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Baines glanced towards the opening. The little chamber was scarcely large enough to accommodate a person comfortably, and the narrow ventilation slit near its ceiling admitted almost no light. He could not imagine enduring such confinement without considerable distress.
“How did you bear it?”
She looked at him with an expression which was almost apologetic. “I had little choice. I tried to call for help, but I soon discovered that shouting merely made me hoarse. Knocking seemed rather more promising.”
“You were right.”
“Although I began to wonder whether the whole household had gone deaf.”
Baines managed a faint smile, but his hands remained upon her shoulders. “Judith—”
“I assure you I am perfectly well.”
Her hand rose to his cheek, and the gentleness of the gesture threatened what little remained of his composure.
“You found me,” she said softly.
He covered her hand with his own.
“I should have found you sooner.”
“You could hardly have known where to look.”
“I ought to have considered the western rooms when I first discovered you were missing.”
“Basil, you cannot reasonably expect to anticipate every foolish thing I might do.”
He regarded her with a mixture of exasperation and affection. “I am beginning to suspect that I shall spend the remainder of my life attempting precisely that.”
Judith’s answering smile was so warm that he almost forgot Renforth’s presence.
Behind him, Renforth cleared his throat. “I am delighted to discover that Miss Finch has survived her imprisonment with her opinions intact.”
Judith looked past Baines. Renforth stepped forward. “Forgive the intrusion, I must ask what you have discovered.”
Judith straightened, although Baines refused to relinquish her hand. “Lady Dunsmore has been using her garnet brooch to carry messages, sir. Miss Hammond brought it to me this morning, and I discovered a concealed compartment beneath the setting. Afterwards, she obtained her sister’s account book, which contained references to payments, deliveries, and military information.”
“Did you recognize any of the names?” Renforth asked.
“No, but you might. There was also a letter, discussing military dispositions and communication with someone beyond the border.”
Renforth’s expression grew grim. “Where is the book now?”
“I regret to say she took it from me.”
“Did she say where she intended to go?”
“No, only that she required I be confined to give her sufficient time to depart.”
Renforth turned towards the doorway. “Baines, you remain with Miss Finch.”
Baines had no intention of doing otherwise.
Renforth looked back at Judith. “You have rendered us a considerable service, Miss Finch. I regret that it has placed you in such danger.”
“I am pleased to have discovered the truth.”
“We shall speak further once Lady Dunsmore has been secured.” With that, Renforth departed into the corridor.
