Her little family had gone to ground in the Jenkins’s stable while the party carried on indoors, as if nothing had happened only a few hours prior. Servants brought water and linen, even precious ice was offered. Though the gifts were generous, they came at a price. All who came looked at the noblewoman oddly upon delivery, having never seen a titled lady take up the grueling work of caring for a retainer so far below her station. It was unheard of, shocking, and would lead to gossip both outrageous and endearing.
Arabella cared not what was bandied about Stonewall Grove. Though Payne’s bones may have been set, the patient recovering, Arabella and her household were in peril.
Her friend could not be moved, and all she had to protect him was a silver saw she had swiped from the doctor’s bag when he’d been occupied with his patient. So, at her first opportunity, Arabella pulled Mary and Hugh aside, drawing them close to whisper.
Hugh was openly troubled, his pale brow tight and his eyes wide. Trying to soothe him, she took his shoulder, nodding that he had done well in following her orders and obeying the doctor.
With her free hand, Arabella held Mary’s cold fingers, eager to speak to them both. “It is not safe here and I need you each to promise me that if anything happens, if anyone comes for me or Payne, you will run. Run and hide no matter what.” Arabella took Hugh’s face in her hands, smoothing his rumpled hair. “Do you understand?”
The boy was ready to argue, but one sharp look from his mistress and he obeyed. “Yes.”
“Mary?” Arabella knew the girl would give no vocal response, but Arabella did the same to her. Cupping the young maid’s cheeks she said, “William Dalton is here, as is Sir Statham. You remember who they are. Remember why we ran. Until Payne can be moved, we are all in danger. I will protect him. I’m counting on you and Hugh to protect one another. If the worst should happen, get to London. Solicitor Griggs will take you in. Magdala will find you.”
On the verge of tears, Hugh stuttered, “I do-doo-do not understand what you are so afraid of, my lady.”
Pressing a kiss to his forehead, Arabella murmured, “Go lie down and get some rest while you can.” Mary was next i
n receiving the affection. “You too, Mary.”
They obeyed, Arabella going back to sponging the sweat from Payne’s brow.
A few more hours passed before Edmund made his overdue visit to his stable.
Cautious, the master of the house approached, hands grasped before him. “I have been assured that you are uninjured.”
Disheveled, hair half fallen and riding habit torn, Arabella nodded agreement. “It was not the first time a horse has thrown me. A little rest and I will make a full recovery.”
“And your servant?”
Blotting a wet cloth over Payne’s forehead, Arabella said, “Payne is badly wounded, otherwise I would drive my carriage back to Crescent Barrows myself.”
For a moment he sounded like the Edmund she had adored. “Lady Iliffe, you should come inside and allow yourself to be tended to. A fresh dress and a glass of wine might settle your nerves.”
Ignoring his offer, Arabella asked, “Has there been any sign of Mamioro?”
“No.”
“Then he will have gone to Crescent Barrows...”
“Shall I send someone to—?”
Arabella scoffed, looking to her host as if he were insane. “Mamioro is dangerous.” Edmund did not deserve the softness of her voice, so she spared him none. “Return to your party and your new friends. I do not welcome your false concern or your presence. Tell Lizzy that I do not blame her for the actions of her brother and mother.”
At that, Edmund Jenkins dropped his guard. “That is unfair.”
“Do you believe the pistol shot was an accident? Do you even know who you have invited under your roof? Considering the stories they must have told you last night to change your character so quickly... I would assume you do not.” Incredulous, Arabella pulled a face. “And it is troubling to see you so changed, for I had been warned that you were not as noble as you appeared... and I had refused to listen.” Eyes on him, seeing he was uncomfortable with her disgust, Arabella conceded. “I see it now. Return to your party and your titled guests. Enjoy the acclaim their presence alights upon your family. I will stay here with Payne.”
“But he is a servant, Lady Iliffe. There will be even more talk.”
Every last word was stressed by Arabella’s distrust. “You invited the two men I hate most in the world into your acquaintance, two men that have harmed me in ways that would turn your blood to ice. Why, Edmund?”
At her questions, embarrassment made Mr. Jenkins’s cheeks go red. “Mama thought it would be practical to introduce myself to the head of your family. Lilly had a connection through a friend, letters were exchanged.”
It was almost laughable, the man both blind and foolish. He was being played by a master at the game. All of it, everything, went back to Gregory. “The friend being Mr. Harrow... he brought them here to your house.”
Her malevolent lover wanted Edmund and his family exposed to the men to further his own aims.
Body aching, knees stiff, Arabella settled onto a stool near piled hay. “I do not wish to quarrel with you, Mr. Jenkins. Abandon me to this place and return to what awaits you inside.”