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“I wouldn’t think a man of your station would embrace that progressive ideal, Your Grace. Besides, I don’t believe women can or should do everything a man does. I do believe, however, that women should be permitted to try if they so desire.”

“Well said, Miss Slater.” Heatherston clapped his hands together then slapped Evan on the shoulder. “I’m headed back to London next week. Let’s arrange to get together before then, shall we?”

“Absolutely,” Evan agreed. “Come for dinner Friday. I’ll let Mother ken.”

“Sophronie. Roni!”

The three of them turned as one to see Sarah and Larissa hurrying across the green.

At once, Evan searched the tent where his mother, grandmothers, and Slater had been reposing a few minutes before. Other guests had taken up residence at their table, and there was no sign of them.

Features sober and pallid beneath their bonnets, his sisters, both quite out of breath, stumbled to a halt.

“Ye must come at once, Roni.” Sarah took Sophronie’s hand. “Yer father collapsed.”

“Mother and Grandmother are with him,” Larissa said on the verge of tears.

Every vestige of color drained from Sophronie’s face, and she swayed.

“Steady now, lass.” Evan put his arm around her. “I’m here. All will be well.”

Or would it?

Evan hadn’t been happy with Slater’s decision to attend the fair today, but who was he to argue with the physician?

“What happened?” Worry rendered Sophronie’s voice husky.

“We dinna ken,” Sarah said. “Miss Wesleyan says she found him on the other side of the house.”

“Alone? That makes no sense.” Face crumpled with worry, Sophronie shook her head. “Why would he have been there?”

Evan turned her toward the entrance. “We’ll sort all of that out later. For now, let’s find yer father and assess the situation.”

From his sisters’ expression, Slater’s condition must be grave indeed.

“What can I do?” Heatherston asked, falling into step beside Evan.

“Send for Doctor Dargavel, and have him meet us at Balston House.” Evan guided Sophronie forward, aware of the guests’ curious gazes boring into them. “Have my coach readied too, please.”

“At once. I’ll take a raincheck on that dinner invitation, my friend.” Heatherston set off at a brisk pace, effectively dodging questions from intrusive guests.

“Please God,” Sophronie whispered as she clutched Evan’s arm.

He glanced downward to see her eyes squeezed shut.

“Please don’t take my father from me. He is all I have in this world.”