Harriet frowned at her mother’s concerned tone. “Why the uproar?”

“It’s Mr. Gower.” Mother’s eyes were troubled. “Harriet, I believe he has proof that our guest is not the captain.”

Harriet’s throat tightened. “Has he said something?”

“He began to, but I told him you really needed to be present and then I left him to find you.”

That was probably a good idea. Mother didn’t have the calmest disposition under pressure.

“Gower didn’t come alone,” Sophia added. “He has two members of the board of directors with him. They look as solemn as Sunday.”

Harriet’s heart sank. “Oh no.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Mother said. “What a horrid night. First Lady Cabot-Wells grilled the poor captain over dinner, then Mr. Strickton comes roaring in about Stephen, and now this.”

“I spoke to the captain about Stephen. Apparently my mutton-headed brother mistook something that was said about Lochinvar as an invitation to behave like a barbarian.”

“Lochinvar?” Sophia’s mouth dropped open. “I never thought—why that is what Lochinvar did, isn’t it? He rode right into the gates of the castle and stole his beloved away. Only not on a plodding farm horse. And I rather doubt he lost his grip and dropped her on her head into a muddy field.”

Mother’s mouth folded with disapproval. “Your brother has no sense whatsoever, especially when it comes to the fair sex. I’m only sorry that the Stricktons had to witness Stephen’s outrageous folly.”

Harriet smoothed her skirts, “I cannot believe Mr. Gower would visit so late in the evening. It is quite rude.”

“So I thought,” Mother said. She hesitated, biting her lip. After a moment, she said, “Do you think we might prevail upon Mr. St. John to—No, of course not. We couldn’t ask him. He’s done so much already.” Her cheeks touched with pink. “I didn’t mean to cause him any pain, and I hope he’s aware of that. It just seemed that, since he’d already lost his memory, it wouldn’t hurt if he thought he was someone important, even if—”

“Mother, Mr. St. John never lost his memory,” Harriet said.

Mother blinked. “Never? Then why did he agree to be the captain?”

“I think…I think he thought to help us. He was on his way out of the country when the attack occurred, leaving some unpleasant business behind.”

“My goodness!” Sophia said, her eyes bright. “What unpleasant business?”

“I don’t know. He hasn’t offered to tell me. But he has been so kind as to agree to stay and play the part of the captain until the shearing is finished.” And then he’d be gone. Harriet’s heart ached at the thought.

“How kind of him,” Mother said. “Whatever Gower has to say, it will seem far less relevant while there is a live, breathing man standing before him, at least claiming to be the captain.”

“Precisely.” Harriet straightened her shoulders and glanced at her mother and sister. “Are you ready?”

Mother patted her white hair while Sophia smoothed her skirts. “I think so,” Mother finally said.