“How fortunate!”
“But this isn’t the first time that he has attempted to abduct her. His first try was at the market.”
Mr. Mason frowned. “I hadn’t realized that Miss Lloyd’s brother would be so persistent in bringing her home.”
“It is only a matter of time before the Runner or her brother is successful,” William paused, “unless you let me help her.”
“How would you help her?”
“If I knew her real name, I could speak to her brother and convince him to leave her be,” William said.
“Miss Lloyd’s brother is a powerful man.”
“As am I.”
“That you are, but her brother is not a good man. He would just as easily dismiss you as he would hear you out.”
“I won’t know unless I try.”
Mr. Mason looked unsure. “What if your actions put Miss Lloyd in more danger?”
“How would that be possible?” William asked. “Her brother already knows she is residing at the orphanage.”
“May I ask why you are willing to help Miss Lloyd?”
William leaned back in his seat. “I would like to think that Miss Lloyd and I have become friends.”
“Does she consider you a friend?”
“I can’t speak for her, but I want to help her,” William said. “I cannot in good conscience just sit back and do nothing, knowing her plight.”
Mr. Mason let out a reluctant sigh. “I hope I don’t regret this, my lord, but I know my sister. She would want me to do anything I could to protect Miss Lloyd.”
“I swear to you that I will not reveal your part in this. My only intention in learning the truth is to help Miss Lloyd.”
“I believe you.” Mr. Mason reached for a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the sweat that had formed on his brow. “Miss Lloyd is, in fact, Miss Georgie Holbrooke, sister to Lord Wakefield.”
“She is the daughter of a viscount?”
“Yes,” Mr. Mason said. “Now do you see the need for secrecy? If someone discovered that Miss Holbrooke ran away to work at an orphanage, she would be ruined.”
“I understand.”
“It is only for a few months, and then she will reach her majority,” Mr. Mason said. “I have already agreed to help her if the need arises.”
William nodded approvingly. “That is good of you.”
“I think it is fair to say that we all have a vested interest in ensuring Miss Holbrooke remains safely away from her brother.”
“That we do,” William agreed.
Mr. Mason reached into his satchel and removed some papers. “Now that we have resolved that issue, will you sign these documents?”
As William accepted the papers, he said, “I can respect the need for secrecy, but if you deceive me again, you will be dismissed.”
To his surprise, Mr. Mason challenged him by saying, “I may lose your confidence for saying so, but I would do it again if it meant helping a woman in need.”
William’s hand stilled on the quill. “I do believe my respect for you just rose a little.”
