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“I will speak to the constable and give a description,” Miles stated just as the doctor entered.

Everyone got to their feet, except for Amelia, who looked on from where she sat.

“Mr. Blair, Mrs. Blair,” he greeted them. “I am afraid Siobhan is still unconscious but there is little I can do but recommend complete rest. She must not be moved, and must remain where she is.”

Both parents asked to be taken to see her. Amelia followed behind as the doctor led them to the bedchamber.

Miles lowered into a chair, wondering what would happen next. What an unexpected turn of events! He tried to fight back the panic that gnawed at him as again he wondered what he’d do if Siobhan didn’t recover.

The doctor returned to the front room and motioned to the bar cart. Miles stood then to pour two drinks. He handed one to the doctor, who remained standing. The man took a sip of whiskey, then grimaced and looked at the amber liquid in his glass before lifting his eyes to Miles’. “I have reiterated to the Blairs that the lass requires complete rest and should not be moved. She should remain here under your care.”

Miles looked toward the corridor. “She’s not stirring then?”

“Not yet.” The doctor sighed. “I expect that she will awaken once her body recovers from the shock.”

The doctor finished his drink and left, stating he’d return the next morning and asked that he be notified if Siobhan woke before then. Miles remained in the front room until the Blairs came back from the bedchamber, and he stood to greet them.

Owen Blair stated, “I am sorry for this inconvenience.”

“I have a second bedroom where I can sleep. There is no need for apologies,” Miles replied. “If one of you wishes to remain here, I can sleep in one of the servants’ rooms.”

Both Zinnia and Amelia looked appalled at the mere thought of him, a titled gentleman, sleeping in servants’ quarters. But then Zinnia appeared to reconsider her opinions.

“If I can take advantage of your hospitality, I would like to remain with my daughter for a bit longer,” Siobhan’s mother stated. “But then I will go home for the night and return tomorrow.”

“Of course,” Miles replied, then looked at Amelia. “You are welcome to remain as well.”

She tossed her head and gave him a sour look.

So he turned to speak to Owen. “I can have my coachman take them home.”

Owen looked from his wife to Amelia. “Will you stay with your mother?”

Amelia gave Miles a droll look. “I will return home with Papa. There is nothing I can do for my sister at the moment.”

Once the two had left and Siobhan’s mother returned to sit by her daughter, Miles joined her. Siobhan seemed to be asleep, her face soft, lips slightly parted.

Despite Zinnia Blair’s usually haughty ways, right now she seemed genuinely upset. Miles felt badly for her, until she spoke. “I must make an appearance at the Frederickson’s gala tomorrow night. It will not do for people to know something has happened to Siobhan. The gossips will have a field day.”

“What happened to her was not her fault.” Miles could not keep the anger from his tone.

The woman studied the sleeping lass for a moment. “It is her fault,” she replied with hushed displeasure. “If only she kept from going to those dreadful places. I tried to warn her. It was not safe.”

Miles could not help but agree. Still, Siobhan’s desire to help the underprivileged family wasn’t going to be deterred no matter how many warnings she received. “I understand her friend’s brother usually accompanies them.”

Zinnia blew out a breath. “Be that as it may. This time, she went alone. The coachman told us she told him to visit with family and they’d agreed she’d wait for him in the carriage if he hadn’t returned. He’d expected to be back much sooner, he said, but was delayed because of an issue with his elderly mother. By the time he’d returned, she’d been taken. But he never should have left. He should have known better.”

There was nothing more to be said. Of course, Siobhan hadn’t demanded he stay with the carriage. She would be concerned that he attend to his family. But it was obvious her mother needed someone to blame to feel better about the situation and the driver was an easy target.

“Siobhan will remain here as long as the doctor thinks she should. When I am not here I will ensure Firtha, my housekeeper, remains vigilant.”

It was getting dark when the woman finally went home, and the house grew silent. Miles ate his supper in silence, which didn’t bother him. He was used to eating alone, often taking advantage of the moment to consider his schedule for the following day.

He, too, had been invited and had responded that he would attend the Frederickson’s gala. But since Siobhan’s mother hadn’t indicated anyone would be at her daughter’s bedside, Miles could not see leaving her alone, even if with his staff.

“My lord, will you require anything else tonight?” Firtha asked, her face serene. “I have prepared the spare bedchamber for you. All you will need tonight is there.”

“Thank you. Go get some rest. I will not go to bed for a while. I plan to sit with our guest for a bit.”