Parker stood at the door. “Can I help you, miss?”

Effie froze where she stood. Her stomach dropped. Good heavens. How long had he been there? Had he observed her taking the book?

It was bad enough that he’d seen her at all. She’d wanted no link between herself and the library today. No chance of anyone connecting her with the room when the book was later discovered missing.

Looking at the cruel set to Parker’s mouth and the sinister intent darkening his brow, she briefly considered abandoning her plan. But it was too late. The book was already in her possession. She had no choice but to proceed.

“Not at all, sir.” Pasting on a smile, she crossed the library. “I was merely admiring his lordship’s collection.”

Parker remained where he stood, all but barring the door.

Effie didn’t wait for him to move. She pressed toward him, her enormous skirts going before her, forcing him to back out of her way. “I have a great fondness for books, as Miss Compton can attest.”

Parker glanced at the shelf by the fireplace as Effie brushed by him.

Her heart plummeted. She hadn’t accounted for being found out so soon. It meant an end to the fiction she’d been perpetrating. She would have to return to the Academy. Perhaps even go abroad. But first—

She had to get away.

Pulse racing, she strode down the carpeted corridor.

“Wait a moment, miss,” Parker said.

Effie quickened her pace. She made for the marble entry hall. It was empty. The ringing chords of a concerto drifted down from the first floor, Miss Compton’s flawless soprano voice accompanying the piano music in perfect harmony.

“Stop,” Parker said, this time more forcefully.

Ignoring the command, Effie opened the front door. She dashed out, bounding down the front steps as quickly as she could without losing her footing. She had traveled lightly this morning, leaving her parasol behind. She had no convenient tools with which to defend herself. If Parker caught up with her—

“I said stop, miss!” Parker bellowed, pounding down the steps after her.

Effie’s chest constricted with panic. She raced down the street, past the carriages and strolling pedestrians. The entrance to the mews was on the left. She ducked down it without thinking. The sound of Parker’s footfalls was unrelenting. Good God—he was chasing her!

Another narrow alley was on the right. Effie darted down it at a full run, the book under her skirts slapping against her legs. Her hat fell off. She didn’t stop to collect it. Parker was right behind her. She got no more than a few yards before his brawny fingers closed around her arm in a punishing grip, nearly wrenching her off her feet.

He dragged her around to face him. His bald head was gleaming with perspiration, his brows lowered in a fearsome scowl. “Stop thief, I should have said.”