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Samuel shook the solicitor’s hand, unexpectedly grateful to feel something tangible amid the maelstrom of emotions he was experiencing. “Many thanks, Cantrell.”

“My pleasure, Ross.” He crossed the room to open the door. “I daresay one of us should express our appreciation to Miss Dennington for making such a valuable introduction—albeit unknowingly.”

“I had the same thought,” Samuel said, pressing his hat more firmly onto his head. “And I intend to follow through with it directly.”

Chapter 32

Hannah added the last row of numbers in the ledger book for the sixth time, biting back a groan of frustration when the total did not match her previous tally. Again. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she closed her eyes to the page of tidily written numbers. At what point should she admit defeat? She knew full well that her father had requested that she join him in his study so he might keep her within sight while simultaneously keeping her mind occupied. But a busy mind was the least of her problems at present. In fact, given the choice, she would rather empty her head of the myriad thoughts buzzing around like frenetic bees.

“How is it looking?” her father asked from his place on the other side of the desk.

“Like you need a new assistant,” Hannah replied, setting an elbow on the desk and resting her head on her hand. “I’m very sorry, Father. I seem to be incapable of adding the simplest of numbers today.”

“Did you manage to sleep at all last night?”

“A little.” Nowhere near what Dr. Meyer would prescribe, however.

It had been the early hours of the morning by the time she’d slipped under the covers. Talking through her experience at Telford House with her father and sisters had taken longer than she had anticipated. But their concern for her welfare and comforting words had been a balm that had lingered long after they’d all removed themselves from the parlor to their respective bedchambers. Sleep had remained elusive, however, frightened away by violent mental images and a longing to be with Samuel or, at the very least, to know that he had returned safely to his lodgings.

“Would you like to go to your bedchamber to rest for a while?” her father asked.

She had no desire to encourage nightmares, but neither did she wish to make grievous errors in her accounting. “Perhaps that would be for the best,” she said, closing the ledger.

A knock sounded on the study door.

“Enter,” her father called.

Romford appeared. “Mr. Ross is here to see you, sir.”

Samuel. Hannah’s pulse quickened. She’d not expected to see him until calling hours.

“Send him in, Romford,” her father said.

The butler disappeared, reappearing moments later to usher Samuel into the study. Hannah rose to greet him. Using the desk to steady himself, her father did the same.

“Good morning, Ross,” her father said.

“Good morning, sir.” Samuel inclined his head in greeting.

“I assume you come bearing news regarding last evening’s unfortunate events,” her father said.

“In part, sir,” Samuel said, but before adding anything more, he turned his attention to Hannah. “I hope you are none the worse after your experiences at Telford House, Hannah.”

Her heart warmed at his concern, and she offered him a small smile. “I am well enough. Thank you for inquiring.”

“Take a seat,” her father said, “and tell us what you can regarding those you took into custody.”

Samuel lowered himself onto one of the chairs facing the desk as Hannah and her father reclaimed theirs.

“There is not much more to share,” Samuel said. “Aitken and Grimsby are being held at the Brown Bear. The other Bardsey Gang members who were rounded up in the vicinity of Telford House are in a holding cell at the magistrate’s office. All will be transported to the Old Bailey as soon as possible.”

“What of their injuries?” Hannah asked.

“They have been treated. Aitken will likely recover the use of his hand and arm. Grimsby’s fate is less sure.”

She caught her lower lip between her teeth, glad that Samuel had been honest with her, though equally grateful that he had not been more specific. She had guessed that Grimsby’s injuries had been serious when he’d fallen to the ground and remained there.

“No matter what happens to Grimsby from this point forward,” Samuel said, “he will never hurt you again.”