Eight thousand pounds. How could George have been so catastrophically foolish?
“Louise?” Emily’s voice drifted down from the landing. “Are the bad men gone?”
“Yes, darling,” she cleared her throat. “Stay with Mrs. Fielding a moment longer.”
Louise pressed her palms against her eyes, trying to think past the panic clawing at her throat.
She had no one to turn to. Their solicitor had abandoned them months ago when the money ran out. Their remaining friends had gradually disappeared as their circumstances declined. And George …
George had left them to face this alone.
Tomorrow night.
She climbed the stairs on unsteady legs and forced her expression into something resembling calm before entering Emily’s room. Her sister sat on the bed with her arms wrapped around her knees, while Mrs. Fielding hovered nearby, wringing her hands.
“Those men won’t hurt us, will they?” Emily’s question carried a fear no six-year-old should feel.
Louise sat beside her, pulling the child into her arms. Emily smelled of lavender soap, and her eyes sparkled with innocence, and Louise would do anything to protect that.
“No, my darling. I won’t let them.”
Mrs. Fielding caught Louise’s eye over Emily’s head, her expression grave. They’d been through enough together these past months for the housekeeper to read the truth Louise couldn’t speak aloud.
“Shall I prepare some tea, my lady? And some milk, for Lady Emily?” Mrs. Fielding asked carefully.
“Please. And perhaps check on the others below? They … I was told they are in the cellar.”
The housekeeper’s mouth tightened, but she bobbed a curtsy and left them alone.
“Louise?” Emily pulled back to study her sister’s face with those too-perceptive eyes. “You look sad.”
“I’m not sad. Just thinking.”
“About George?”
“Among other things.”
Emily was quiet for a moment, then asked in a small voice, “Are we going to lose our home?”
The question pierced Louise’s heart. How many times had this child overheard conversations not meant for her ears? How many worries had she been carrying in secret?
“We’re going to be fine,” Louise said firmly. “I’m going to make sure of it.”
“You always make everything better.” Emily snuggled in. “I wish I could make it all better for you one day.”
“You already do, darling,” Louise held her sister tighter, feeling the trust in her small body.
Tomorrow night, she would walk into Bragg’s trap. She would do whatever was necessary to keep Emily safe.
And she would pray that the Duke of Calborough was the honorable man his reputation suggested, not the rake Bragg seemed to believe him to be.
Either way, by tomorrow night, her fate would be sealed.
The sound of the servants stirring below reminded her that there were immediate concerns to address.
She pressed a kiss to Emily’s forehead.
“Stay here while I see to the household. I’ll send Mrs. Fielding up with warm milk and a biscuit.”
