I could readily believe it. I had seen her shackled to the asylum bed. Yet George Brummell’s revelations were still loud in my ears. And perhaps a little too sharp upon my tongue.

“I understand, but it is dangerous to be out here. You must return. My sister and I are doing everything we can to keep Lady Hester safe, but you must do your part.”

Miss Grant drew herself up to her full five foot five inches. Still a good four inches below my own height, yet it felt as if we were standing eye to eye. “That is unfair,” she said. “It is a half hour past dawn and I made sure only your servants were about. Or would you prefer Hester to stay in her room and scream with the horror of her memories?”

“Of course I do not want that,” I said. “Even so, you and Lady Hester are now our responsibility, and it is hard enough to keep your presence a secret without you wandering around outside.” I paused. Should I mention what George had told me, to drive home my point? No, she would tell Lady Hester, and the last thing that poor woman needed was more anxiety. I would not let any harm come to Evan’s beloved sister while she was under my protection. And that included bad news. “Please, come back inside now. Both of you.”

I ushered her toward Lady Hester, but she resisted, boots firmly planted on the ground.

“We are, of course, eternally grateful for your assistance,” she said. “But we are not your responsibility. When Hester has recovered some more strength, we will be on our way. I have every belief that Lord Evan—now that he has elected to stay in England for Hester’s sake—will help us find sanctuary. We do not wish to impose upon your and your sister’s hospitality or goodwill.”

“You are in no way imposing, nor do we want you to go,” I said hurriedly. Julia would not be pleased if our guests left prematurely on my account. And perhaps more selfishly, I did not want Evan to leave the country on their account, for I could see no possible sanctuary other than outside England.

“Thank you. However, when I have a plan for our safety, we will take our leave.”

I knew from experience that keeping loved ones safe was no easy task, but I refrained from airing my wisdom. Instead, I extended an encouraging hand toward the house. “Shall we?”

Miss Grant gave a stiff bow. “In a few minutes.”

I watched her walk back toward Lady Hester, the unease I felt at the Row now a definite sense of foreboding.

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