While I knew what the magisters were doing, I’d heard nothing of the Mechanics’ plans in response. I didn’t receive any letters from them, and I saw no sign of my friends when I walked in the park. The entire world could have been changing sixty blocks away, and I was not only not a part of it, I was entirely unaware of it. Worse, I didn’t know where Alec was or if he was in danger. For all I knew, he’d built that brick-throwing machine and had been arrested or killed. Or else Lizzie had told him what I’d said to her, and he was angry or disappointed in me for not supporting his cause wholeheartedly.

Lord Henry was unusually quiet and distracted at dinner, and he snapped at the children’s antics. That made me wonder if he and the bandits might have something planned. Attempting to look as innocent as I could, I stopped him on the way out of the dining room. “Are you quite all right, sir? You don’t look as though you feel well.”

He gave a groaning sigh. “Was I that awful a grouch? No, I’m sure I was. I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m afraid I’ve got a headache coming on.”

“You should go lie down. I’ll sit with the children until bedtime and get Olive to bed.”

He smiled wearily. “Thank you. I owe you a favor, Miss Newton.”

“I hope you feel better soon.”

While I sat with the children in the parlor, I listened for sounds of the front door opening, but then I realized he probably wouldn’t go out so early after making the excuse of a headache. He’d slip out once he thought everyone was asleep. After I got Olive to bed and Rollo and Flora had gone to their own rooms, I remained fully dressed, though with my shoes off, as I turned out the light in my room and kept the door slightly ajar so I could listen for footsteps.

It was nearly eleven when I heard someone coming down the hallway. Holding my breath, I stood where I could peer through the crack in my door and watched Henry move with uncharacteristic grace and confidence toward the stairs. I counted to ten—long enough for him to get to the first landing—before easing my door open and tiptoeing after him.

I heard muffled voices in the foyer and ducked below the balustrade on the landing. Peeking between the railings, I saw Matthews meet Henry before the two of them left the house. I stood and started to hurry down the staircase, but stopped. What did I propose to do, catch him in the act and confront him? In my stocking feet, I realized, looking down. I could hardly chase him across the city like that. Reluctantly, I turned and trudged back up the stairs to get ready for bed.