Mabena had managed to fix her own cup of tea during the chaos. She leaned against the wall now, sipping it. “I’ll be well again tomorrow. Well enough, anyway, to take Libby back over to Tresco to see your grandmother.”

“If not, I’m happy to ferry you both. Let’s say if you’re not there by ten o’clock, I’ll come and fetch you, shall we?”

Mabena tilted her head. “That seems reasonable.”

It didn’t escape Libby’s notice that Bram hadn’t agreed to Oliver’s plan. But even now, with no one left in the cottage but the five of them, he didn’t object. He just regarded Oliver evenly for a long moment and then asked, “I suppose your boat is at the little quay in Hugh Town?”

Oliver nodded, and Bram mirrored it. “We saw it when we were exploring the town yesterday. Sher, why don’t you go down with Mr. Tremayne now, and give me a moment with my sister?”

Sheridan, of course, agreed easily. He swigged the last of his tea and stood. Oliver nodded his agreement too, shooting one final look at Libby. It said a lot, that look. More than words ever could. And made her stomach settle enough that, after dragging in a deep breath, she could stand again. “Thank you, Mr. Tremayne. For all your assistance.” The mister felt odd on her tongue after having used Oliver for the last few days. Silently she added, You didn’t have to do this. I appreciate that you did.

He must have received her unspoken message. His eyes twinkled at her. “It’s truly my pleasure, Lady Elizabeth.”

He and Sheridan departed, and Mabena slipped discreetly to her room. She’d no doubt still hear every word, but it gave them at least a pretense of privacy.

Bram didn’t linger long in silence. He sat again, without taking his gaze from her face. “Is it really about the grandmother?”

She sank back onto the sofa. “Yes.” It was the truth, if not the whole truth. But she couldn’t tell Bram about the mysteries and dangers holding her here—he’d forcibly drag her back to the mainland. And she certainly couldn’t tell him that she couldn’t imagine leaving Oliver or the islands. He’d have her over his shoulder in a heartbeat, carrying her off kicking and screaming.

He let out a long exhale, eyes still narrowed a bit. “I don’t know that I believe you. He walked in here as if he owned the place. And what happened to Moon that he came barging in with aspirin and orders to rest? She’s never been prone to headaches, has she?”