Emily, who wanted nothing more than to go upstairs, wash her mouth out with strong soap, and sink into an exhausted slumber, was forced to meet her mother and sister in the drawing room and try to answer their multitude of questions. She was very thankful when Alexander put an end to the barrage by telling them simply, “She was abducted by a highwayman, but, Sir Ma—, that is, Lord Wesleigh and I were able to recover her before any damage was done. Now, I am sure she would like nothing more than to have a good rest, after which she will be able to give more intelligent replies to your request for information. I will return tomorrow afternoon to provide any more explanations you may require.”

Lady Smithfield, though bursting with questions, had to be satisfied for the nonce, and Emily whispered her gratitude to Alexander before turning to leave. She was struck by a sudden thought, and turned back to Alexander, “My horse,” she said, so tired it came out as barely a whisper.

“Not to worry. I am on my way to collect the horses now.”

Emily nodded, too tired to thank him, and turned to walk up the stairs to her bedchamber.

It was almost noon before she awoke the next day, and at first she could not imagine why her jaw ached so. Then the activities of the previous evening returned to her with a rush, and she closed her eyes again, trying to take them all in. She had been abducted by a highwayman, but Alexander had saved her, and as he was not the highwayman himself, she was actually in a better humor than she had been in four-and-twenty hours earlier.

She quickly washed and dressed, and, as she was finishing, Lydia entered her chamber.