She bit her lip and nodded sadly. “We had no choice. Clarion was the only place to turn, and we didn’t have fare for the three of us. Wil is capable, but he’s only twelve. I told him to lock up for three days even if it meant turning paying customers away and wait for me.”
Eli met Da’s eyes, coming to a decision. “I’ll need the rest of today to put things in order at the hall, but I’ll see you home, Miss Hancock, and have a look at your situation. The earl would expect it.” At least he hoped that was so.
Emma’s eyes darted among the girl and the men in her family. “Not alone you won’t,” she said with her older-sister voice. Eli had been dodging it most of his life.
“But I’m perfectly capable—” Fanny began.
“We know you are,” Da said, cutting her off. “But Eli is obliged to report your situation to the earl. He will require an investigation into the business details. There’s nothing for it. He’ll have to go to Manchester.”
Trust Da to know how to convince her! Eli watched the old man’s words knock the wind right out of Miss Hancock’s sails. He could see her mind searching for an answer and finding none.
“My father is correct. I’ve explained the legalities, Miss Hancock, but I owe it to my employer to document the extent of your situation so we can weigh it against what the estate is capable of contributing.” He sounded pompous even to his own ears, but he accepted it as an occupational hazard.
Miss Hancock appeared mulish, but she didn’t fight him. “I accept, but Mrs. Corbin needn’t worry. I’m not some titled flower with a reputation to protect.”
“All women deserve protection,” Emma grumbled.
“She’ll be perfectly safe with me,” Eli snapped. He peered at their guest more closely. Perhaps she was older than he’d first thought. He hesitated only a moment; he knew how to behave like a gentleman no matter how great the temptation. Besides, his interest in Fanny Hancock was strictly estate business. He didn’t need his sister interfering. “In any case, my gig only has room for two, and it is faster than that lumbering coach of your husband’s. Time matters. That settled, I have work to do. Get a good night’s sleep, Miss Hancock. We’ll leave early.”
He left before anyone could object. He’d see the girl home, take a look at her situation, and be back in his office in four days. Five at most.
