Pru's thoughts halted at the sound of the team being drawn to a stop. A moment later, she felt the wagon rock as Jeffry climbed down. There was a sound of movement on the tarp, and then he began untying it. Once it was free, he pulled the covering off.

"Ye were a bit quiet back there. I wasn't sure if ye hadn't fallen asleep."

"No, I feared any noise would ruin the ruse. Is Daniel Long here?" she asked as she sat up.

"Yes, Milady. Jasper Mills is here as well. He's driving the travel coach. They saw me pull in next to the delivery. I'll just drop the rags off. Do you mind if we give the hospital the mattress? I'm sure they could use it."

"That's a wonderful idea." She looked over at the sound of the coach pulling up beside the wagon. A dark-headed man, almost as large as Dillon, stepped down from inside the coach. She recognized him from the days of Dillon's stay at the hospital. "Hello, Milord."

He tipped his hat. "None of that; call me Daniel. We'll put the trunks aboard the landau and then go inside with you if you need to explain your absence."

His offer surprised her since she had asked this of Dillon. "Thank you. I do need to enlighten him of my new circumstances." She moved towards the seat of the wagon to give them room.

Daniel pulled a trunk off the wagon and handed it to Jasper, who set it inside the boot of the coach. Once both were secured, Jasper approached her. He had very curly sandy blond hair and bright eyes. It was too dark outside to tell the color nor could she remember.

"Milady, I'm Jasper. We met at the hospital."

"Yes, I remember you both fondly. Each day you would come and sit with Dillon, keeping him abreast of the world outside of the hospital walls as you helped me with his needs. His condition concerned you. I am sure he was relieved to have his toilet taken over by you."

They both snickered, and Jasper nudged Daniel with his elbow. "That he did. Though, if he blushed you wouldn't have known it. You're a fine nurse. We thank you for all you did for him."

"It pleases me he has done so well. Please, I would like both of you to call me Pru," she said as she moved to the end of the wagon.

"I like that better than Prudence," Daniel boldly stated as he reached up to help her. She put her hands on his shoulders as he lifted her down. "If you're ready, we'll escort you inside. You do realize you'll be gone for some time, don't you? Whoever tried to win you at cards..."

Jasper shoved him. "She knows. Don't remind her. We don't need to be talking out here. Let's move." He tugged the hood of her cape up to hide her face and nodded when he was satisfied.

They placed her between them and led her inside. She worked on the second floor, so they climbed the stairs. The door they entered led down a hall directly to Doctor Burton's office. However, the doctor wasn't there. Daniel stayed with Pru while Jasper went to find a nurse to relay the message that Nurse Stanton needed to speak with him.

While they waited, Pru gathered the ointment for Dillon. She added one of the newest mixtures the doctor had begun testing for existing scars. She put them into her reticule.

Doctor Burton came into the office with an expression of relief at seeing her. "You look lovely, M'dear," he said, taking her hands. "I had feared you were in terrible trouble and suspected the worst when a gentleman came here to inquire about you."

"Did you know him?" Jasper interrupted with urgency.

"What did you tell him?" Daniel asked at the same time.

The doctor turned his full attention to them. "I remember meeting you gentlemen when Lord Chadwick was a patient here. You two are good friends of his, so I have a good idea you are helping Lady Stanton."

"Please, Doctor Burton, may I present Daniel Long, Earl of Westonshire, and Jasper Mills, Earl of Glastonberg."

Daniel smiled and bowed his head in greeting, while Jasper merely waited.

"A pleasure." The doctor bowed his head. "In regards to the stranger asking questions, I told him nothing since he refused to give me his name. He said he was searching for her because she had gone missing and was last seen with the Viscount of Dewsbury. I knew then she was safe."

Dr. Burton gave her a smile before returning his attention to Jasper and Daniel. "I fear all I can tell you about him will sound too common to help. He's in his late twenties, dark red hair, and dressed like a commoner. His speech also confirmed it. I assumed he was paid by someone to make the inquiry. He left an hour ago. I did ask why he thought she would be here at the hospital. The confusion on his face told me he knew nothing about her, so I inquired if he had checked the other wards to see if she had been admitted there."

Jasper grinned. "That was quick thinking, Doc." Doctor Burton smiled. "We can hope it will confuse them. We're taking her out of town for her safety. Just stick to your story that you know her because her father was your patient. Do this until we are assured of her safety."

