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Layton tilted his head toward Beatrice. “But does she know that?”

Something that resembled a wry smile tried to wrestle Cassius’s mouth upward.

“Beatrice has informed me, quite succinctly, that she no more desires to marry than you or I do. I believe it has something to do with her illegitimacy, but she’s never said as much to me.”

“Interesting,” Layton said, his tone suspiciously neutral.

What did that mean?

Cassius narrowed his eyes. He needed to be more careful in the future. His brother already believed he harbored feelings toward Beatrice—something he hadn’t even admitted to himself.

Layton aimed his too-astute gaze toward their patient.

Perspiration dotted her pale face.

“I’ll leave my gun and ammunition.” He pulled a wicked-looking knife from his waistband and laid it on a rickety table that appeared as if it might collapse at any moment. “My knife too.”

Shaking his head, Cassius tried to hand the blade back.

“You’ll need something to protect yourself, Layton.”

Grinning, Layton backed away, his hands held up, palms outward. “I’m the soldier, remember? I know how to defend myself. You’re an artist.”

Cassius didn’t take offense at his brother’s unintended insult.

Layton gave the pistol a doubtful glance. “When was the last time you fired a gun?”

“Don’t worry about me.” Cassius lifted the Manton pistol, testing the weight in his hand. “I’m fully capable of discharging a firearm if necessary.”

Pray to God it does not come to that.

Layton turned his attention to Beatrice once more. “I’d strip her of that gown and wipe her limbs and face with cool water. Try to get her to drink a bit of water too.”

“I shall.” They’d found a bucket outside that wasn’t completely rusted out.

It was a good thing Beatrice wasn’t awake to comprehend her vulnerable state or how completely and utterly compromised she’d become. Only her fortune provided her a jot of leverage, because once word spread of her disgrace, as it surely would, Society would shun her.

Except for his family.

They would be there for her.

He suppressed a grimace.

It wasn’t fair of him to burden Mother and Father with Beatrice.

“I’d best not delay.” Layton pulled him in for a brief, but powerful hug. “If all goes well, look for us sometime late this evening.”

Neither of them mentioned what must be on both their minds… What would happen if the earl’s thugs discovered Beatrice and Cassius before Layton returned?

“Cassius, if I don’t come back, travel north, keeping the sun on your left. You’ll eventually come to a main track.”

Cassius gripped his brother’s arm. “You’ll be back.”

Layton took his leave, taking a second horse with him to throw any trackers off his trail. It wasn’t as if Cassius could have bundled Beatrice onto a saddle in any event, but it brought home just how vulnerable they were.

Head cocked, Cassius stood just outside the hunting lodge, listening long after the hoofbeats faded away. The warbles and songs of various birds who called the woodlands home and the wind gently rustling the silver birch and oak leaves enhanced the natural serenity.

Which is exactly what he hoped to hear.