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“My sister and I are at your service in this, Mr. Bingley. With your permission, I should like to wait upon you in a day or two to inquire after Miss Bingley.” He extracted a card from his case and a lead-pencil from his pocket and wrote out a direction in the Royal Crescent.

“Here is the direction of our cousins, who are also named Carter. We anticipate staying with them for several weeks.”

As the brother and sister prepared to enter their carriage, they were approached by one of the two constables who had attended the scene of the crime. “Begging your pardon sir, but we would like to know the direction of the house where you are staying while you are in Bath.”

Sir Robert extracted a card and pencil and again wrote down the direction in the Royal Crescent. “I will be happy to be of service in any way I can, although my sister and I did not witness the attack. We arrived only in time to witness the fleeing attackers. Has any progress been made?”

“Not as of yet, sir. But Miss Bingley’s description of the man who assaulted her is very helpful. She is an observant lady. We are scouring the countryside with the descriptions we have.”

“I saw one tall, stout man about my height but much heavier, and one man of average height. They were plainly dressed in dark clothing and wore old felt hats. Do you have anything to add, Maria?”

“No, that corresponds to my own observations. I was much more concerned with the lady and her footman.”

“Thank you, sir. Madam.” The constable touched his hat. “Someone may wait upon you with further questions. We are deeply grateful.”

∞∞∞

The surgeon’s visit to Caroline that afternoon was discouraging.

“We are fortunate that your head injury does not appear to be serious. You must have absolute rest and quiet for the next three days. Unfortunately, you may not have anything to relieve the inevitable headache--no composers, no laudanum. Confine your nourishment to clear broths and weak tea. I am more concerned about your ankle. It is badly sprained, and it will take a long time to heal. I am optimistic that it will heal completely, but you must keep it closely bound, and you must avoid walking on it for several days.” He bound up the ankle with great efficiency and turned to Mrs. Bingley.

“I will return tomorrow to look in on the patient, ma’am. ”

Caroline sighed and resigned herself to a long, tedious recovery.

The Carters had been very kind to her, and she hoped to see them again—for different reasons.

Her spirits were improved greatly when notes and flowers began arriving about an hour later.

Still, when she closed her eyes, she saw the vision of the lifeless Foster stretched out upon the ground.

And although she confided in no one, she could not help being afraid that someone else might come after her.

When her headache eased, Caroline insisted upon being carried each morning to a sitting room downstairs where she could recline on a recamier sofa and close her eyes whenever she felt she needed to.

She felt herself prone to unexpected fits of weeping.

Being in the presence of others seemed to help her distract her mind with bustle and gossip that had nothing to do with the murder.

She did not wish to be alone. Among the many other visits, she received regular calls from Sir Robert and his sister as well as from Julia and Frank Montgomery.

The steady flow of cards and notes did not abate.

Her brother Charles arrived a few days after the incident, having abandoned his business in London.

Caroline was grateful for his presence. His care and concern, coupled with his innately optimistic outlook, were far more comforting to her than Louisa’s flurries.

They were talking together one morning when Sir Robert Carter sent in his card.

After Charles had been presented to him, he turned to Caroline.

“Try not to be too distressed, Miss Bingley. I was informed by the local constables just now that it is feared the two criminals have left the vicinity of Bath.” He pulled a chair over and seated himself near her couch.

“Everything is being done to apprehend them. It is thought that they may have been bound for London, and towns along the route have been notified to watch for them. Of course, the authorities in the metropolis have been alerted. No stone is being left unturned. And your description should prove invaluable.”

Charles stood nearby with a troubled look.

“No incident like this has ever occurred among my acquaintance. I wonder if I should consider engaging the Bow Street Runners. My understanding is that they are often more trouble than they are worth, bringing in the wrong man and demanding their reward while the real culprit goes free.”

“It is entirely up to you, Mr. Bingley. Like you, I have never experienced such an occurrence. But what I have heard essentially reinforces your own observations on the subject. Since these two miscreants have left Bath, you may wish simply to await further developments.”

“You make a good point, sir. And I believe I will be of more use to my sister and to the family by returning to London. Caroline, dear, will it distress you too greatly if I leave?”

“I will miss you, Charles. But I believe you are right. Return to London, but please make yourself available if these two criminals are apprehended and brought to trial. I fear I shall be required to give testimony. And keep Uncle apprised of developments.” She took his hand and managed a somewhat mischievous smile.

“And while I know how you are about writing, do write to me.”

“I shall arrange to return there tomorrow.” Bingley pressed his sister’s hand. “And I will do my best about the writing.”

Sir Robert stood. “I will leave you now, Miss Bingley. Try not to be too discouraged. I also wish to inform you that Maria and I are extending our visit to our cousins until these two malefactors are brought to justice.” He turned and shook hands with Charles.

“It has been a pleasure to meet you, sir.”