As he was kicking down the rest of the door the dogs arrived barking with excitement knowing they'd found their quarry. James, only slightly out of breath, arrived a few seconds behind them.
He took in what was happening at a glance and joined the groom in destroying the door. With two men applying their combined force it quickly disintegrated.
Sofia held the candlestick above her head so they could see inside. Her maid was trussed like a chicken, both hands and feet tied, and a cloth tied over her mouth to prevent her from calling out.
James reached the girl first. He dipped into a boot top and withdrew a stiletto so soon the girl was free and sobbing in his arms. He remained kneeling next to her for a few moments whilst she told him what had transpired.
He regained his feet easily and turned to face them. 'Sid, you take her from me. I've got business to attend to. Sofia, she must stay in the empty bedchamber, the one for your sisters, and you and Annabel must take care of her.'
The dogs were quiet now but they weren't content, they were growling quietly and she guessed what business he might be referring to.
'Annabel, dearest, will you look after Mary as you know her better than I? I wish to speak to James but will join you directly.'
He must have heard her quiet words as he waited until she joined him and the dogs. 'It was Foster and Bedford who incarcerated her. The poor girl overheard them talking and they couldn't risk her informing me that they were co-conspirators.'
'Did they intend to leave her up here to die? I can't believe that. They might be disloyal, but surely they can't be murderers?'
His expression was grim. 'I think it was a panic move, I doubt they thought it through. But having locked her up they've made themselves even more culpable. What else would they do with her?'
'They would have returned when it was dark, taken her away and then left her somewhere miles from here where she'd do them no harm.'
He almost snarled his reply. 'And how is that better? She'd have been the prey of any passing vagabond. This isn't your concern; I'll deal with it how I think fit.'
He stepped around her and with the dogs their hackles up, on full alert, he was gone.
