“I do,” Georgie replied. “Hopefully we can convince him to come work at my estate once this is all over with.”
Alice bobbed her head. “That would be grand!”
After they descended the stairs, Georgie said, “Please inform Mrs. Peters that I will be along shortly for my breakfast.”
“Yes, miss.”
Georgie headed down the hall towards her study and stepped into the small room. She saw that Evie was pacing back and forth with a solemn look on her face.
“Whatever is the matter?” Georgie asked.
Evie stopped pacing and said, “I was thinking about your attempted abduction, and I have to ask something.” She paused. “How well do you know the staff that came with you?”
“Very well.”
“Would any of them betray you?”
Georgie shook her head vehemently. “Absolutely not.”
Evie walked over to the door and closed it. “It would be best if this conversation remained private.”
“There is no need for secrecy,” Georgie insisted. “None of my staff betrayed me to my brother.”
“If it wasn’t any of them, then how did that Bow Street Runner know where to find you at the market?”
“That must have been a coincidence.”
Evie walked over to the window and ran her gloved hand over the latch. “I don’t believe in coincidences, and neither should you.”
“If my brother knew I was here, why hasn’t he retrieved me himself?” Georgie asked.
“Because he doesn’t want to show his hand yet.”
“I doubt that. He is not known for his patience.”
“No, he is not,” Evie agreed. “He has quite the temper.”
Georgie gave her a curious look. “He does, but how did you know that?”
“I made some inquiries.”
“To whom?”
Evie gave her a complacent smile. “You need not worry about that,” she said. “I discovered that your brother has made some enemies with some disreputable people.”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
“Did you know your brother was a gambler?” Evie asked.
“That doesn’t surprise me.”
“He owes people a large sum of money.”
Georgie furrowed her brow. “That can’t be right,” she said. “My brother has the funds to pay his debts.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“I am,” Georgie said. “My father left my brother a thriving estate.”
