“What would you do if you were me?”
A mischievous twinkle came to Evie’s eyes. “I don’t think you want to know the answer to that question.”
“I do.”
“I would stay and fight,” Evie said firmly. “I wouldn’t let anyone have that kind of control over me.”
“But what about the girls at the orphanage?” Georgie asked. “Charles has threatened to kill them if I don’t return home.”
Evie gave her a compassionate look. “I know you are worried about them, and you have every reason to, but running away isn’t the solution.”
“I can’t fight my brother. He is too strong.”
“You are not alone in the fight,” Evie said. “We are working on a plan to help you.”
Georgie sighed. “I don’t think anyone can help me.”
“That is what Lord Wakefield wants you to believe. He wants you to feel helpless and alone, but you must remember that you are not.”
Mrs. Carter approached them. “I must agree with Evie, and I rarely do. You mustn’t let your brother control your thoughts.”
“What about the orphans, though?” Georgie asked. “How will we keep them safe?”
“Lord Hawthorne has arranged for guards to protect the girls,” Evie informed her. “No one will get past them.”
“That is a relief,” Georgie murmured.
The butler stepped into the room and announced, “Lord Grenton has requested to speak to Miss Lloyd. He said the matter is most urgent.”
“At this hour?” Mrs. Carter asked, glancing at the long clock in the corner. “Well, nothing surprises me anymore in this house.” She met the butler’s gaze. “Send him in.”
“Yes, Mrs. Carter.” The butler spun on his heel to fetch the gentleman.
Lord Grenton joined them a moment later in the drawing room, his eyes roving until they met Georgie’s, what appeared to be relief flickering in them.
He bowed. “Thank you for agreeing to see me at this late hour.”
Georgie rose. “You said that the matter is urgent.”
“It is.” Lord Grenton acknowledged the other ladies before he returned his gaze towards her. “May I speak to you privately?”
Georgie turned her attention towards Mrs. Carter for her permission. “Would it be permissible to take a tour of the gardens?”
Mrs. Carter nodded her approval. “Take a lantern. Evie and I shall keep a watchful eye on you from the drawing room.”
“Thank you,” Georgie murmured as she accepted Lord Grenton’s outstretched arm. They walked towards the rear of the townhouse in silence and a footman opened the door. The man followed them outside with two lanterns, one of which he handed to Lord Grenton. He kept the other with him as he took up position by the door.
As they started walking down the path, she noticed that Lord Grenton was unusually tense, his lips set in a grim line, and she worried that he came bearing bad news.
Lord Grenton glanced over at her. “How are you faring?”
“I am not doing well,” Georgie admitted. “I keep worrying that my brother will make good on his promise and hurt one of the girls.”
“We won’t let him do that,” Lord Grenton said. “Lord Hawthorne arranged for guards to be posted at the orphanage to keep them safe.”
“That was thoughtful of him.”
“It was.”
