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“I’m afraid we really need to be away,” Miss Comden said in a thready voice.
He dipped his spoon into the soup and raised it to his lips, wondering what question he should ask next to provide a hint to their predicament.
“We’re fugitives,” blurted Miss Horatia.
Gus coughed and spit out his broth, covering his mouth with the linen napkin. His eyes watered, and the liquid ran up his nose as he spluttered and tried to catch his breath.
“Tia!” Miss Comden jumped from her chair. It fell back with a crash. She smacked him on the back several times and then offered him his glass of wine. He took it and swallowed quickly, taking in deep breaths and wiping at his face.
“My sincere apology,” said Miss Horatia politely as her sister retrieved the chair from the floor, “but wearefugitives, escaping my abhorrent guardian.”
“Tia!”
“He might as well know. He might be able to help us,” huffed her sister.
The rest of the dinner included sliced beef, small potatoes, and multiple explanations as both sisters tried to talk over the other.
“So, let’s see if I understand correctly.” Gus pushed back his plate and poured a glass of sherry for himself and Miss Comden. “Your father, who died this past October, left this pompous fop in charge of Miss Hor—er, Tia.” He nodded his head at the young girl in acknowledgment of her request.
They both nodded.
“He arrived, decided to keep one of the dowries by marrying Miss Comden, and save the second by putting Miss Tia in the York Asylum.” He rubbed his jaw. “He must be an idiot.”
“Oh no, not hideous at all. He’s quite handsome,” argued Tia.
“No.” Miss Comden shook her head at Tia and raised her hands. With her right middle finger, she tapped the middle finger of her left hand. Then she made a half circle with her right thumb and forefinger and laid it against the extended forefinger of her left.
“I-D—Idiot!” cried Tia. “Oh, yes, he’s certainly that.”
Gus’s brow scrunched, and in a moment, he’d put the pieces together. “Good God, she’s deaf.”
Tia smiled indulgently. Miss Comden held her breath, blinking rapidly.
“Please, don’t cry.” He stood and hovered over the older sister. “I’m sure it will all work out.”
“I know it will. It must.” She dotted the corner of her eyes with her napkin and gave him a watery smile. “I think all the excitement and worry has caught up with me. Once we are over the border, I’ll figure out a better plan. We had so little time to decide what to do.”
“Will he come after you?” Gus wouldn’t mind a chance to throttle the man if he showed up at Bliss Manor. He would send a note off to his brother the morning and see what Nate could find out about Lord Turnsley. “I only know his reputation as a wastrel. His father is well-respected and also a baron, I believe. He’s cut his son off several times, refusing to pay his debts, but his mother dotes on him.”
Miss Comden took a deep breath, as if relieved their secret was out. “Truly, I don’t think he cares what we do as long as it doesn’t dip into his coffers.”
Gus snorted. His male ego wanted to thrash this scoundrel and shield these two females from any more mishap. Now he understood MacIntyre’s fierce protectiveness. “I am sorry you had to go through such an ordeal. I want you to know you are safe here.”
Miss Tia beamed at him. Miss Comden gave him another teary smile. His stupid grin returned.
“I’m glad to hear it.” Mrs. Willoughby stood at the door with a tray of tarts.
“I suppose you heard?” There wasn’t much that escaped his housekeeper.
“Enough to know they’ll be staying for a bit.”
Jasper and Pup peeked from behind her gray skirt. “We’ll sleep in the hall and guard them,” the youth said.
“I told you not to wander with the master home.” She looked at Gus. “I apologize. He’s used to free rein with the house empty for so long. He’ll do better.”
Miss Tia let out a squeal of delight. She hurried across the room and fell to her knees, the scruffy, straw-colored dog jumping on her lap. Her giggles mixed with Jasper’s laughter as the mutt licked the girl’s face.
Gus watched the two youngsters play with Pup. “It seems they’ve become fast friends.”
