Page 102 of The Smuggler’s Escape

He watched Lucretia into Holmes’ capable hands, hoped for the best, and turned to Lady Darsington. “As I was saying, ma’am—”

“Richard,” his mother said, “I am quite capable of—”

“It’s a conspiracy,” Lady Darsington raged. “I don’t believe the trollop is in the house at all.”

“Only the excellent manners instilled in me by my dear mother prevent me from answering you as you deserve, Lady Darsington.” Richard ignored Harry’s snort and motioned to Lady Ariadne. “To lay your lunatic suspicions to rest, we have only to ask Lady Ariadne, who was above-stairs with Noelle fifteen minutes ago, discussing some sketches. Is that not so, Lady Ariadne?”

Lady Ariadne squeaked, “Yes! Exactly as you say, Lord Boltwood!”

“You see?” Richard spread his hands. “And did Noelle not tell you she was unwell, and intended to retire?”

“Yes, indeed, Lord Boltwood!”

Richard cast a brief, meaningful glance at Lord Harry and went on, “There, you see what a farrago of nonsense you have dreamt up, Lady Darsington. Noelle is a remarkable woman, but even she cannot manage to be in two places at once. Neither, unfortunately, can your daughter. Lord Harry has just conveyed to me some distressing news. I regret to inform you that Miss Darsington has quitted Boltwood Manor, and so has Johnny Magee.”

Harry followed his lead with scarcely a blink. “Dash it all, I didn’t mean to scare the girl into running off with a gypsy. All I did was offer her a carte blanche.” Into the silence that followed, he added, “She’s a luscious little peach, but I can’t afford to marry her, so what choice did I have?”

Lady Darsington swayed and crashed to the floor.

Richard nodded at Lord Harry. “Carry her to her bedchamber and lock her inside.”

Two minutes later, he and Will Dalbey galloped into the night.