The Colonel's Spinster - Audrey Harrison Page 0,70

the pistol into his belt.

“Good God.”

“Exactly. We need this area cleared and the gates secured. Mr. Bamber only opened the gates because people were being crushed. He’s been attacked for being considerate. I would like to flog everyone in this damned yard,” Fitzwilliam said.

“You get him home. We will sort this out,” the second officer said. The grim line in which his lips were compressed made Fitzwilliam think that a few of the strikers would have sore heads by morning.

“I should stay,” Prudence said quietly.

“No. They have said they will take over, and they will. The important thing is to get you both home.”

Prudence crouched near her father when they reached him. He was conscious, which was a huge relief to Fitzwilliam. He had feared the worst but hadn’t wished to frighten Prudence.

Mr. Bamber was groggy and in pain, but he was helped into his carriage, which was brought through the crowds, escorted by the two baton-wielding cavalry men.

“There you go, sir! Safe journey home. Don’t worry about a thing! All will be right and tight here!”

Not seeming to be aware of what was going on around him, Mr. Bamber was helped into the carriage by Mick and Fitzwilliam. Fred was atop the vehicle, bracing himself for what would be a perilous journey, however necessary.

Prudence climbed in behind her father and forced him to lie down, putting his head on her knee.

“If there is any change in him, let me know. I will be riding by your side the whole way home,” Fitzwilliam said before closing the door on them. Turning to Mick he nodded his head. “Thank you for what you’ve done this evening in protecting Mr. Bamber. You probably saved him from being trampled. You will not be left alone until the site is perfectly secure and everyone has been dispersed.”

“Thank you, sir. Tell Mr. Bamber not to worry. I shall remain here all night,” Mick said.

“Good man.” Fitzwilliam climbed onto his horse and indicated to Fred to drive the carriage. He had no idea how long it was going to take them to get home, but he would have no compunction about trampling over anyone who tried to maliciously stop them.

Chapter 23

The house was thrown into activity the moment the carriage came to a halt outside the door. Prudence suspected there had been a watch looking out for them.

Many hands helped Mr. Bamber to his chamber, and his valet undressed him and settled him in his bed before the doctor arrived.

After checking him over and administering some laudanum and waiting until it took effect, he turned to Prudence who had been present in her father’s chamber since the doctor arrived.

“I am confident there will be no permanent injury or effects. He has had a knock, and although it stunned him for a while and he will have a lump for days, I am sure he will be his usual self in a day or two. Make him rest at least for a day and then he can start to move around his chamber. I suggest a week before he returns to work. Just to be on the safe side.”

“Oh, dear. He has never had so much time away from the mill,” Prudence said.

“Tell him I insist,” the doctor said with a smile.

“That might not be enough.”

“It would be wise to allow the swelling to go down. He could cause further problems if he ignores my advice.”

“I will ensure he abides by it,” Prudence assured him, showing him out the door.

When the doctor left, she went into the drawing room and was glad to see Fitzwilliam waiting there.

“How is he?” Fitzwilliam asked, standing as Prudence entered the room.

“He should be fine if he takes the next week off and rests.”

Fitzwilliam laughed. “Good luck with that.”

“Exactly! How the devil am I going to persuade him to do that?”

“Language, Prudence! What would Aunt Catherine say?”

“She would think me the lost cause I am.”

“How are you? Did you get the doctor to check you over as well?”

“No. I am perfectly well. It just keeps replaying like some sort of waking nightmare. What if you had not arrived when you did? What if father had received further injuries?”

Fitzwilliam crossed the space between them and enfolded her in his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder with relief. “The imagined outcomes will pass,” he said, gently rubbing her back.

“I could have lost him,” Prudence choked out. “I would have been alone.”

Fitzwilliam pulled away from her slightly. “You didn’t lose him, and even