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“Hold hard,” Jack interceded stepping forward. “There’s another way around this without us all falling out. How about if I took our cart to Surrey and Ben comes in with me. Frank, you could drive Lizzie and her wagon and set up her camp at Putney separate from Ma and Daphne, same as we did here. Then Frank can bunk in with one of the Farini brothers overnight till we get back. They’re off to Putney, and I bet Tony and Pietro would oblige alright.”

Frank glanced at Benedict while he considered this. “I’m willing, though it seems strange to leave her camped on her own without protection.”

“She’s got that dog,” Jack pointed out. “It’d rip anyone’s throat out that crossed her.”

“I’d have to speak to her first,” Benedict said after a moment, and he saw his brothers’ exchange speaking glances. He didn’t really give a damn if they thought him overprotective. He wouldn’t put Lizzie in another man’s wagon overnight if he could help it, or at the mercy of a vicious pair of harpies. “I’m heading back.”

Frank nodded. “We’re finishing packing up anyway, so let us know what you decide.”

When he got back, Lizzie was up and dressed and sat drinking tea with Sebastian’s head resting on her knee. “There’s tea in the pot,” she said cheerfully, “I’ll pour you a cup.”

He sat on the crate next to hers. “Something’s come up,” he announced abruptly and then clammed up. Only when she had passed his drink to him did he continue. “It’s strange when you consider we were only talking about this yesterday,” he said with a frown.

Lizzie drew her cloak closer about her. “Oh?” she said encouragingly. She hadn’t put her bonnet on yet, so she sat bare-headed, her fair hair neatly coiled and pinned. He preferred it loose, but it still looked well.

“It’s a fight,” he added.

Her eyes leapt to his. “Really?” He nodded. “So then, that’s a good thing?” she asked scanning his face uncertainly. Benedict nodded. “Yet, you look as though you have reservations,” she said slowly.

“It’s tonight, in Surrey.”

Lizzie tipped her head to one side. “That is not so far. Will it interfere with our plans for the fair at Putney Heath?”

He had a strange reaction to the way she said ‘our plans’, like a warmth spreading through his chest. “It would mean you having to go on ahead with Frank,” he explained. “Jack and I would join you there tomorrow.”

She nodded. “That does not sound so very disruptive,” she ventured, earning his swift frown. “Does it?”

“I don’t like the thought of you spending the night without me.”

“Oh.” She glanced down at the dog sat beside her. “I have Sebastian, and you said your brother Frank would accompany me.”

Benedict nodded. “He’d drive the wagon and set up camp for you.”

“Then what is your objection?” she asked calmly.

What was his objection? “You’re not used to this life,” he pointed out. “You’re still adjusting.”

“Yes,” she agreed. “But it’s only one night, and this is important, isn’t it?”

“The fight? Not really. I’m just a last-minute stand in. Nat wanted Frank, but he’s not up to it.”

Lizzie gave him a very direct look. “But that’s not the issue, is it? It’s this waistcoated person giving you another chance.”

Benedict’s gaze dropped from hers. She had seen right to the heart of the matter. “Even if I do make a good showing, there’s no guarantee he’d book me again,” he said gruffly.

“There are very few guarantees in this life,” she answered promptly. “Besides, this is more an opportunity for you to vindicate yourself than anything else. After what happened last time, I mean.” Benedict said nothing. “Did you tell him you would do it?”

“I did.”

“It’s settled, then.”

“I could change my mind.”

“But I don’t think you should,” she urged. “I’m sure you’re doing the right thing. Even if it leads to nothing, this is a way for you to be easy in your own mind over what happened and – ”

Benedict caught her arm and tugged her off her own crate and into his lap. “I know,” he agreed, closing his arms tight about her. “But I still don’t like leaving you all the same.”

“I’ll be fine,” she reassured him. “And waiting for you at Putney.” He nodded and Lizzie bit her lip.