Allie reclined on the sofa, silent and still, watching as they cleansed and examined her, pretending that she wasn't mortified to have a complete stranger and another man she barely knew tending to her. Once they'd determined that she wasn't seriously injured, Lord Robert tersely related to Mr. Evers how she'd come to be a guest at the Bradford town house, and how he'd returned there for his walking stick only to discover a thief departing the garden, and then realized he'd stumbled upon a kidnapping.

Gratitude and amazement washed through her as she listened. Although Lord Robert had told her as much earlier, now that the danger to them was over and she could think clearly, the full import of his words sunk in. Dear God, what would have happened to her if he hadn't followed? A shudder shook her shoulders and she purposefully pushed the question away. She didn't even want to consider the possibilities. But there was no escaping one certainty: Lord Robert had saved her life, risking his own in the process. And now, within minutes he was going to start asking her questions, wanting answers and explanations he might well deserve but that she wasn't prepared to give.

Opening her eyes, she looked toward the end of the sofa and was met with the most disturbing sight of Lord Robert, head bent low, gently removing the splinter from her heel. He looked big and strong and capable, and a wave of heat shot through her, settling in her midsection. A lock of ebony hair fell forward, hiding his upper face from her view, but she could clearly see his mouth. His firm lips were pressed together with obvious concentration. His touch was tender and gentle and sent pleasurable tingles racing up her legs. He'd rolled up the sleeves of his once pristine shirt, exposing muscular forearms. Her gaze drifted lower, and she drew in a sharp breath. Reddened, angry skin banded his wrists.

His head jerked up and their eyes met, his filled with concern. "I'm sorry… but at least the splinter is out. Did I hurt you?"

"No. I… I just noticed your wrists. You're hurt."

He shook his head. "Scratched. Nothing more." One corner of his mouth pulled up. "Michael will doctor me when we're finished with you."

An inelegant snort sounded from Michael. "What makes you think so?"

"Because I'm one of your best customers. Wouldn't want to lose me."

"Customers?" Allie echoed.

"Michael owns what is arguably the finest boxing emporium in London. And he is, inarguably, the best pugilist in the country."

Allie turned her attention to Michael Evers, who was bandaging her wrist with a gentle deftness that bespoke experience in such matters. His features were bold and possessed a roughness to them, as if they'd been hewn from granite. It was obvious by the crooked shape of his nose that he'd broken it at one time-not surprising given his profession. Nor was the small scar bisecting his left eyebrow. His hair was thick and dark and badly in need of a trim. He was a large man, yet his movements held an almost catlike grace. And in spite of his size, his touch was gentle. With his rough features, husky brogue-flavored voice, and predilection toward swearing, he looked and sounded nothing like a gentleman, yet clearly he and Lord Robert were friends.

At that instant Michael Evers turned toward her, and her face heated at being caught staring at him. Onyx-colored eyes assessed her thoughtfully.

"You're fortunate that Robert returned for his walking stick, Mrs. Brown," he said.

"Indeed I am, Mr. Evers."

"Which brings me to my first of many questions," Lord Robert said. "How did that man get hold of you? Was he in the house?"

Clearly her reprieve from the inevitable questions was over. She drew a deep breath, then said, "No. I was in the garden-"

"The garden?" Lord Robert broke in, his brows lifting.

"Yes. I couldn't sleep. I felt the need for some fresh air."

Their eyes met and she could almost feel something pass between them. Something heated and knowing and intimate. Warmth crept up her neck and she averted her gaze, not wanting to risk that he might read in her eyes that he was the reason for her restlessness.

"I don't know how things work in America, Mrs. Brown," Mr. Evers said, "but you should know that it is unsafe for a woman to be out alone. Especially at night."

"An error I won't make again, I assure you."

"So you were walking in the garden," Lord Robert said, "and he grabbed you?"

"Yes. From behind. I never saw his face. I tried to scream, but before I could get out a good yell he stuffed a rag in my mouth. I remember a pain in my head, then nothing else until I awoke, tied to Lord Robert."

"Did your abductor give you any clue as to what he wanted?"

"No."

