Captain Jackson and Dobkins turned towards him with matching scowls as if he were intruding in a private matter.
“What the hell is going on?” he signed with brisk fingers.
The captain pointed a finger at Dobkins. “She wants to barricade the house.”
“There was someone lurking in the garden,” she said, her face red.
“I didn’t see anyone.” The captain shook his head. “And even if there was someone, starting to panic and yell and slam every door wouldn’t be the right thing to do.”
“Is anyone hurt?” he asked, gazing around.
Captain Jackson waved a dismissive hand. “The noises were the most dangerous thing.”
“You aren’t listening.” Dobkins jabbed a finger in the direction of the garden. “There was someone in the garden.”
“I’m listening, and I told you there isn’t anyone in the garden.” The captain glowered at her.
She was as tall as the captain, so if he was trying to intimidate her, it didn’t work.
Samuel agreed with the captain. But it was better to be cautious.
“He was hiding behind the bushes,” she went on, “and yes, I might have panicked a little, maybe I shouted and tried to barricade the garden doors with a chest of drawers, but the captain didn’t want to take his gun when I asked him to.”
“I don’t want to shoot anyone unless it’s absolutely necessary,” the captain said.
“I was terrified, and you didn’t believe me.” She shook, her voice breaking.
“There was no one in the garden!” Captain Jackson pressed two fingers to his temples. “I never said I didn’t believe you. I said that when I went out, I didn’t find anyone. So the danger was gone.”
“I won’t let anyone hurt Lady Vivienne.” Dobkins clamped a hand over her mouth.
Samuel frowned. “Neither will I. You need to trust me. All I want is to keep everyone safe.”
“How? We aren’t strong. Anyone can sneak up on us and slit our throats in our sleep.” She wiped her eyes.
The captain frowned. “That’s morbid.”
While Samuel was sorry to see her so distressed, he didn’t like her lack of trust in him.
“With due respect,” Mrs. Foster said. “We’re perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves.”
Dobkins seemed about to rebuke but lowered her gaze.
“What’s happening?” Vivienne came down the stairs in a lovely blue gown that fit her tightly, accentuating her small waist.
“Dobkins panicked after having allegedly seen someone in the garden,” Captain Jackson said.
“Did you make all that noise? The scream and the bangs?” Vivienne stopped at the base of the stairs.
“I’m sorry.” Dobkins curtsied and left the hallway in a hurry.
“Alice,” the captain said, but she ignored him. “Hell.”
“I checked the garden as well,” William said. “I didn’t see anyone.”
“Sir, I think I saw someone.” Richard raised a trembling hand. “A man in dark clothes.”
“Where?” the captain asked.
