“Why didn’t you join us inside?”
Hawthorne shrugged as the coach jerked forward. “I thought it would be best if I waited here.”
“Where is your coach?”
“I felt like walking.”
“To White’s?” William asked.
“Seeing your coach was just the thing to change my mind.” Hawthorne adjusted his cravat. “I made some inquiries into Lord Wakefield, and have some troubling news.”
“Which is?”
“According to my sources, Lord Wakefield has long since gambled away his fortune, and his creditors are getting restless.”
“That doesn’t explain why he’s so determined to bring his sister home.”
“No, but it does go to his state of mind,” Hawthorne said. “He is losing control. He first lost his fortune and now his sister. It might be too much for him.”
“We need to keep Miss Holbrooke away from him, at all costs.”
“I agree, especially since there is chatter about her marrying Lord Ransdale.”
William’s brow shot up. “I knew Miss Holbrooke had run away to avoid an unwanted marriage, but I had no idea it was to Ransdale. He is a despicable man, in no way worthy of her.”
“He is most likely only marrying her for a legitimate heir.”
The thought didn’t sit well.
“As long as Lord Wakefield is her guardian, Miss Holbrooke is in danger,” Hawthorne continued. “He could force her into that marriage with Ransdale.”
“She would never agree to it.”
“There are ways around that,” Hawthorne said. “Lord Wakefield is known to be unscrupulous in his business dealings and would think nothing of paying people to look the other way.”
William reached over and opened the window, allowing the cool night air to circulate in the stuffy coach. “Do you believe she is truly safe at Miss Ashmore’s townhouse?”
“I do,” Hawthorne replied without any sign of hesitation.
“How are you so confident in Miss Ashmore’s abilities?”
“Did she not already save Miss Holbrooke once at the market?” Hawthorne pointed out.
“She did,” William conceded.
Hawthorne gave him a knowing look. “Besides, there is nowhere else Miss Holbrooke could go that the Runner couldn’t gain access to her. Family members might side with her brother, and inns are out of the question.”
“What if the Runner tries to abduct Miss Holbrooke from Miss Ashmore’s house?” William asked.
“You need not worry,” Hawthorne reassured him. “Evie will keep her safe.”
“All right,” William said with a resigned sigh. “I shall take your word for it.”
Hawthorne gave him a curious look. “You seem to be very protective of a woman whom you claim you do not hold in high regard.”
William tensed. “Miss Holbrooke is my headmistress, and I am responsible for her.”
“Interesting choice of words,” Hawthorne said, amused. “Wouldn’t she be the orphanage’s headmistress, not yours?”
