Perhaps she should go hire a bodyguard herself. The Bow Street runners did that kind of thing. Or at least she hoped they did. If not, surely they could tell her who would. She would have Handers hire a hack and take care of the matter herself, she decided.

“There you are,” Bet murmured, stepping back as she finished with her hair. “Is there anything else?”

“Nay,” Lisa murmured, standing to head for the door. “I have to go out for a bit. I shall—”

“Not by yerself,” Bet said firmly. “That suitor fellow is still out there somewhere.”

Lisa hesitated, recognizing the stubborn set to Bet’s shoulders. “I was going to have Handers hire a hack. In fact, I am heading out to hire a bodyguard so that Lord Langley needn’t bother with the task himself anymore.”

Bet relaxed a bit and nodded with understanding. “Between me and the driver we should be able to keep ye safe. But we’ll take one of the footmen just to be sure.”

Lisa smiled wryly at the other woman as she moved to join her. “I take it you are not going to let me go alone?”

“With yer tendency to land yerself in trouble?” Bet asked with a snort. “Not bloody likely, miss.”

Shaking her head, Lisa didn’t bother to argue, but simply turned and led the way out of her room. They were descending the stairs when a knock sounded at the front door. Lisa slowed, but continued forward, watching curiously as Handers appeared in the entry to answer it. Her eyes widened, however, when she saw a grim-faced Findlay on the doorstep, a bouquet of flowers in one hand, and books and a small bag in the other.

“I came to—” Charles started and then paused when he saw Lisa coming down the steps. His face brightened at once, a wide smile replacing the slight frown that had been there before. “Lisa. I mean Miss Madison,” he corrected himself quickly, his glance sliding to Bet and Handers.

“It’s all right, Handers. I shall see Lord Findlay,” Lisa said after a hesitation.

“Very good, miss. Shall I show him to the parlor?”

She smiled wryly at the question, but shook her head. “I think I can manage to lead him there myself. But perhaps some tea could be sent to us?”

“Very good, miss.” The butler gave a half bow and turned to head up the hall.

“Shall I talk to Harry in the stables about hiring a hack for us?” Bet murmured behind her.

Lisa glanced over her shoulder and nodded. “Yes, please.”

The maid nodded and slipped around her to follow the butler as Lisa stepped off the stairs and approached Charles.

“Please, come in,” she said with a laugh, realizing the man was still standing on the front step.

Returning her smile, he stepped inside and pushed the door closed. “These are for you.”