“As you wish,” Mosby said calmly, though there was an undertone that suggested he thought this a very bad idea indeed. But then he often disapproved of the things Robert did since he’d moved to town. He suspected the butler felt he should be finding a wife and producing an heir to continue the Langley line. It’s what everyone seemed to think he should do. But Robert just had no intention of doing that, so they could all just continue to disapprove all they liked.

Sighing, he moved to his desk and settled in the chair to await the arrival of his guests, his mind puzzling over what Lisa Madison’s maid could be doing there. He supposed she had some message from Lisa and Christiana, though the presence of the man holding her so tightly was rather puzzling.

“Oh, my lord!”

Robert glanced up in time to see Bet try to rush across the room, only to be drawn up short and dragged back to the side of the man holding her arm. The wince that immediately covered her face told him that the fellow’s grip was as clawlike as it looked. Scowling at the rough treatment, Robert stood up. “Unhand her.”

“Just as soon as I get the money I was promised,” the man growled, though he did appear to ease his hold somewhat.

“Money?” Robert frowned and then peered to Bet in enquiry.

“I’m sorry, my lord,” Bet babbled in a rush. “My lady sent me to fetch you to save her, but I had no idea where I was and no money for a hack. I promised him you would pay when we reached here.”

“Your lady sent you to fetch me to save her?” Robert echoed with amazement.

“Aye, she—we—” Bet paused, eyes sliding worriedly to the man holding her and then back to him unhappily.

Realizing she didn’t wish to speak in front of what was obviously a hack driver, Robert glanced to his butler. “See the man paid and show him out.”

“Aye, my lord,” Mosby said calmly and then arched an eyebrow in the driver’s direction. After the briefest hesitation, the man released his hold on Bet, nodded at Robert, and then turned to allow the butler to lead him from the room.

Noting that the butler had left the door open, no doubt so he could hear what would follow, Robert moved around his desk and quickly crossed the room to close the door.

Turning back then, he peered at Bet. “Now, why did your lady send you to me?”

“I told you. To save her. We must hurry, my lord. She’s in dire straits,” Bet said anxiously.

Robert frowned. “To save her from what, exactly, Bet?”