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hurt in church and fall down.”
    â€œOur father made her all better.”
    Although the children addressed the adults at the table, they spoke to and through each other. Beneath the squabbling lay genuine fondness. Agnes thought it sweet that they conversed so easily. However, she did not condone their being kept ignorant of the danger. Their father should explain the circumstances, prepare them.
    â€œNot all better,” the earl corrected.
    â€œOh, but I am, and by tomorrow I’ll be as fit as a Flandersman.”
    Hannah looked curiously up at her brother. “What’s a Flanerman?”
    â€œâ€Šâ€™Tisn’t a person, but a witty rejoinder Lady Agnes made. You know, ’tis the same way the Lady Georgette speaks when she wants Father to have a look at her finances.”
    â€œWhy, thank you, Master Christopher.” To the earl she said, “Finances?”
    â€œA gentleman serves where he may. As your physician, I forbid you to travel for a fortnight.”
    â€œBut I’m hale and hearty.”
    Authority gave him a hawkish air. “I’ve seen soldiers take to their cots for a week with a slighter injury.”
    â€œI’m perfectly capable of travel.” To prove her point, she wiggled her fingers.
    The earl moved aside his plate and reached for her. Then he thought better of it. Glancing yet again at the door, he said, “Later, I’ll need more substantial proof of your recovery.”
    His movement and something in his tone put her on alert. Or was it simply the sound of his voice? According to Papa, Lord Edward was chancellor of Glasgow University. Scholars flocked to his lectures about the coming age of machines. He certainly exuded authority.
    She balked at the possibility that he might treat her as an inferior. She must stand on even ground with him; only then would he trust her completely. “Granted, I cannot arm wrestle or ride a horse.”
    He stared pointedly at her coiffure and the army of buttons that marched up her dress front.
    â€œI have a companion to help me, Lord Edward. Surely you recall meeting Auntie Loo. She sees to my personal needs, and I assume responsibility for her.” Agnes’s companion possessed the wealth of a princess, but he needn’t know that.
    â€œMy compliments. She is obviously skilled and certainly patient.” He gave her a silent nod of approval, then spoiled it by saying, “Perhaps after the children have retired, you will speak of the few activities you can perform. That shouldn’t take long.”
    A slight exaggeration didn’t truly count as a lie. Misrepresentation better suited her intentions. No matter her methods, ending the subject of her health and gaining a commitment as to their departure for Glasgow was foremost on her mind. The man himself, although roguishly attractive, held no place in her rush to leave Edinburgh.
    Yielding a bit seemed prudent. “ ’Tis for certain I cannot carry my luggage, but I expect you have a porter for that.”
    Engrossed in her neckcloth, Hannah murmured, “He’s bossy, our porter is.”
    Christopher rolled his eyes. “Mr. Boswell’s his name. Everybody calls him Bossy, but he doesn’t order us around.”
    Agnes didn’t doubt that. “Then I shall pack only one valise and have everything else sent to Glasgow later.”
    Hannah discovered the game of blow the cravat. “When are we going home?”
    â€œTomorrow, Button.”
    Tomorrow? They couldn’t. Not without her. Swallowing apprehension, Agnes put on a smile. “How lovely. We can stop in Murcat’s Field and see the heather. Perhaps your father will allow us to take lunch there.”
    â€œI know how to build a fire,” piped Christopher.
    Hannah screwed up her face. “Fire will bum me.”
    â€œAh, here’s dessert,” said Lord Edward. “We’ll discuss our plans privately, Lady