The Earl looked at her, but he did not speak.
She then went on,
“It is going to upset you and spoil your home-coming. At the same time I have to warn you and so it is my duty to tell you.”
“To warn me?”
“That you may be in grave danger!”
The Earl looked bewildered.
“Why and from whom,”
Vanda drew in her breath.
“For some days now the West wing has been occupied by a band of highwaymen.”
The Earl sat upright in his chair and his expression was incredulous.
“Did you say highwaymen? In the West wing? I don’t believe it!”
“It is true, my Lord. They have terrorised the Taylors, who are your caretakers and I think, although I have not yet spoken to them, that they have also threatened the grooms.”
“So why has no one done anything about it?” the Earl asked surely. “Surely, Rushman – ?
