“What – terrible thing, Mama?”
“Oh, Heavens, your mind is wandering.”
“No, my dear,” that was her father, appearing beside the bed. “After her dreadful ordeal it is only natural that she should be a little vague.”
“What – happened?” Louisa asked hoarsely.
“That wicked man abducted you. It is only thanks to Lord Westbridge that you were saved.”
“He – didn’t – abduct me –”
Lady Hatton gave a little scream and hurriedly put her hand over her daughter’s mouth.
“Yes, yes he did, my darling. He snatched you against your will –”
“No –” Louisa cried frantically, “I went with him – gladly –”
“Do not try to shield him,” her father interrupted. “It is like you to be generous, but Lord Westbridge told us how he found you struggling in that fiend’s arms, screaming for help.”
“You are so fortu
