“Good evening.” Lottie didn’t make any subtle noises hinting at an introduction, but she did send Libby a look that said, He’s a handsome one, isn’t he? Lottie had perfected the art of saying such things without words—when in a gentleman’s presence. She’d put words aplenty to it the moment he was gone.

No, the moment they were gone. Let her do her exclaiming to Lady Emily. Libby tucked her hand into the crook of Oliver’s arm. “I’m in your debt, Mr. Tremayne. And thank you again, Lottie, for inviting me. Tell your parents it was lovely.”

They started back along the road, Libby waiting until she heard the gate latch before whispering, “I don’t know why you were coming this way at just that moment, but thank you.”

He chuckled. “I’ve been walking back and forth for fifteen minutes. Mabena said you wouldn’t last but an hour before you found an excuse to leave, and I didn’t want you walking back alone.”

“I really am in your debt.”

“Nonsense. I love nothing so much as a stroll on a summer night. And it’s made all the sweeter with sweet company.”

She ought to have indulged that sweet company on the way to the dinner as well. Maybe then the stranger wouldn’t have accosted her.

Or maybe he’d have simply been more violent than he was. Maybe he would have hurt Oliver before threatening her. “Something happened on the way there—I’ll tell you the details with Mabena, but . . . but we—Beth—a man demanded silver. In two weeks, in the big cave.”

“What?” He drew them to a halt and turned to her, searching her face. “Who? Are you all right? Were you injured?” His gaze flew over her, snagging on the jasmine flower in her hair and then down to her arm. Could he somehow see what she suspected were bruises by now, under the shawl and through the moonlight? His hands cupped her elbows in that way of his.

Maybe Mabena was right. Maybe she had been doomed by elbow-magic since the first touch. “Nothing serious. And I don’t know who it was, but I noted everything I could. I’ll write it down when we get in.”

“Libby!” The screech came from behind them. Lottie had barreled out of the gate again, though she didn’t go beyond the circle of light. “Why didn’t you tell me you’re engaged to Lord Sheridan?”

Could this night get any worse? “I’m not!” Then, more urgently but more quietly, meeting Oliver’s eyes. “I’m not.”

Lottie simply laughed and went back into her garden. But Oliver smiled and turned her toward home again. “I know.”

“You . . . how?” It should comfort her, maybe. But instead, dread curled up in her stomach.

“Mabena mentioned that was why you came to St. Mary’s. To escape your brother’s planning.”