything I own, including myself."

He nodded and, without another word, left the room.

The drive in the carriage was filled with tension. Eloise, the only sunshine in their vehicle filled with clouds, was sick the entire drive.

She'd said that was the reason they came back early from their trip. There was a glow to her face and a shine in her eyes that did not look sickly.

Grace didn't say anything in front of Ford, but she wondered if Eloise knew she was with child. Grace smiled, imagining gruff and surly Hades with a little babe in his arms.

Seeing him again didn't bring the spark of feeling within her except for the unconditional love she'd always felt for him. And he was different with Eloise. Happier.

The way Grace was with Ford…

She wondered, too, if she were with the child as well.

She didn't want to be. Except, despite what she had said, she desperately wanted something to hold her to Ford.

She didn't want to lose him. In the short amount of time they'd spent together, she'd come to care for him. Yearn for him. Love him.

The thought caught her by surprise, her heart drumming violently in her chest, urging her to tell him. Urging her to not let him get away.

Yet, her mind reminded her that the only way she wanted him was if he loved her, too.