“He dislikes small spaces,” he added, “but can cope if there is an exit. They will lock him in a cell, and it will not be easy for him.”
“Since when has he not liked being in small spaces and especially those with locks?” Alexander Nightingale demanded.
“He hid that well,” Lord Seddon added.
“It’s not my story to tell. I only know that we need to get him out as soon as we can.”
“Right, then, let’s go. I am Ramsey Hellion, Miss Downing, but now is not the time to become further acquainted. We shall leave that for later over lashings of tea and cake.”
“You stay, my love, the children will return shortly from their visit to the bakery and wonder what is happening,” Bramstone Nightingale said to his wife. “I hear the carriage, so the rest of you make haste back out the door. You also,Miss Downing,” he added. “Just drop your bags there. Bud will see to them.”
Eliza thought about the rule book Mrs. Holton gave her girls. She was breaking several of them, and she’d only just set foot into the household.
Never speak unless spoken to by a senior family member.
Always remember your place is far below those you work for, so never spend time in their company without your charges.
They walked outside, and Eliza headed for the carriage, where a young man sat on the driver’s seat.
“If you’ll move over, sir, I’ll climb up next to you.”
He did as she asked. Eliza grabbed the seat and started to climb. A hand held her on the ground.
“You are not traveling to the watchhouse up there, Miss Downing. It’s far too cold. You’ll travel with us,” Bramstone Nightingale said.
“It would not be right to do so with the occupants all being men, sir.”
“And yet, as your employer I insist upon it.”
If a senior member of the household gives you a direct order, you must always obey it at once.
“Of course, if you insist, Mr. Nightingale.”
Soon she was seated next to Lord Seddon and Mr. Hellion. Across from her were Mr. Alexander Nightingale and Mr. Bramstone Nightingale. It was lucky she was good with names, or Eliza would be hopelessly confused by now, especially considering the turmoil going on inside her head.
“I understand that being in here alone with us is not done, Miss Downing, but we will ensure no one sees you here,” Lord Seddon said.
“That is of no concern. I am not important enough for anyone to care, but I would rather Mrs. Holton did not learn of this.”
She felt all their eyes on her as she kept hers trained on the window.
“Everyone is important, and birth or wealth does not make that less or more, Miss Downing,” Bramstone Nightingale said solemnly. “Mrs. Holton will not find out, I assure you.”
“Thank you.”Did they really believe that?If so, they were the minority with those of elevated birth.
“I’m glad Mungo was able to save you from Mr. Parson’s unwelcome advances, Miss Downing.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hellion.”
“We will teach you a few ways to defend yourself when we have time,” Alexander Nightingale added.
“Ah—thank you,” she said when nothing else came to mind.
“I will do the talking,” Bramstone Nightingale said.
“Ellington must be in the magistrate’s pocket, Uncle Bram,” Mr. Alexander Nightingale said. “He likely also knows Mungo belongs to us, as he does not exactly blend in and has drawn Ellington’s attention before.”
“Agreed. That man is a rodent with no morals. If there is wrong to be done, you can rest assured he’ll do it,” Ram said.
