At dusk, Daniel and Jasper rode to confront Robert. Dillon followed from a distance ready to collect what would be necessary for Prudence, unless the man found his courage.

They stood outside staring at the dark house, which did not surprise them.

"We may as well knock. If there's anyone inside, they'll know we're here," Jasper said. He went to the door and used the knocker. When no one answered, he used the side of his fist and pounded. After waiting, he complained, "I didn't think to bring my lock pick."

"Check the windows. There may be one unlocked." Daniel told them as he stepped off the front porch to circle the house checking windows.

"Robert's a coward. What are the chances he's hiding inside?" Jasper asked.

"It would be too risky after losing the bet. It sounds like this guy, Maxwell, accepted the deal. He obviously wants Pru, and he won't be happy if Robert doesn't pay. A man can get shot for welching on a bet," Dillon told him.

They took the opposite way around the house searching for an unlocked window. By the time they were in back of the house, they saw Daniel leaving stables.

"There's no one here. The horses are gone and the only thing in there is a coach with a broken wheel. My guess is that he didn't have the blunt to have it repaired." Daniel looked at the trellis of vines climbing up to the second story beside a window. A smile slowly spread across his lips. "That's my way in. I'll open the back door."

He took a grip of the trellis and shook it first. Satisfied it would hold him, he proceeded to climb up. When he reached the window, he hit one of the square panes with his elbow and reached inside to unlock it. The window was raised and he climbed inside.

Dillon and Jasper went to the back entrance to wait. It wasn't long before they heard the click of the lock. The door opened and they went inside.

Daniel handed them a candle as they stepped inside. "Let's split up. From what I've seen, he's cleaned the place out. I doubt he's living here."

The downstairs was empty of all furnishings. Not one painting was left on the wall. The more they searched, the more they understood how desperate Robert had become. The kitchen had been stripped of everything. It didn't come as a surprise that it was clean. Dillon imagined that Prudence kept it that way.

They met at the bottom of the staircase leading up. The only bedroom with anything in it had to be where Prudence slept. A straw mattress sat in the middle of the room. The few clothes she had were lying on top of the sheet. A brush and mirror set lay with them.

Dillon hadn't seen a mirror anywhere in the house. He knew she used that mirror to do her hair each day. There wasn't a closet or a wardrobe so she had no choice but to keep them on the bed. At the thought of her living this way, he wanted to beat Robert with his fists until he couldn't move. His teeth were clinched so tightly his jaw hurt. "I wonder when the new owners are moving in, he's obviously sold it."

Daniel shook his head at how Pru had been treated. "She knew he was gambling all of this away and couldn't stop him. The man really needs a beating."

"The trick is finding him. Then we can all take turns," Dillon said in a growl. "No doubt this is why he was in a hurry to get rid of her. He had to make sure she wasn't staying here."

"Say the word, and we'll help you hunt him down," Jasper stated. "I have a few friends in France." Jasper cracked his knuckles. "You best go first, because I'm not sure he would live through what I want to do to him."

Daniel and Dillon shared a look knowing that Jasper would and could live up to what he said. Many men had flown backward with one punch from him and they didn't get back up.

"I think death would be too easy for him," Dillon told Jasper. He looked at the bare rooms and shook his head. "From the appearance of this place, I imagine he sold the trunks too. We can use that sheet to wrap her clothes in for transportation. It appears this is all she has. I'll bring the wagon around back."

He turned to leave, and they heard him say, "No lady should be forced to live this way." Then he shouted, "Why the bloody hell didn't she come to me ask for my help?"

Jasper followed after him to say, "Her brother would exploit any friendship she has. I doubt she would risk it."

Daniel nodded his agreement. "This titled family isn't the first to head towards the poorhouse. Soon, this house will be gone leaving her without shelter. Do you suppose she understands her fate?"

Jasper snorted, "She is not blind to what has happened. How could she not? But she also understands that Dillon has now become her protector. For now, that gives her comfort. After tonight, she will learn she has two more who will help. After her care of you, we shall make sure she is safe and her future brighter. The easiest way would be for you to take her to wife, but you also know she would not forsake helping others. That hospital has become her worth. Her life has no substance outside of that hospital."

Dillon frowned, saying, "I have no time for a courtship. There's no choice but to find the one remaining threat to her. This man Maxwell."

Jasper argued, "You're smarter than that, my friend. Marry her, and she will remain safe. Who would kidnap the wife of a Viscount?"

