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“You have been running from them since you were seventeen. Do you truly wish me the same fate? No. I shall stay and defend my home.”

He exhaled. “I was hoping you’d surprise me.” He leaned forward. “I’ve written to a captain more powerful than Reeve. He gets use of the tunnel for his own cargo if he helps me take Reeve. He'll bring ten men. That may be enough to capture whoever Reeve sends through.”

"When are you expecting them?"

"One or two weeks from now. A week ago, he’d sent a message saying the cargo was delayed by two or three weeks."

“Then I must do what I can to prepare for their arrival.”

“Please. Reconsider,” he said.

“No, but I would not begrudge you should you wish to leave.”

“Alone? No.”

“Is it? Are you not the one I ought to be afraid of?”

“I told you—”

“Yes. But forgive me for having my doubts.”

He released a breath. "If you stay, you could die."

"I understand."

"Audrey."

"Do not try to convince me. I simply refuse."

"Blast it! You’re the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met."

"You keep saying that as though it should offend me."

He almost smiled. It died before it reached his mouth.

He stood. “We need to reinforce the barrier. Barricade every door and window.”

"Supplies," she said. "If we are boarding ourselves in, we need food. Water."

“I’ll go now to buy the provisions from the village.”

“I will go with you. No one will recognise me.”

He nodded. Once. “Can you ride?”

Heat rose to her face. "No."

"I need to send a post." He began walking. She followed.

The drawing room was dark. He sat at the desk, lit a candle, and scribbled a few lines then sealed it with hot wax. He held it out to her. "Post this at the shop. They’ll have a box.”

She took the letter from him and read the address and looked up in surprise. “His Grace the Duke of Iredell?”

“Insurance. The duke will ensure the magistrate understands our plight and judge accordingly.”

She nodded. “That is wise.”

“I'll take you on horseback to the edge of the village. You walk in alone and buy what we need. Bread, salt pork, dried goods, whatever will keep. Candles. A bottle of brandy if they have it."