Captain Heron looked from one to the other, half laughing, half startled. “But you’re all very murderous!” he expostulated. “I wish you would tell me what has happened.”
“Oh, it’s nothing,” said the Viscount. “That fellow Lethbridge got Horry into his house last night, and she dropped a brooch there.”
“Yes, and he wants to c-compromise me,” nodded Horatia. “So you see, he won’t give the brooch up. It’s all d-dreadfully provoking.”
The Viscount got up. “I’ll get it back for you,” he said. “And we won’t have any damned tact about it.”
“I’ll come with you, Pel,” said the crestfallen Sir Roland.
“You can come home with me while I get the pistols,”replied the Viscount severely, “but I won’t have you going with me to Half-Moon Street, mind.”
He went out, accompanied by his friend. Horatia sighed. “I d-do hope he’ll get it this time. Come into the library, Edward, and tell me all about L-Lizzie. Why didn’t she c-come with you?”
Captain Heron opened the door for her to pass out into the hall. “It was not considered advisable,” he said, “but I am charged with messages for you.”
“N-Not advisable? Why not?” asked Horatia, looking over her shoulder.
Captain Heron waited until they had reached the library before he answered. “You see, Horry, I am happy to tell you that Lizzie is in a delicate situation just now.”