Chapter Thirty

J o looked down at her son and smiled. It felt good to be out of confinementeven well-meant confinement. The sun was actually shining as they strolled down Bond Street on a beautiful spring day. Emily had kindly allowed her to use their carriage, which now lurked behind them despite all the traffic. With her sons hand in hers, she appreciated the sense of normalcy and hoped it was a hallmark of her life returning to normal.

Mother, where are we going? Matthew asked as he looked up at her.

I have to go by the linen shop and the dressmakers. Jo stopped and tapped her chin with her index finger. There is one more stop, and I cant quite remember it

Matthew grinned, hope shining in his big brown eyes. The sweet shop?

Jo shook her head. No, that wasnt it. She paused. What was it?

Her son bounced up and down, yanking on her arm. The toy shop! It was the toy shop!

She laughed and squatted down. That was it! See how helpful you are? Id completely forgotten.

He threw his arms around her neck. I love you, Mother!

Jo hugged him back. I love you too, sweet boy. Now we have to get going if we are going to complete all our errands.

She stood up and took hold of his hand once more. They walked to the corner, looked both ways, and then Jo stepped off the curb. With her skirts in one hand and her sons hand in the other, she hastened across the street. That was why she was about halfway across the cobblestone street when she heard the thunder of hooves and the clatter of wheels bearing down on them. Someone shoved her from behind and sent her and Matthew careening across the road and out of the path of the vehicle. Stumbling forward, nearly to the other sidewalk, Jo managed to keep her feet as she yanked her son protectively into her arms.

Heart hammering, chest tight, lungs working hard, Jo turned in time to see a man rolling out of the way of the horses hooves towards them. When he stopped on his back, she gasped. Linc!

One of the men she loved groaned as he sat up. Are you and Matthew unhurt?

Were fine. Are you injured beyond the obvious? Jo knelt down and cupped his face, probing a scratch she could see on his cheekbone.

Im well, as long as you two are. He moved to stand up, but groaned as he half sat, half fell back down. Perhaps I should sit here a moment more.

One of the footmen from Lord Broughams carriage came over. My lord, are you hurt?

I am perhaps a little worse for the wear. If you wouldnt mind helping me up? Lincs lips quirked up on one side.

Jo and the footman helped Linc to his feet as Matthew clung to her skirts. With the mans help, Linc made his way over to the waiting carriage. Once they had him sitting inside, the footman lifted Matthew up then helped her into the carriage where she settled next to her quivering son.

Taking him into her arms once more so she could assure herself he was well, Jo turned her focus to Linc. You saved my life. Our lives. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Thank you, Linc. I dont know if I can ever repay you.

He leaned back against the cushioned seat of the carriage. There is nothing to thank me for. I would never let harm come to you or Matthew if I could help it.

Still, thank you. Her heart continued to pound in her chest, but her breathing had evened out.

Youre welcome.

If you hadnt been there Jos voice trailed off as images of Matthews broken and bloody body assaulted her. She felt a fool for having missed the carriage in the street. She swore she had looked and it had been clear. Taking a breath, she gathered her thoughts and asked the one question that was burning in her mind at the moment. How did you happen to be there?

Lincs cheeks turned ruddy as he cleared his throat. Iwell. I was following you.

Following me? Why? She tipped her head to the side, curiosity rising within. Why in the world would he have been following her?

Linc grunted. Jo, we tried to tell you yesterdayyou arent safe just because you escaped your home. Lord Downs is determined to keep the title and the fortune in his familys hands. If he cant do that by legal means, we believe he will do it through morenefarious methods. Since we left you yesterday, weve had someone watching you at all times. Today, it was me.

Jo sucked in a sharp breath and hugged her son closer, pressing her hands over his ears. He was trying to kill me ? Her voice came out as a whisper from both shock and a need to protect her son from the truth.

Lincs blue gaze bore into her, serious and weighty in a way shed never experienced from him. We strongly suspect so, andnot just you. He let his gaze drop to her son.

Fear ripped through Jo in an unexpected stab that stole her breath. No! She shook her head in denial, though whether it was a denial of Lincs words or merely a refusal to allow anyone to harm her son, she couldnt say. In either case, she knew she would do whatever was required to protect her child.

Im sorry, Jo. Perhaps we should have been clearer about what we wanted to protect you from when wewhen Arthur asked you to marry him in such spectacular fashion.

Im afraid I understood to some degree. I just never imagined that it might come to an attempt on my life, or Jo looked down at her son. But clearly I have underestimated Bernard at every turn. Her laugh was bitterly. Frustration and anger slid through her veins, a thick and sludge-like sensation. Youd think after all that has happened to me in my life that I would learn to believe the worst of men right from the start. She looked down at her son. But I refuse to raise a cynical boy, and if I had been such a bitter, cynical woman, I would never have met you and Arthur.

And that would have been an absolute shame. Linc smiled. But now is not the time for looking backward. We need to look ahead and determine what comes next. The carriage lurched to a stop, causing him to wince. Perhaps we can start by ensuring that you and Matthew are unharmed, and have a physician take a look at me.

The door of the carriage opened. An excellent starting point, Jo said as she released Matthew into the care of the footman, who helped him exit. Then I think I should meet all of my guards so I know who they are. Arthur should come, so we can talk.

