Duffy eased his mount into a trot as he approached, his face puffed and shiny with rage. “Where in God’s name have you been?” He pulled up his horse, the animal snorting at the rough halt. “I have been up and down this damn road looking for you for the past three hours. Lady Davenport said you went in the direction of Liverpool. Lord Davenport, Mr. Ellis-Brant, and I damn well rode nearly all the way there! They gave up an hour ago and, damn it, I don’t blame them.”

Three damns in four sentences: Duffy was seriously displeased. I sent a wordless thanks to Charlotte for giving them the wrong direction.

“We did not ask you to follow us,” I said. Possibly not the most politic of answers, but I had no time for his overbearing tantrums.

“And what was I supposed to do?” he said through his teeth. “You go charging off in a phaeton, for God’s sake, with two men who, I discover, you blatantly lied to me about in London!” He cast a scathing look at Evan. “Oh yes, I know who you are now, Lord Evan Belford or Mr. Talbot or whatever you call yourself. Mrs. Ellis-Brant worked out the truth, and with her mouth that will not stay a secret long.”

Of course the Ermine worked it out. And Duffy was right; she would have the whole affair around the bon ton in no time. Even Charlotte would not be able to contain it.

Duffy’s attention snapped to Mr. Kent. “And you, a Runner, helping the very man he is supposed to bring to justice. Good God, I cannot believe my sisters even know such men.” He turned back to Julia and me. “You debase yourselves.”

Julia straightened at that, her hands clenched in her lap. “I beg your pardon. We do not debase ourselves. Mr. Kent has more manners and courage than any other man I know.”

Duffy ignored her staunch defense. “And why on earth are you helping Lady Hester defy her brother? Who do you think you are? Your behavior has made me ridiculous in the eyes of Lord Deele—I did not even know that you were harboring his sister. He is her lawful guardian and you—you two stupid, meddlesome old women—have no business interfering in his decisions regarding her situation.”

“Since I am Lady Hester’s other brother,” Evan said coldly, “I have every right to help my sister. Lady Augusta and Lady Julia have kindly assisted me.”

“No, you do not have any right to do anything. You gave up all rights when you killed a man,” Duffy said, shortening his reins as his mount danced to one side under his tense hold. “You have as little authority to interfere with Lord Deele’s business as my foolish sisters do.”