“For now,” Emma replied with a smug look.
“Do you have any questions about how to use this?” Emma asked as she extended the muff pistol towards her.
Ellie accepted the weapon. “My father taught me how to shoot when I was a young girl.” She held the gun in her hand so she could adjust to the weight of it. “This is much lighter than an overcoat pistol.”
“Yes,” Emma replied, “it’s designed to fit perfectly in your reticule undetected.”
“I don’t believe this to be necessary. Lord Worthington only wishes to talk to me. Furthermore, we will be on the street as we speak, in full view of the townhouse.”
Emma shook her head. “I don’t believe that to be the case, and I think you are being incredibly naïve.”
Ellie sighed. “I have no choice. I can’t let anything bad happen to my mother.”
“So you would sacrifice yourself to save her?”
“It would appear so.”
“What would your mother tell you if she were standing right here?” Emma asked with a knowing look.
Ellie pursed her lips before answering, “She would tell me to stay as far away from Lord Worthington as I can.”
“That is good advice.”
“But she is not here, and I only mean to talk to him.”
Emma gave her a disapproving look, then sighed. “It might be best if we came up with some type of code in case you are in distress.”
“What do you suggest?”
“If you are in distress for any reason, you will adjust the sleeves of your gown, and I will alert the footmen to assist you.”
Ellie adjusted the sleeve of her gown and asked, “Is this acceptable?”
Emma nodded. “And if you believe he is going to abscond with you to Gretna Green, I want you to reach up and adjust one of the pins in your hair.”
“That code won’t be necessary.”
“We shall see,” Emma murmured unconvincingly.
The long clock chimed, alerting them that the hour had come.
“It’s time,” Ellie stated, taking a deep breath. “I’d best not be late.”
Emma stepped closer and embraced her. “Be careful, Ellie,” she said. “I still believe this is a foolhardy thing to do.”
“You saw the note,” Ellie insisted. “I have no choice.”
Emma took a step back, looking uncertain. “I’ll be watching you from an upstairs window.”
“Thank you.”
Her trepidation increasing with each step, Ellie exited the drawing room and walked over to the main door. She glanced over her shoulder to ensure no one was privy to what she was about to do.
She opened the door and closed it softly behind her. As she descended the three steps in front of the townhouse, she saw Lord Worthington’s emblazoned coach parked on the street.
A footman jumped off his perch when he saw her and opened the door. She hesitantly walked towards the coach and peered in.
“Get in,” Lord Worthington ordered.
