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“But now the leaders of the uprising have realized the baron is not among those they took prisoner,” Sir Percy said. “They are searching for him and, make no mistake, if he is found, he will be killed.”
“Then he must not go home,” Angelette said.
“He can’t stay here,” Hugh interjected. Angelette had not yet realized that was Sir Percy’s plan.
She spun around. “But he has nowhere else to go. We can’t send him away.”
“That is not your decision to make. This is not our house.”
“Then I suppose it is my decision.”
They all turned to find the Vicomte de Merville standing in the doorway. He was dressed as he had been earlier and had obviously not yet gone to bed.
“I heard the commotion and came down.” He addressed himself to the baron. “Monsieur, you are welcome here as long as you like. I only wish I could do more to help you, but my wife is with child and we must leave as soon as possible.” He glanced at Sir Percy.
“Have no fear, monsieur. I will return in a few hours with the coaches I promised. Only I will not be traveling with you.”
“But Sir Percy, it is too dangerous to stay,” Hugh argued. If Sir Percy stayed, what hope did he have of convincing Angelette to go?
“It is far more dangerous for the baron,” Sir Percy argued, “and he will not be able to escape the city without papers. I will give him mine and stay behind until I am able to acquire replacements.”
The baron stood, his hand on the table to steady himself. “I cannot ask such a thing of you, monsieur.”
Sir Percy waved a hand, and Hugh noted that under his military-style coat, he wore a shirt with lace cuffs. “It is already decided. I will hear no argument. Furthermore, if I stay there may be others I can help as well.”
“Then you must use this residence as a place of safety. The vicomtesse and I will be gone. I would like to think of this home as a place of refuge for those in need.”
Sir Percy bowed deeply. “I am very much obliged to you, monsieur.”
“Apparently, no one considers the danger Sir Percy puts the four of us in when he adds the baron to our traveling party. What if the guards at the gate or the customs officials discover the baron’s true identity? We could all be imprisoned. Or worse.”
“This gentleman is correct,” the baron said. “I cannot allow you to risk your lives for mine.”
“I can think of no greater honor,” the vicomte replied. “You are welcome to travel in my coach.”
All eyes turned to Hugh. With a sigh he looked at Angelette. “Will you reconsider if we take the baron with us? Will you come to England?”
Angelette looked at the baron and then at Hugh. “I’m afraid I’ve answered this question already. I will not be traveling to England in the morning.”
