“Mr. Swann, Miss Montgomery is quite concerned that her father has failed to appear at today’s party. If I have the carriage sent round, would you accompany the lady to her father’s place of business? With a proper chaperone, of course.”

“Of course, milord.” Daniel bowed to Miss Montgomery. With her red hair piled high, she was nearly as tall as him.

“Lady Juliette will accompany you as well.” The earl nodded to his daughter.

“I’ll go.” Viscount Coatsworth approached. “There’s no need for the Bow Street runner.”

Daniel gritted his teeth. It seemed beyond Coatsworth’s ability to pass by an opportunity to cut him down to size. He turned to the earl to await his decision.

“Perhaps you should all go. It’s a pleasant day, and I have no doubt you young people will have a more enjoyable time in the carriage than sitting in the house listening to your elders discuss things in which you have little interest.”

“Thank you, Father. Perhaps we will return in time to bid our guests farewell,” Lady Juliette said.

How did she feel about being part of the excursion? Would she rather stay with the German duke? And if the viscount was willing to accompany the ladies, why did the earl want Daniel to go?

“If not, your mother and I will make your excuses. That’s settled, then. Miss Montgomery is certain he’s at the mill in Hammersmith. At least that was where he was headed before he was supposed to come here. I would suggest you start there.” Thorndike opened his watch. “The party here will go for another hour at least, but perhaps two. And I would like to speak to Montgomery, so even if it’s later, ask him to call round.”

“Yes, milord.” Daniel inclined his head to the earl.

Coatsworth said nothing to Daniel, behaving as if he were invisible while they waited for the ladies to prepare for the short journey. When they assembled in front of the house, the carriage was brought round and Coatsworth took charge. “Lady Juliette, sit with Miss Montgomery and me on this side. We’ll let the servants sit opposite.”

Servant?

The maid in her white cap and woolen shawl was already aboard, and Miss Montgomery took the bench across from her, facing the rear of the carriage.

Lady Juliette tugged on her gloves, then took the viscount’s hand to allow him to assist her. Daniel resisted the urge to swat him away and do the job himself. He might not be a titled gentleman, but he was no tramp either. Coatsworth snubbed him as if afraid his company would tarnish the group.

“Thank you, but no,” Juliette said. “I don’t enjoy sitting backward in a carriage. I’ll sit beside Miss Brown. You take the place beside Agatha. Mr. Swann can share our bench.” She sent an apologetic look Daniel’s way, and he relaxed his fists.