Both gentlemen leaned forward and stared at her with questioning eyes.

“Oliver plays cards every Wednesday evening. He never misses a game. He always wins. I think he cheats.”

James and Blake shared a look, and Caroline could practically see their brains springing into action, planning their mission. “If you recall,” she continued, “it was a Wednesday night when I ran away. One week ago exactly. Oliver obviously chose his card night for Percy's attempted rape. No doubt he didn't want his ears bothered by my screams.”

“Will Percy be at home?” James asked.

Caroline shook her head. “He almost always goes out and gets drunk. Oliver can't abide over-indulgence of spirits. He says it makes a man weak. So Percy tipples on Wednesday nights when he can escape his father's watchful eye.”

“What about the servants? How many are there?” This time, Blake asked the questions.

Caroline considered this for a moment. “Five, in total. Most are likely to be in residence. Last week Oliver gave everyone the night off, but I am certain he only did that so that none would rush to my assistance when Percy attacked me. He's terribly tightfisted when it comes to anyone other than himself, so I doubt he'd give them time off again without a very good reason.”

“How nice to know that your rape qualified as a good reason,” Blake muttered.

Caroline looked up and was astonished and just a touch delighted to see how angry he looked on her behalf. “But if you are careful,” she added, “you should have no trouble avoiding them. It might be a bit confusing navigating your way around the hall, but since you'll be taking me along with—”

“We're not taking you,” Blake bit off.

“But—”

“I said, we are not taking you.”

“I'm sure if you just consid—”

“You will NOT be going,” he roared, and even James blinked in surprise at the volume of his reply.

“Very well,” Caroline said in an irritated voice. She was convinced that Blake was wrong, but it didn't seem either prudent or beneficial to her health to disagree any further.

“Don't forget that you have an injured ankle,” James said gently. “You would not be able to move with your usual speed.”

Caroline had a feeling that James agreed one hundred percent with Blake and was just trying to make her feel better—especially since she'd told them her ankle was quite healed—but she appreciated the effort nonetheless. “The housekeeper is quite deaf and retires early,” she told them. “You won't have to worry about her.”

“Excellent,” Blake said. “And the rest?”

“There are two maids, but they live in the village and go home each night to sleep. They'll be long gone by the time Oliver leaves to play cards. The groom sleeps in the stables, so you're not likely to disturb him as long as you approach the house from the opposite side.”

“A butler?” Blake prompted.

“Farnsworth will be the most difficult. He has very keen ears and he's dreadfully loyal to Oliver. His room is on the third floor.”