LITMIR.BIZ

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later today and make the house habitable. I have asked that fires should be lit in all the rooms and the linen aired.’

      ‘You are not intending to stay here? Impossible!’ Jane took a sip of the hot strong beverage to calm her nerves. ‘At least, I cannot stay here. Perhaps you would lend me your horse and allow me to go on alone? I will engage to return it here once I am home.’

      ‘I dare not let you leave alone. You would be prey to all manner of evils, a young woman travelling alone with not even a groom to protect her.’

      ‘I believe I am capable of riding a few miles to my home—if you would set me in the right direction.’ Jane’s head came up for she needed no one to protect her. ‘I am not one of your missish young ladies who faints at the merest provocation.’

      ‘I am perfectly certain you are not, Jane. I wish that I could deliver you to your home,’ George said, his brow furrowed. ‘I have been thinking and I believe I have come up with a solution, which you may find acceptable for a few days.’

      Jane arched her brows at him. ‘Short of stealing your horse and riding off, I have little choice but to listen to your proposal, sir. My ankle is a little easier this morning, but I do not think I could walk far—and I have no money to hire a carriage.’

      ‘I am aware of my duty to care for you. Will you allow me to take you to the home of a lady I trust? She was my nurse when I was a boy and stayed with us until she retired when I joined the army. I think you should be safe with her until I can be certain Blake is out of the country—or in prison.’

      ‘In prison? Do you intend to go to the magistrate, then?’

      George handed her a plate of crisp bacon and scrambled eggs, also a two-pronged fork. ‘You should eat some of this excellent food. Please, do not look at me so, Miss Blair. I know that I deserve your censure, but you do not understand my predicament.’

      ‘I realise that Captain Blake has some hold over you, but that does not excuse your behaviour. No decent man would assist in the abduction of an innocent young woman.’ Seeing the little nerve flicking at his temple, Jane relented. ‘Forgive me, I am not ungrateful for all you have done for me, sir. It is just that I am concerned for my friend.’

      ‘As I am,’ George replied. ‘You have no need to remind me of my responsibility. Firstly, I must see you safe, Miss Blair—and then I shall do what I can to find Lady Fanshawe.’

      Jane was on thorns. Her independent nature made her wish to escape by whatever means she could. Yet she sensed that George meant to do what he could to help her—and if she ran away now she would have no clue to give her friends. If she could just discover something about Captain Blake, her friends might be able to find and rescue Mariah.

      ‘You give me your word that you will try to find her? And you will see that Blake pays for his wickedness?’

      ‘I promise that I shall do what I can, but I am not at liberty to go to the magistrates immediately.’

      George reached across the table, laying his hand on hers. It was a simple gesture, but something in his manner made her decide that he was honest and meant to do what he could for both her and Mariah.

      ‘Then I shall seriously consider what you’ve said, sir.’

      ‘Good.’ His smile lit up his face and for a moment Jane’s heart caught. ‘You are a brave and sensible lady, Jane.’

      Jane ate some of the bacon and egg, then finished her coffee. Her thoughts were confused, but she was trying to make sense of what she knew to be a precarious situation. If Captain Blake was as ruthless as she believed, she could hardly demand that this man risk his own life more than he already had for her sake.

      ‘I know that you have risked your life for mine, sir—and I believe you are doing what you think best, but I am anxious for Mariah.’

      ‘I understand your anxiety, but first I must make certain that you are safe—after that I shall do what I can to help your friend.’

      ‘I have no wish to be that evil rogue’s next victim,’ Jane replied. ‘However, I am concerned that Blake will harm Mariah. If that happened, I should not be able to live with my conscience—as you ought not.’

      ‘You must trust me,’ George said. ‘Your friend may be confined anywhere. Even if we managed to have Blake arrested and called out the militia to search for her, we might not find her. If she is bound or securely confined in a secluded house, she might die alone and in terrible distress. On the other hand, Blake’s interest is in keeping her alive and well until she consents to wed him.’

      Jane looked at him in horror. ‘You think Blake would refuse to reveal her whereabouts if he were arrested?’

      ‘Why should he confess when it would hang him? At the moment it is my word against his.

      Even with you as a witness it is not certain that we should be believed—and I should be reluctant to involve you for it would inevitably result in a loss of reputation for you. If Blake were to remain at liberty, my life would be at risk.’

      ‘And mine. I saw his eyes and he knows it.’

      ‘Exactly. Which is another reason why it is best if you remain hidden. Your testimony may be required to convict him since mine may not be believed, though I shall keep you out of it if I can. However, he has only to murder us both and there would be none left who dare speak against him.’

      ‘Yes, I see that,’ Jane agreed reluctantly. ‘So what must we do?’

      ‘If you will consent to remain hidden, I shall do my utmost to discover Lady Fanshawe’s whereabouts and to rescue her.’

      ‘Do you give me your word?’

      ‘You have my word, but I must be allowed to do things my way. Lady Fanshawe’s life is not the only one at risk here. If she is forced into marriage against her will, an annulment might be arranged.’

      ‘She would be ruined in the eyes of society.’

      ‘Lady Fanshawe is a victim and most will have sympathy for her. Another person’s happiness is at stake here and I have a duty to that person. I see you condemn me—but I am caught between duty and loyalty.’

      Jane saw that he was deeply affected. It was a terrible coil and she found herself unable to condemn him as certainly as she had. He had become embroiled in an unpleasant affair for reasons he was not prepared to divulge. While she condemned the wicked abduction of an innocent young woman, she had begun to realise that George’s motives were compelling. He had acted out of a misguided attempt to help someone he was protecting.

      ‘So Blake is blackmailing you?’

      ‘Not me—but there is blackmail involved.’

      ‘Yes, I understand.’ Jane nodded. ‘I see how you were tricked into helping that rogue, but now you must do all you can to make this right.

      I will stay with your nurse for a day or so, but it cannot be longer. My brother will be anxious.’

      ‘Perhaps I could send a letter for you—if you will give me your name? Your true name, for I do not believe you are called Jane Blair.’

      ‘I shall think about it,’ Jane replied. ‘If you will allow me some privacy, I shall make myself ready and then perhaps we should leave. For the moment I am content to do as you ask.’

      ‘Thank you.’ George hesitated, then leaned forwards to kiss her cheek. Jane moved her head inadvertently and his mouth brushed hers in the lightest of kisses. ‘Thank you for believing in me, Jane. I’ve never met such a brave and decisive lady before. Most ladies of my acquaintance would have been in floods of tears long before this.’

      Jane blushed, her heart racing. How ridiculous! He’d meant only to kiss her cheek as a thank-you, but the feel of his lips on hers had sent a tingle racing through her, which was ridiculous because she had long ago given up all thought of love and marriage.

      She

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