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“But you see, I already did. This is a perfect example of why I must do your thinking for you. You have already forgotten the conversation from moments before.” He gestured the man further inside. “This man will see you to your new place of residence.”

Grandmother’s hand on Vivienne’s arm was strong and without fear. “I have no desire to leave my home, nor will I.”

The thin man grinned, approaching the grand lady. “You come along with us, my lady. Don’t make no fuss now, or this will become much less pleasant.”

Vivienne stepped in front of Grandmother, spreading her arms wide to ward off the man’s approach. “What on earth are you talking about?”

Alden finished off his scone, dusting his fingers on the tablecloth. “Come tomorrow, she will find herself in a London asylum.”

Vivienne gasped. “No!”

Grandmother sank to her chair, chuckling.

“Is that all? Vivienne, calm yourself, my dear.” She patted Vivienne’s hand.

“He is merely bluffing. He has been threatening to send me there since he was a boy. Ever since I wouldn’t give him whatever he wished for.

What was it the first time? I said no to a confection that I knew would turn your stomach sour?

” She snorted. “I am as safe as I was in my mother’s arms. He merely hired a man to play the part of an orderly.

Though, I must say, he did a fair job in the ruse and much better than one would expect of an amateur. ”

“However, this time I have brought Grandfather’s will, as well as yours, before the courts, along with my petition.

And with you being past your eightieth year, it comes with a benefit for me, as I am allowed not only to be in charge of your welfare, but it is up to me should I decide to place you in an asylum and claim your fortune for myself. ”

“Alden,” Grandmother whispered, the bravado in her eyes fading. “You wouldn’t.”

“It is already done.” He removed a folded piece of paper from his coat and slapped it on the table.

Vivienne snatched it up. She perused the contents of the legal document. She pressed her hand to her mouth, holding in a whimper. This is really happening. He is taking her away. She cast a glance to Grandmother, her blood growing cold.

“Vivienne? What does it say?”

“It is as Mr. Larkby says.” Vivienne knelt beside her, resting her hand on Grandmother’s. “But Bash will never stand for this. He will protect you from this man’s greed.”

“Bash does not know. He is in London, and you are at my mercy.” He nodded to the thin man. “Go with Mr. Hennessy, Grandmother.”

Mr. Hennessy reached for Grandmother, his hands calloused and filthy against her fine sleeve. “Come, ma’am.”

“Unhand her.” Vivienne tugged at his arm.

The man’s face hardened as he blocked Vivienne’s attempts, and she stumbled onto her backside.

The elderly lady cried out as Hennessy flung Grandmother over his shoulder even as the butler raced to aid his lady.

Alden stepped in front of the butler. He was as broad as Bash, and there was little chance the ancient butler would reach his lady.

“Sir Sebastian will never forgive you for this.” Vivienne hauled herself to her feet, glaring at Alden. “How dare you treat her thus!”

“Yes, and you are without a home. Get your friend and your things out of here at once.” He shoved the butler back. “And take Ladd, as he is out of a job for crossing me.”

Vivienne caught the butler’s elbow and wrapped her arm about his waist to steady the elderly man, calling after the men.

“How could you do this, Mr. Larkby? Leave Grandmother here until Bash can return home, and you can both decide what is best. Come to your senses. Have you no care for her?” The men did not heed her as she stumbled out of the manor after them, screaming and begging them to cease this merciless, cruel act.

“Whatever is going on?” Tess raced out of the front door, her eyes widening at the scene before her.

“Alden is taking Grandmother to the asylum.” Vivienne’s breathing became rapid, spots blooming on the outskirts of her vision. Lord! Let me be strong for Grandmother! Save her, Lord. Save us. She drew in a full breath, releasing the butler as Tess surged past.

Tess blocked the entrance of the barred carriage, which looked to be better designed for transporting murderers than innocent elderly women.

Alden laughed at Tess’s attempts to block them, but Tess broadened her stance, lifting her fists. “Unhand the lady.”

“A gallant effort to save your hostess, but it is unnecessary.” Alden lifted a hand to guide her away.

She dug her foot into the ground and smashed her fist into his nose, drawing blood. With a grunt, Alden wrapped his arm about her waist and bodily lifted her from the ground, tearing her delicate sleeve as she kicked and flailed.

“How many women have entered the asylum because of family members who are eager to get their money? How many women are doomed to die alone in an asylum because of people like you?” Tess railed at him. “Let her go!”

That fate would not befall this woman. Not while there was a breath in Vivienne’s lungs. She screamed and screamed for the staff, drawing the groom and tiger from the stable.

“Mrs. Larkby!” The fellows raced forward to aid their lady. Noah charged and appeared ready to ram Mr. Hennessy.

Alden held Tess in one arm and drew a pistol from his coat, halting any physical altercation. “I do not wish to use force, but I will if necessary.”

The elderly cook cried softly into the butler’s shoulder as Mr. Hennessy set Grandmother before the step of the carriage.

Her shoulders sagged, the fight in her visibly fading—a sense of hopelessness permeating the air.

The bloom that had been growing in Grandmother’s cheeks vanished as she stood facing the iron bars.

She lifted her head and folded her hands in prayer.

“Have a heart, Mr. Larkby.” Vivienne slowly stepped forward. “She is a gentlewoman who has never harmed anyone. If you must insist on taking her wealth and home, leave her to my care. I have a townhouse of my own. I can see to her.”

“A noble offer, but it is my legal duty as the heir to see to her comfort. If you should decide to change your mind, the duty would once again fall to me, and I intend to take a wife and do not wish to be bothered by relatives.” He waved her forward with the barrel of his pistol.

“However, I am not without a heart. You shall embrace her one last time.”

She darted forward and clutched Grandmother in her arms as a chilling mist coated their shoulders and Grandmother’s lace cap. “Can you do nothing to stop him, Grandmother? No argument you can make to entice him to change his mind?”

She rested her hand on Vivienne’s cheek. “If he is determined, Alden will have his way.”

“I will not allow you to perish in an asylum.” Vivienne’s throat tightened.

“You know as well as I that I will not last long at my age.” The woman placed a hand atop Vivienne’s head. “May God grant you a long life full of love and family. Be happy and blessed, my dear. Love Sebastian well. It is my greatest wish to see you both happy.”

“I cannot allow you to go alone.” She gripped her hands. “I will come with you!”

At this Grandmother’s eyes flashed, and Vivienne caught a glimpse of the feisty woman she knew.

Grandmother gripped her shoulder, pulling her into an embrace with surprising strength, lowering her voice.

“You must not. If you come with me, you may never escape. If you wish to save me, you must get word to Sebastian. He is our only hope for my escape. He is close with the Prince Regent. Sebastian will plead my case and see that justice is brought on my behalf.”

“Justice? Was this justice to see your fortune stripped away from you and your home taken without your knowledge because of your age?”

“Have faith, my dear. There are many good men in the world. You have been a strong woman for many years. It is not a sign of weakness to place your trust and hand in the care of a good man, and Sebastian is the best of men. He will know what to do.”

Vivienne nodded, a plan formulating. She needed someone who did not need to wait for the law to decide to do what was right. She needed someone who was not afraid to break a few rules—someone like the highwayman.