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“Sadly, she was not.”
Jane placed a hand on her hip. “And where was my brother during all of this?”
“He went to have a drink with the man who tied my hands together,” Madalene revealed.
“Didn’t he at least see you home?”
Madalene shook her head. “Lord Oliver saw to that,” she said. “He arrived with a coach and ensured I returned home safely.”
“What were you thinking, Madalene?” Jane asked. “You put your life in the hands of my brother. That was rather a stupid thing to do.”
“I just wanted to find Edith.”
“As do I, but not at the expense of losing you, as well,” Jane said as she returned to her seat.
Madalene pressed her lips together before admitting, “I worry that your brother might be in danger.”
“Why do you say that?”
“He is associating with disreputable people, and I couldn’t help but see his demeanor change in front of my captor.”
“In what way?”
“It was as if he became another person,” Madalene muttered. “I know that sounds foolish, but it is true.”
“That doesn’t surprise me in the least,” Jane said with a shake of her head, “especially since I don’t recognize the man who came home.”
Madalene shifted in her seat. “We must help him.”
“How?”
“Will you talk to him?”
Jane huffed. “My brother and I aren’t exactly on speaking terms right now.”
“Why is that?”
“I’m afraid it is fairly complicated,” Jane remarked dismissively.
Madalene blew out a puff of air. “I see.”
“But,” Jane hesitated, “I will see what I can do.”
“Thank you,” Madalene said. “You are the best…”
Her voice trailed off when the door to the drawing room opened and Lord Hawthorne stepped into the room. His eyes widened when they landed on her, and he rushed to say, “My apologies. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
“Nonsense,” Madalene said, abruptly rising. “I was just leaving.”
“You were?” Jane asked.
Madalene nodded. “I was, but would you like to meet for some lemon ice at Gunter’s tomorrow?”
“I would.”
“Wonderful,” Madalene replied. “I shall see myself out, then.”
As she walked towards the door, she offered Lord Hawthorne a polite smile. He acknowledged it with a tip of his head.