Dillon glanced at him with disgust. "The person, who would take an innocent in a bet to do whatever he desires with her, is who. Changing her name would not change his thinking that she is his property—unless they desire to sell her to me. That would bring a way to entrap this man named Maxwell."

Jasper joined Daniel as Dillon ran down the stairs to bring the wagon to the back and get it off the street.

They wrapped the mirror in her clothes to protect it and then folded the clothes to wrap them in the sheet.

"I would guess she's had these items since her father became sick. The dark dresses she wears at the hospital aren't here," Daniel observed with curiosity.

"I suppose she changes at work to keep Robert in the dark about what she does. What shall we do with the mattress?"

"Take it. That's for her to decide. He's taken everything she has. We won't add to that by removing her choices." Daniel stood and picked up the sheet of clothes. "You bring the mattress." He waited while Jasper lifted the mattress. "I couldn't miss hearing you tell Dillon he should marry Pru. Do you expect her to marry anyone that would have her?"

"You know how much he cares for her, and after what he does for her, will she not reciprocate those feelings?"

"You expect her to marry because someone is kind? If that's true, she could marry that doctor. How many times did you see her walking with him patient to patient while he spoke? He trusted her to follow his instructions. He cares for her too. However, after the life she's had, trust won't come easily. I know she's grateful now, but mark my words, Dillon's pursuit will not be easy." Daniel forewarned.

Jasper considered his words as he approached with the mattress. "You, my friend, have little faith in the bond they previously forged."

* * *

Directly after tea had been served, Prudence had been given a room, warm clothes to change into, and the comfort of a hot bath. An hour later, she came back down in time to see a child racing past her and screaming with laughter as a man chased after him acting like a tickle monster. Nothing had given her such joy in a long time.

The man stopped and bowed, but with laughter in her eyes, she pointed after the boy. "Hurry, lest he escapes!" The gentleman grinned and took off after his son.

Alison stepped into the hall. "Please, come and join me. Lawrence will continue to pursue Thomas until he tires him out. The dress fits you well enough and should help keep you warm. I gave our man Jeffry a warm cape for you." She led the way into the parlor where a fresh log burned in the fireplace.

"Please, take a seat," Alison said as she waved a hand towards a chair close to the fire. "I want to thank you for considering our safety, Lady Stanton. Lawrence and I discussed the suffering you are enduring and came up with a plan. We have an elderly aunt who needs a companion. She has begun to forget things, and we would be grateful if you would consider the job as her nurse. We will pay you handsomely."

The suggestion sounded wonderful to Prudence, but the duty at the hospital was most important to her. Doctor Burton needed her. "Most companions accompany their charge to parties and gatherings. I am not sure that would be safe for either of us."

"My aunt lives at Dillon's estate in the countryside. Her visits with the neighbors should not be a problem for you, not to mention what a great help you would be to us."

"I am very grateful for your offer, but I work at the hospital."

"For now, that isn't safe for you. You recognized Dillon, didn't you?" Alison asked.

"Yes, of course. I made a point of checking up on him daily to make sure his treatments were being given correctly. While he was there, I grew quite fond of him. I did not see you during your visits because I was often busy. Many were burned that night. I'm surprised you remember me."

Before Alison could reply, Lawrence stepped into the room. Dillon followed holding young Thomas draped over his shoulder hanging upside-down and giggling. Prudence curtsied with humor lighting her eyes at what she saw. "I see you caught the tricky fairy prince. Did he grant you a pot of gold for his freedom?"

"Nay. I am an ogre and demanded to see his kingdom."

Alison crossed the room and stooped over to look at Thomas upside-down. "Traveling to his kingdom will need to wait until after he has eaten his dinner of cabbage and fish." She held back her laughter as she watched her son's tongue slide out with his lips stretched down in revulsion. She straightened and offered her hand. "Come, fairy prince, and you may have the roasted chicken and berry pie the cook has prepared for my son, who seems to have disappeared. I suspect he snuck into your kingdom like a pirate."

Dillon set him down and watched the boy dart towards the back of the house to eat.

"Lawrence, I mentioned our need of a companion for Aunt Phyllis to Prudence," Alison informed him. "Perhaps you could discuss this with Dillon and see if the arrangement would be safe for the time being." With his nod, she hurried after Thomas.

Lawrence moved to the fireplace to add a small log. "Dillon, if they know you have her, what are the chances they would ride to your estate to check if you remain visible in town?"

"I would not chance bringing danger to her. Daniel has a small house not far from here that no one knows about. We can use it for the night. I will take her to Lord Grey's in the morning."