“We cannot leave the area until Mr. Montgomery arrives.” Juliette kept her voice low. “And we can lend a hand here while we wait. The men will be back soon, and I won’t rest easily until I know they are unharmed.”

“Is it Mr. Montgomery you wait for, or is it someone else?” Heinrich’s eyes narrowed.

Heat built under Juliette’s collarbones, and she was thankful for her dark Welsh complexion, which hid blushes. Whatever did he mean, and what business was it of his?

“Don’t tell me you are jealous?” Agatha nudged the duke. “Juliette would never allow her head to be turned by a … detective. She’s a lady. The daughter of an earl.” She looked to Juliette for confirmation of her declaration.

Juliette swallowed her embarrassment and lifted her chin. “I’m not allowing my head to be turned by anyone. This is neither the time nor the place to speak of such silly subjects when there are people in need.” She motioned to the maid. “Frannie, look in the kitchen and see about making tea. A lot of tea. And you, what’s your name?” she asked the tiger who lingered on the doorstep. She felt bad that she didn’t know it already.

“Paul, milady.” He whipped off his tricorn and tugged his forelock.

“Paul, find a bucket and the closest well. We’re going to need plenty of hot water. Then locate the firing or coal store and make certain we do not run short. Can you do that?”

“Yes, milady.” He swiped at his nose, the tear tracks still plain on his face.

“What should I do?” Agatha pushed up the sleeves of her pelisse. Worry tugged at her expression, but her lips were set in a determined line.

“If you can bear to help the doctor …” Juliette’s voice trailed off, and she knew herself a coward, giving Agatha a duty she could not stomach herself. “I’ll go help in the kitchen or perhaps make bandages …”

Agatha squeezed her arm. “Do not worry. I understand.”

Heinrich moved to bar Juliette’s way. “I cannot leave you here. This is unseemly.” He eyed the poorly dressed, injured, and shocked people crowded into the taproom. “What would your parents say?”

“They would tell me to do what I know is right. Return to the carriage and wait for Viscount Coatsworth and Mr. Swann to bring Mr. Montgomery. You must look after your horse and the body of our coachman.” She flipped the edges of Mr. Swann’s cloak back over her shoulders. “There is work to do, and we must do it.”

The duke muttered in German as he turned away, but he stopped and came back, taking her hand in his. “Please do not think ill of me. Or that I have overstepped with my comments. I merely wish to see to your safety.”