"May I inquire if this has to do with your brother?" the doctor asked.

Prudence sighed as she nodded. "Robert tried to sell me to cover a debt, and Lord Chadwick saved me. I am sure they are hunting for me through the places the Viscount has been."

He nodded with understanding. "If you require further help, please come to me. You know I will do all I can." He turned his attention to the men. "I regret I cannot help you further."

"You handled the situation well. Send us a message if anyone else shows up asking about her." Daniel handed him his card. "We need to leave. This is making me nervous, and Dillon will not be happy."

Doctor Burton took her hand and kissed it. "When it's safe, please contact me. I hope you will continue to work here. You are an exceptional nurse."

"Thank you. Lord Chadwick assured me that he will take care to keep me safe. I do want to continue working here. I feel as if I'm contributing so much towards the care of patients. I will return as soon as he deems I may do so." As soon as she finished speaking, Daniel escorted her out, and all she had time to do was wave goodbye.

***

The trip across town to Daniel's unoccupied house took longer than usual. To be assured they weren't being followed, they kept changing directions and kept to the streets without street torches. Neither gentleman rode with Prudence. Instead, they shared the driver's seat of the landau, each armed and ready to defend her if trouble arrived.

When they drove into the neighborhood, Daniel mumbled, "There's no food in the house. After we're assured we weren't followed, I'll take the coach back to my house and see what the cook has in the pantry. She'll need to eat before traveling to Greystone."

"If that's your plan, bring my horse."

"Planned to. Keep in mind that Pru's not a bitch like your sisters' even if she is a lady. She's a nurse who saved Dillon, and now he's her protector. So, be pleasant if she asks something that bothers you."

"What makes you say that? I'm not planning on being rude."

"You treat most women like they're ready to cut your throat. If she bothers you, remember the care she gave Dillon. That should help."

"Agreed. She's an angel and the victim."

"Right... and Dillon fancies her." They stared at each other with mischievous anticipation of Dillon courting Pru.

As they drove into the neighborhood, only a few street torches were lit, but the light coming from the windows of some of the houses revealed they were occupied. Daniel took the alley to the back entrance, where the carriage-house and stable were located.

When the coach came to a stop, Jasper climbed down and opened a wide gate. Daniel drove the team through, and Jasper shut it. Then, he hurried to open the carriage door to help Pru alight. She took his hand and stepped down. It was too dark to see much. The moon wasn't bright, but at least the fog had held off.

Daniel hooked the reins and set the break before climbing down. He walked towards the house and lit the torches as he went. The entire yard brightened and made it easier to see. Once inside, he lit the lamps and built a fire to take the chill off the house.

Jasper went to the back of the carriage to retrieve one of the trunks out of the rear boot. When he glanced at her, he saw the delight on her face as she looked at the little house.

Pru saw the small flower garden near the house and went closer. A tiny iron table with two chairs sat on the small porch. The thought of having tea in that spot each morning while smelling the flowers fresh with dew was an enchanting vision. One day, she hoped she would have something like this. However, her circumstances would never afford such a place as this.

The doctor paid what he could, but it wasn't enough to even lease a place of her own. Dillon's sister was correct. Her only chance to avoid the slums and have any kind of future was to marry... or become a mistress. But she would do neither for such a reason. Doctor Burton would help find a place for her to stay.

Jasper carried one of her trunks on his back heading towards the porch. "Come along, Pru. We need you safely inside. Daniel will be leaving for a while to collect some food items. The pantry's empty."

She hurried up the steps to the porch and opened the door for him to pass with the trunk. She followed him inside but stopped any further progress upon seeing the charming way the kitchen had been decorated in pale blue wallpaper. A table sat in the middle of the floor with four chairs. The tablecloth was also blue. On a shelf was a complete set of the blue and white Willow pattern by Churchill China. She thought about how lovely that would be for a meal.

Daniel stepped into the doorway and watched her. He wasn't surprised she would appreciate a house designed for a paid mistress, but he wondered if she knew the house was intended for such. Under her circumstances, she would not balk, but many highborn daughters would. However, Pru had not been spoiled. She had been treated abominably and appreciated what was offered.

Another chapter for you to read. Hope you enjoy it.