Her father answered, “Yes, and rightfully so.”
“There is…one other matter I came to discuss with you.” Collin sobered, leaning back in his chair as he thought about how best to approach the topic.
“Yes?”
Collin glanced down to his hands, folding them as he considered his words carefully. “Do you remember when I disclosed my reasons for returning to Cambridge?”
Professor Essex nodded.
“Well, I made some progress, but that turns out to be the problem. And while I’ve been exceptionally cautious”—except for last night, he amended mentally—“the rogues I’ve discovered have unfortunately connected me to Miss Essex as well.”
At this, her father stood up straight. “Oh, well that presents a problem, doesn’t it?”
“It does, and so you can see that safety is a concern.”
“It is indeed.”
Collin had toyed with several plans, but continued to come back to this one and decided to test it out. “I have an idea.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, it’s probably a little abrupt, but would you and your daughter consider taking a holiday to London?”
Professor Essex quirked his brows; they truly had a language of their own. Collin deliberately had to disregard them to keep his focus from straying. “It would take a few days to find a replacement for my classes, but I believe it might be a good option. With the current situation with Elizabeth, removing ourselves from here for a few days might help.”
“Then we are in agreement?” Collin asked.
“Yes, I’ll speak with Elizabeth when I return home, and perhaps you can take dinner with us. Or do you think that will be a risky choice?”
Collin shook his head. “If we remove you from the area soon, then I think the risk will be minimal. The benefits will far outweigh it, and by this evening I can have most of the arrangements made for you.”
“There’s no need. I can—”
“I insist,” Collin interrupted. “My apologies, but in this I’m determined. I created the problem, and it is upon me to make amends. Besides, you’ll be far more comfortable traveling in my carriage than if you traveled post.”
Professor Essex paused, then agreed. “Very well. I’ll anticipate hearing all the particulars tonight.”
“Until this evening.” Collin stood and then, with a bow, quit the room.
Before he closed the door, Professor Essex’s voice bid him pause. “Thank you, Lord Penderdale.”
Collin gave a nod and a small smile. “Thank me when I’ve made sure your daughter is safe. Until then, I am the one in your debt.”
He didn’t wait for the professor to say anything more, merely closed the door and walked back down the hall. There were plans that needed to be made, and with any luck, they’d be twofold.
Protect Elizabeth.
And have her meet his sister.
Twenty-five
He that judges without informing himself to the utmost that he is capable cannot acquit himself of judging amiss.
—John Locke,An Essay Concerning Human Understanding
Elizabeth was still chiding herself when her father came home and told her that Lord Penderdale would be joining them for dinner and, more surprising, that they would be traveling to London.
London.
