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He drew a deep breath. “My apologies. I’m simply astonished to see you here. What do you mean, you’re leaving Ashwick? Why?”

Her eyes dimmed. “Beatrice has no intention of marrying, and Father has no intention of allowing me out in Society until she does. Instead of waiting for my turn to be out, I am seizing the opportunity for myself.”

His heart reached out to her, but honestly, the woman was absolutely mad. “But, Miss—” He stopped as she raised her hand to silence him again. He restarted. “Your family will surely notice your absence.”

She sniffed out in disbelief. “They will not even notice I am gone, I assure you. They are to attend a private ball this evening here in Ashwick. When Beatrice is set to parade before gentlemen, I am left to my own devices. At any rate, I’ve another servant I’m paying at Daffley to ensure my absence remains unnoticed for a time.”

That hardly resolved his concerns. “Surely you are aware of the possible repercussions should you see this through. Your reputation will be ruined, as will your family’s.”

“I care not about reputation,” she said with a raised chin.

The words pinched a nerve. “You only say that because you do not know what it is to suffer with a poor one.”

She paused, narrowing her eyes. This was not the conversation he ought to be having right now. He needed to be at Daffley Park, working for Mr. Coventry. Not in Ashwick, trying to bring his employer’s daughter home.

“You cannot simply leave without thinking of the dangers of traveling alone,” he continued. “Where in heaven’s name do you plan to stay? And with whom?”

She raised a flippant shoulder. “I’ve an aunt in Cornwall. Or an uncle who lives in Scotland.”

“Scotland?” His eyes widened. She was planning to take the stagecoach all the way to Scotland? “You cannot be serious.”

She sighed. “Very well, then I shall travel to Cornwall. I hear it’s lovely. The sea, the lighthouses, the mines. What a beautiful place to live.”

She’d clearly taken leave of her senses, and it was all his fault. He never should have persuaded her to take courage. “Please,” he continued, forcing himself to remain calm, “you must think this through. You cannot travel the entire way to Cornwall alone.”

“I’m not alone.” She gave him a knowing smile. “I have Jane here with me.”

He glanced at the maid who was smaller in stature and height than even Miss Coventry. Oh, yes, she would provide a great deal of protection.

He rubbed a hand across his brow. What could he say to speak sense to the woman? Clearly, logic was not working. But when he looked at her again, he noticed a forced innocence in her raised brows and an amused glint in her green eyes.

“Are you…are you in earnest?” he questioned. She grinned from ear to ear, and relief flooded through his person. “Oh, thank heavens. I did not believe you could be so daft as to leave your home.” He paused. “But then, why the portmanteau?”

“Oh, I am still leaving Ashwick, but only for the day—and not to Cornwall or Scotland.” She leaned in closer with a conspiratorial whisper. “You see, there is an assembly I am inclined to attend at the inn in Wells this evening. It is but eight miles southwest of here. That is why I am here so early—to catch the only coach through the town. I shall be delivered there in safety in but a little over an hour.”

For a brief moment, all his fears had been laid to rest at the notion of her remaining in Ashwick. Now, however, knowing Miss Coventry had a plan and a way to see about said plan, his concern only grew.

“A coach will not ensure your safe deliverance,” he said slowly, hoping the words would speak directly to her judgment. “Any number of accidents could befall you, not to mention the very real possibility that you will be recognized at one point or another during your travels.”

She simply waved a passive hand. “I’m sure an accident will hardly be likely. And as luck would have it, being held captive at Daffley is my one saving grace. No one will recognize me, for I have never been there. As for the stagecoach, my dependable hood shall do the trick.” She pulled it closer as if to emphasize her point.

He scoffed. The woman really was mad. There was no other explanation for her flawed logic. “I am sorry, but I cannot, in good conscience, allow you to do something so reckless.”

She gave a little smile and a shake of her head, as if she thought his attempt to stop her was laughable. “Well, I am sorry, but I cannot, in good conscience, remain here. Goodbye, Mr. Steele. I wish you luck with your work in the library today.”

She curtsied then made her way down the street.

Edward’s jaw went slack. Confound it. She was in earnest.

Swiftly, he stepped toward her, holding her arm softly until she turned toward him again. “If you insist on going right now, I shall…” He opened and closed his mouth twice, attempting to concoct a threat. “I shall tell your father.”

She laughed airily, walking ahead. “You threaten poorly, sir. I know you are far too kind to out me in such a way.”

Blast. She knew him too well. He took a few steps then moved in front of her to stop her progression again. “Well, I am also far too kind to allow you to throw your future away by leaving Ashwick unaccompanied.”

She studied him carefully for a moment. “It appears we are at an impasse then, sir.”

He folded his arms. “Indeed.”