Arthur walked into the drawing room where she and Linc waited for both him and the physician who had been delayed. Her heart skipped a beat in defiance of her head cautioning her. Arthur stopped short before rushing over to drop to his knees before both her and Linc. He grabbed each of their hands. Thank God you both are safe!

We are well enough. Linc darted a glance her way, as if to ask if she would contradict him.

Yes, most of us came out unscathed, Jo said sardonically. We are glad you came, Arthur.

Of course I came! But who is not unscathed? he asked as he looked around the room as though they were hiding someone from him.

I got a tad banged up when I rolled out of the way of the carriage that tried to run Jo and Matthew over, Linc offered with a sheepish smile.

Arthur took his face in his hands and turned it from side to side, wincing as he spotted the scrape high on his cheek. Where else are you hurt? This cannot be your only injury.

My side hurts as well, though I am fairly certain I missed the horses hooves. Lincs eyes twinkled with merriment and a little pain.

Bloody fool. Arthur leaned in and kissed him.

It was worth it, to ensure Jo and Matthew were safe, Linc said, his gaze locking with Arthurs.

For a moment Jo felt uncomfortable as the men shared a moment.

Arthur looked over at her. I am grateful you and Matthew were not harmed.

As am I. She reached out and swept her fingertips over his right brow, nudging a stray lock of hair back into place.

A knock at the door sounded, and it opened as Arthur stood up and turned around.

The doctor, my lady. My lords, Peters said as he allowed the physician to enter the room.

Jo rose. Doctor, thank you for coming.

Of course, my lady. I apologize for the delay. The doctor bowed over her hand and then to each of the men now standing. And who is the patient I need to see?

I believe you are here to see me. Linc eased back into his seat. I attempted to wrestle with a team of horses today.

I should hope you dont do such things regularly. The doctors reply came as he bent to set his bag on the side table closest to Linc.

Arthur and Jo moved out of the way to let the doctor have unfettered access to Linc, though Arthur helped him remove his shirt so the doctor could see his torso. Linc groaned softly as the doctor poked and prodded him.

A short while later, he stood up from where hed been stooped over his patient. I believe you are a bit bruised up, but nothing appears broken. I suspect you shall not be feeling tip-top for the next few days. Youll need rest, and laudanum as needed for the pain. You should see steady improvement over a couple of weeks. You can increase activity as your body permits.

Thank you, doctor. Jo showed him the way out as Linc and Arthur tried to put his shirt back on. By the time she returned, Linc was covered again. Linc, Arthur should take you home and put you to bed so you can rest, as the doctor has indicated.

All in good time, Wood Sprite. Linc shifted in his seat and winced.

Jo picked up the laudanum and held it out to him. You need to take this.

Not quite yet, Linc refused stubbornly.

Why not? Jo wanted to slap the back of the mans head.

Because we need to speak to you while he has a clear head, Arthur said and took the bottle from her before setting it down. Now sit. He angled her toward the seat that sat next to the settee Linc currently occupied.

Very well. She did as he asked, having some idea of what would come next.

She was not wrong.

Jo, I love you. Linc loves you. Neither of us is willing to see you harmed, nor are we willing to lose you once again. Arthur stopped and swallowed, his throat bobbing. We were devastated the first time. We nearly lost each other in the wake of losing you and frankly, I dont think we could survive it if we lost you again.

I love you both as well, Jo assured them, feeling her heart swell in her chest as if it might burst. She truly loved them, and they had only ever tried to protect her, right from the first.

In that case, Lady Josephine Marie Downs, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Of becoming our wife? Arthur tipped his head to the side to indicate Linc as well. We cant both legally marry you, but we would like to have a second, private ceremony to acknowledge that we are both committing to each other, and ourselves to you, and you to the both of us.

Jos hands shook as she sat there, trying to shape her answer. It was unequivocally a yes; she had been a fool in thinking these men would try to control her. They were not her father, nor were they either of her previous husbands. They loved her. They wanted her to be happy. So much so, they allowed her to make her own choices, even when they feared for her safetyand loved her enough to still take steps to ensure her safety.

What else could she say?

Yes. Yes, I shall marry you both. And not for protection, but because I love you both and I want nothing more than to be with you forever. IIm sorry I allowed my past to cloud my view of the present, my view of you two, who have done nothing but try to protect me, to protect my freedom of choice at every turn. I shall love you both until the seasons cease to pass.

Arthur hauled her into his arms and kissed her until he stole the breath from her lungs. Then he handed her to Linc, who kissed her thoroughly, if less rapaciously, but to no less devastating effect. When the kiss ended and Jo stood up on wobbly knees, she smiled at the two men who shared a passionate kiss. Now I believe you need to get our patient home and into bed, and I have a wedding to plan.

As you command, my love. Arthur nodded with a smile. I shall ensure Emily sends for the ladies to lend you a hand with the arrangements.

Very well. I suspect assistance will be both welcome and necessary. Jo smiled as Arthur helped Linc off the settee and down the hall.

She had much to accomplish if they were to marry soon, and soon it would need to be. Though she had forgotten to ask about guards, she suspected her protection would continue, whether or not it was discussed.