“You go. I must stay with the carriage and wait for my father.” Agatha’s mouth set in a stubborn line.

“By rights I should escort you both back to your homes. Your sensibilities must be affronted at such chaos. At least let me take you to the inn.” The duke motioned to the tiger, who had tears streaming down his face, making him seem even younger than he was. “Stay with the carriage, and tell whoever comes where I’ve taken the ladies. And watch my horse. Do not allow him to be stolen.” He pointed to his mount, a shining bay with white stockings, snorting and pulling at the reins tethering him to the rear carriage wheel.

The youngster nodded, his signature striped vest hanging open, the buttons torn off. He had witnessed both carriage horses, which he’d helped care for each day in the stable mews behind the Thorndike townhouse, killed. One by the blast, and the second by a merciful bullet when it was discovered he could not be saved.

And worse yet, the coachman had been so forcefully ejected from his driver’s seat that he had flown completely over the carriage and landed on the cobbles, dying instantly. Alonzo and Heinrich had carried him out of the road and covered him, but it seemed wrong to leave him here alone.

“Heinrich, the boy should come with us. We cannot leave him alone. He’s just a child. Help us get this man to the inn, and then you can return here. Direct any wounded you encounter so they may find help as well. When Mr. Swann and the viscount come with Mr. Montgomery, you can inform them of our whereabouts. Now, Agatha, bring those supplies and help me.” Juliette made her voice as forceful as she could, calm and authoritative so Agatha wouldn’t argue.

Agatha, well used to Juliette taking the lead, paused, assessed her options, and nodded. She picked up the ewer and towels. “You will send them to us immediately when they arrive, won’t you?” she asked the duke.

“Yes, Fräulein.” Heinrich nodded. He did not appear in favor of Juliette’s dictates, but he went along for now.

Juliette knelt beside the injured man. “I am sorry to move you again, sir, but we will get you off these cobbles and into a bed.”

“Let me find another man to help. You cannot possibly carry him, and the boy will be of little use.” Heinrich frowned.

Juliette motioned for Agatha, Miss Brown, and the tiger to go ahead of her, and Heinrich stopped a man on the street for help.

“The inn is in the next lane, on the left.” Heinrich’s voice came from behind her.