“They are part of a Luddite group who are targeting mills and the houses of business owners in the area,” the captain said. “They have already set fire to one miller’s house and injured innocent people. We have reason to believe they will be targeting another tonight.”

“Well, I hope you find them before they do so, Captain,” Evan said.

“Thank you, we will.” He looked at his troop, then back at us. “Allow me to provide you with two of my men to escort you to the estate. I would not rest easy if friends of Lord and Lady Davenport came to harm under my watch. And if Lord Davenport wishes it, my men can stay and protect the gate.”

He signaled to his lieutenant, who gave an order to two of the front men of the troop. They stepped forward.

I gripped my reins more tightly. Before Evan, I would have considered such an escort a prudent precaution. Now the last thing we needed was a guard at the gate or Hester and Miss Grant seeing us arrive under the escort of soldiers.

“That is very thoughtful of you, Captain,” Evan said smoothly. “But I am accompanying Lady Augusta for that very reason.”

“Even so,” the young man said. “I think—”

“Thank you, Captain,” I interrupted, “but I would not wish to take any men away from your endeavors to protect people and property. You have such a large area to search and we have such a short distance to travel. We will be quite safe, I am sure.” He frowned, about to argue the point, but I surreptitiously urged my horse to take an impatient step. “I insist, Captain. We are on horseback and near our goal. Your men are on foot and will only delay our progress. We will be safe.”

The captain conceded my reasoning with a tilt of his head. “As you wish.” He waved his two men back into formation. “However, I do suggest you go carefully, Lady Augusta.” He gave a smart bow of his head and stepped back.

I raised my crop in acknowledgment and clicked my tongue, pressing my tired horse into a trot. “We will.”

Evan raised his hand in salute and followed, bringing his horse alongside mine.

We rode in silence for a minute or so, listening to the sound of orders shouted and the clang of troops marching again. Finally, I murmured, “Are we beyond their sight?”

“I do not know, but do not look back,” he replied, forestalling me from that very action. “Guilty people look back.”

I kept my gaze fixed upon the dark road ahead, straining to make out the sounds behind us. Finally the clang and thud of troops marching was no longer audible.

Evan glanced over his shoulder. “We are clear.”

I looked back, too, seeing only the shadowy, moonlit curve of road. “You lied about seeing the couple.”