She looked startled by their vehemence.
“Lady Penroth, I appreciate your concern for Justin. I am concerned myself, which is why I am here, but if you think any of us will sanction your return to that pig you are mistaken.” He looked intently at her. “We will find another way,” he said gently.
“I cannot—will not allow Justin to be interrogated because of me,” she said stubbornly. “Honor is everything to him. How will this reflect on him and his name?”
“Youare everything to me, Jillian,” he said quietly. “We will find a way.”
She looked at him, surprise written on her features.
“I assume you already have a plan to leave London?” Hawk asked, looking at Justin.
“You assume correctly.”
“Then the only problem presenting itself is how to get you and Lady Penroth out of this house and out of the city unobserved.”
“Exactly,” Case said in agreement.
Jillian looked in bewilderment at the three men. She rose and swayed unsteadily. Three pair of hands reached out to steady her. “Justin, we must talk,” she said firmly. “It sounds very much like you are planning to leave London with me.”
“Yes, exactly,” he said, slipping a supportive arm around her shoulders.
“I can’t allow you to do that,” she said, pain reflected on her face.
“My decision has already been made.”
She turned earnest eyes toward him, pleading in her voice. “Justin, youcan’t. Think about what this will mean.” Her voice broke off and she closed her eyes, a spasm of pain crossing her face.
Justin caught her against him and gently lowered her back into her chair. “Jillian, you must go back to bed. The doctor insisted you weren’t to move for several more days.”
She nodded slowly, but then turned back to look at Hawk. “Promiseme you will make him leave.”
“You have my word, my lady.”
She closed her eyes wearily and allowed Justin to lead her back to her room.
Edward hovered near the door when Justin returned. “Your grace, I want to accompany you and her ladyship when you go.”
Justin looked at him in surprise. “Edward, I don’t think you understand. We won’t be going back to Whittington. We will be forced to take on rather modest accommodations to avoid discovery.”
Edward drew himself up. “I would be most offended were you to think the only reason I wish to accompany you is because I am concerned with my livelihood. Your father provided quite generously for me, and I have a tidy sum to retire on. I would never forgive myself were I to leave you and her ladyship in your time of need.”
“Very well, as long as you know precisely what it is you are getting into. I welcome your companionship.”
Edward looked at him in horror. “I never implied we would befriends. A good butler serves his master no matter where he may go.”
Justin grinned at his scandalized tone. “A truer friend my family has never had.”
He harrumphed, but Justin didn’t miss the pleased expression that lit his face as he turned to hurry away.
Hawk rose as Justin made his way into the study. If he had any hope of getting Justin out of the house before the Royal Guard appeared, he had better move fast. He took up a glass and deftly poured the contents of a small vial into it before pouring a drink for Justin. He handed the glass to his cousin. “You’ve quite a lady, cousin. Almost makes me envious.”
Justin took the drink and sat down in front of the fire, sipping it idly.
“I propose you leave London at once,” Hawk said mildly. “Lady Penroth can join you once attention has been diverted from your house.”
“I am forced to agree with Hawk,” Case spoke up. “There really is no other way.”
“You don’t have a choice,” Hawk said, looking pointedly at the now empty glass in Justin’s hand.
