“She does, but her main concern is keeping her son safe and far away from Isaac’s heavy hand,” his father replied. “If Isaac finds Sarah, I do believe he will kill her.”
“If he does, then he won’t have access to her inheritance,” Bennett pointed out.
His father grew solemn. “Then she will have a fate far worse than death.”
Jasper spoke up, drawing their attention. “I will keep Lady Sarah safe. Which is why I intend to move her to another cottage.”
“That is highly inappropriate,” his father growled.
The Bow Street Runner appeared unconcerned by his father’s terse tone. “I will not be residing in the cottage with them, but I will remain close to keep them safe.”
His father rose from his seat and walked over to the drink cart. “Where is this cottage?”
“I will not say,” Jasper replied.
Picking up the decanter, his father asked, “Surely you do not think we will tell anyone?”
Jasper stood his ground. “I do not want to take any chances. Once I can ensure Lady Sarah is safe from her estranged husband, I will bring her home.”
“And how, pray tell, are you going to do that if you are remaining with my sister?” his father asked as he poured himself a drink.
“I am not the only Bow Street Runner on this case, my lord,” Jasper replied. “But you must prepare yourself that Isaac will come here looking for his wife.”
His father brought the glass up to his lips. “I do not like this.”
Jasper took a step forward. “You don’t have to like it, but it will keep Lady Sarah safe. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a job to do.”
“Before you go,” Bennett began, “I was hoping to speak to you about our guest, Lady Dunrobin. I found her in the woodlands, unconscious and missing a shoe. Her memories of why she was there have not returned. I was hoping you, or an associate of yours, could make some inquiries into the matter. I want to ensure she is safe when she recovers and returns home.”
Jasper’s expression grew grim. “I will send for a Bow Street Runner at once to conduct an investigation,” he said with a decisive nod.
After the Bow Street Runner departed from the study, Lord Dallington turned to Winston and said, “I hope Jasper is as good as you say he is.”
“No, he is better,” Winston said. “He is a little rough around the edges but he is good at what he does.”
Bennett uncrossed his arms and asked, “What are we expected to do when Isaac comes looking for his wife?”
“We tell him the truth- that we have no idea where she is,” Winston replied.
His father tossed back his drink and placed the glass onto the tray. “With any luck, that coward will stay far away and this will be a moot point.”
“Do you believe that?” Winston asked.
“No, I don’t,” his father replied in a dejected tone. “I have never met Isaac before. Quite honestly, I have never felt the need. But from what Sarah has told me, my heart aches for what she has had to endure these past few years.”
Bennett could hear the anguish in his father’s voice and suspected he felt partially responsible for his sister’s circumstances.
Turning towards him, Winston said, “This conversation is over. You should join Delphine in the dining room for breakfast.”
“Will you not join us?” Bennett asked.
Winston gave him a knowing look. “Even if I did, you would hardly notice my presence since you seem rather beguiled by Delphine.”
“Delphine is a guest in our home,” Bennett defended. “I am trying my best to make sure she feels comfortable here.”
Winston smirked. “That is quite admirable, Brother. But do you not think your interest extends beyond being the perfect host?”
“If you are implying I wish to pursue Delphine, you would be wrong,” Bennett said. “Besides, Delphine has no designs to marry at this time and lose the freedoms afforded to her.”