Lord Robert turned to his friend. "Your ear is always to the ground, Michael. What do you think? I know London is rife with crime, but still, the audacity to abduct a lady? In May-fair? From a duke's residence? Have you heard of any similar crimes?"

"No. Which makes me wonder if this was a random act or if perhaps someone from the duke's residence was specifically targeted."

A grim expression came over Lord Robert's face. " Austin needs to be informed. I'll write him-" He broke off, then shook his head. "No, I'd best wait and tell him in person. Elizabeth is safe, as I'm certain he's never farther than three paces away from her. And with the baby's imminent arrival, he's already worried. I don't want to unduly alarm him further."

"A smart strategy," said Mr. Evers, "especially considering that it's also possible Mrs. Brown was the intended victim."

Both men looked at her. Allie strove to keep her face expressionless, but was not certain she succeeded. "I cannot see how that could be possible," she said, proud that her voice didn't waver. "No one knows me here. I only just arrived today. I'm certain it was simply an unfortunate accident. One caused by my own stupidity in wandering about alone at night. And one that could have ended tragically if not for Lord Robert's brave intervention." Her eyes met his. "I thank you." She turned to Michael Evers. "And you as well, Mr. Evers, for your assistance."

"You're welcome," Mr. Evers murmured. He watched her for several long seconds, and Allie forced herself to meet his sharp gaze. Finally he resumed bandaging her hands while Lord Robert bandaged her feet. To Allie, the silence felt thick and heavy with tension and she longed to break it. Yet, as she had no wish to initiate a conversation that might lead to more questions, she said nothing.

Several minutes later, Mr. Evers rose. "Finished," he said. "You'll be sore for a few days, but fine." He turned to Robert. "Make sure those bandages are changed once a day. And now let's have a look at you."

Despite Lord Robert's grumbling, Mr. Evers quickly cleaned and bandaged his wrists. "You'll live," he stated. Then, jerking his head toward the corridor, he said, "Let's give Mrs. Brown a moment alone to collect herself. We'll see to transportation to get you home."

Lord Robert and Mr. Evers quit the room, shutting the door softly behind them. Allie closed her eyes and exhaled a long breath. Her wrists hurt, as did her foot where she'd been stabbed by the splinter. And her head still ached, but not nearly as much as it had earlier. All in all, she felt quite well, considering the fact that she could just as well be seriously injured. Or dead.

There was no doubt in her mind that whoever had abducted her hadn't chosen her at random. Between the accidents she'd suffered on the ship and tonight's events, there was clearly someone who wished her harm. But who? The only logical explanation was that the person had to somehow be tied to David's unsavory past. But what did they want from her? She possessed nothing of value. Or did they simply want her dead? A cold chill rippled through her. They'd nearly succeeded tonight. Would they try again?

And tonight, Lord Robert's life had been threatened as well. Her circumstances could be placing him in danger. She should warn him… tell him…

But tell him what? That some unknown person from her husband's shady past might be after her for a reason she could not possibly guess at? Her insides cramped at the mere thought. She hadn't admitted David's criminal past to anyone. Not to her family, or to Elizabeth through their correspondence. The shame and humiliation, not to mention the scandal that would attach itself to her and her family… no, she couldn't tell Lord Robert. She barely knew him. Her life and mistakes with David were none of his or anyone else's business. Besides, she had no desire to become any more involved with Lord Robert than she already was. Sharing her most intimate secrets with him was not something she would even consider.

Intimate…

A shiver ran through her as she instantly, vividly recalled the feel of him surrounding her, his heat and strength as he held her against him, protecting her. At the time, her fright had prevented her from focusing on his disturbing nearness, but now…

A long sigh escaped her. The sort of breathy, feminine sigh she hadn't indulged in for years. Warmth swept through her, kindling a spark she'd ruthlessly extinguished when David died.

A sudden chill replaced the unbidden, unwanted heat, and her eyes popped open. God help her, she was losing her mind. How could she possibly, even for an instant, entertain such… unacceptable thoughts about Lord Robert? He possessed so many traits and characteristics she'd painfully learned to detest and distrust in a man… a friendly, teasing manner that could foster undeserved trust. A handsome face to mask inner dishonor. Warm eyes that hid secrets. Winning smiles to conceal lies. Intense looks and touches that inflamed the senses.