“No,” he repeated. “I am not interested in the girl in that manner.” Alexander did not turn to look upon his friend’s startled countenance, but he knew it would be so. “I simply have a desire to protect her, and I will not have her arrested for her uncle’s sins.”
“Other than the occasional walk to the bookstore with a maid in tow, the gal never leaves the house. Don’t think they permit her much freedom.”
Alexander did not approve of how his sister was treated by her supposed relations. “I pray she is not aware of the plans Honfleur executes.”
Lionel asked, “Do you believe she be ignorant of how high the man sets his sights?”
“She is afraid of her uncle. I have viewed her fear first-hand. I hold no doubt, if they had not been surrounded by more than a hundred guests at Lord Godfrey’s ball, Honfleur would have struck her when my interference allowed Theodora to intercept the note from Margaret Childers.”
“A man should never strike a woman,” Lionel said through tight lips. “Me pa and yours drank too much and be too free with their tempers.”
Alexander understood. One of the things he and Lionel had in common was they both had taken more than one beating from their fathers, rather than to permit the men to raise their hands to their mothers or their siblings.
“Then you will do as I ask? Even if Honfleur escapes, I desire you to deliver Miss Moreau to Marksman Hall and keep her there until I return.”
Lionel nodded his head sagely, as if considering what Alexander did not say. In serious tones, he said, “If such be your wish, it’ll be done. I pledge on me mother’s grave.”
As he continued to watch the house, Alexander thought,“And I make the same pledge on Madelyn Dutton’s grave. I will protect her daughter Annalise with my life.”
