“Thank you.”
Once William finished signing the documents, he handed them back to his solicitor. “Does anything else require my attention?”
Mr. Mason returned the documents into his satchel before saying, “Not at this time.” He rose and looped the satchel’s strap over his shoulder. “I hope I did the right thing by telling you the truth of Miss Holbrooke’s identity.”
“You most assuredly did. I will do right by Miss Holbrooke; I promise you that.”
His response seemed to appease Mr. Mason, who tipped his head. “I bid you a good day, my lord.”
After his solicitor left, William rose from his chair and walked over to the drink cart, where he poured himself a drink. Now that he knew the truth about Miss Holbrooke, he felt oddly relieved. He needed to find a way to help her.
Lord Hawthorne stepped into his study. “I have come to see if you would like to join us at White’s this evening.”
“I could be persuaded to do so.” William held up his glass. “Would you care for one?”
“No, thank you.”
William took a sip, then walked over to the settee and sat down. “I just had an informative meeting with my solicitor.”
Hawthorne came to sit across from him. “May I ask what you discussed?”
“Miss Holbrooke.”
His friend’s face remained expressionless, giving nothing away. “Interesting,” he said. “What did you learn?”
“Except for her real identity, I learned very little, since Miss Holbrooke has already told me quite a bit about her perilous circumstance.”
“Now that you know the truth, what do you intend to do with it?”
“I want to find a way to help her.”
“That is what we all wish.”
William took a sip of his drink, then said, “I could go speak to Lord Wakefield.”
Hawthorne shook his head. “That is a terrible idea.”
“I disagree.”
“Could you imagine if Eleanor had run away to work at an orphanage and another lord came to speak to you about leaving her be?” Hawthorne asked. “What would your response be?”
“It wouldn’t be favorable. I see your point.”
“Precisely.”
Leaning forward, William set his drink on the table. “I have to do something to help Miss Holbrooke,” he insisted. “I can’t just ignore her plight and hope it goes away.”
“Which it won’t. Bow Street Runners aren’t known for giving up so easily.”
William nodded. “I am not sure if you are aware, but Miss Ashmore invited Miss Holbrooke to reside with her in the evenings,” he shared.
“That’s good. Evie will keep her safe.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“You must trust me,” Hawthorne replied. “Evie is no simpering miss, and she has special skills that will benefit Miss Holbrooke.”
“May I ask how Miss Ashmore learned these special skills?”
