“My marriage?” The words sank into the pit of her stomach. He could not know of Rourke’s pledge and the ring that had secured it. He was referring to Mr. Finch.
“That’s why I told you about the inheritance. Your great-aunt has approved Mr. Finch. The inheritance will be released when you marry him. Then you will truly be able to help your brother.”
Her head spun. “Me? It all rests upon me?”
“Your engagement announcement at the ball is the first step. I’m so proud of you.”
The noose tightened around her neck. How could she find a way out?
Father patted her hand. “You alone can keep our family together.”
Family included Anabelle. Father would agree to anything if she did as he wished. She looked her father in the eye. “Will you give me Anabelle?”
“Give her to you? As a wedding gift?”
“As a pledge.” She would not be forced down that road. “And I wish to bring her with me to the ball.”
A dark cloud rolled over his countenance. “There is no reason for a maid to go to a ball.”
“I need her assistance. After all, a woman about to announce her engagement must look her very best.” She did not name her betrothed.
His displeasure did not ease. Instead, he watched her, assessing the veracity of her statement. She pasted on a hopeful expression despite the pounding in her ears. He thrummed his fingers on the desktop, beating out the ramifications of his decision.
At last he stopped. “No, Elizabeth. The ball is no place for Anabelle.”
“But—”
He lifted a hand. “No debate. That is my final decision.”
Since Mrs. Evanston delivered the gown that morning, Elizabeth could not leave the house until late afternoon. Even then, she had to bring Anabelle along, ostensibly on an errand to locate shoes suitable for her ball gown. The shoes were easy to find. She’d seen them when surveying shop windows with Caroline. Speaking with Tom would not be so easy.
To maintain propriety, she must send Anabelle to the boardinghouse and have her bring Tom to a public place where Elizabeth could meet him seemingly by chance.
She waited near the custom house. Though the streets were crowded, Elizabeth had the distinct feeling that someone was watching her. She looked around but saw no one suspicious. It must be nerves. Rourke had stressed the importance of this message. She could not fail him.
“Miss Benjamin. Fancy meeting you here.” Tom appeared from behind and stopped at her elbow.
Elizabeth slipped the note from her watch pocket. “From your captain.”
“Hush.” His gaze drifted left and right before he slipped the note into his jacket pocket. “Is that all?”
Elizabeth withdrew from her bag the letter she had penned after speaking with her father that morning. “Please give this to him before tomorrow evening.”
“I can’t promise to see him.”
“Please try. It’s vital. Tell him that I will be at the ball.”
Tom took the sealed letter and secreted it in the same pocket. His gaze darted left and right again. “With your maid?”
It was her turn to be puzzled. “How did you know about that? Did Anabelle tell you?”
Instead of answering, he offered his arm. “Would you care to walk, Miss Benjamin?”
She sensed he wanted to say something that he couldn’t reveal in such a busy, public place. “I would enjoy a brief stroll, Mr. Worthington.”
They walked into the less busy residential area between the harbor and the hospital. Anabelle followed a short distance behind.
Tom spoke only when they were alone. “Did you notice anyone following you?”
A shiver raced down her spine. “I had a peculiar feeling that I was being watched, but I didn’t see anyone.”
His frown deepened. “Return home and tell no one that you saw me.”
“Why? What do you suspect?”
“Probably nothing. Just jumpy from waiting.” His laugh rang false.
Further questioning got her nowhere. He returned her to the custom house before bidding farewell. She left feeling that everything was unraveling at precisely the wrong time, and she had no idea how to stop it.
19
Elizabeth had to believe Rourke would come for her. Her instructions had been very specific. During the break between dancing and supper, she would excuse herself to use the necessary and slip away into the night. She would meet him at the little chapel where he had played piano. From there they would hurry to the Windsprite and set sail for his homeland.