He approached the bed slowly, his knees threatening to wobble, his gaze minutely noting every nuance of her being. Her eyes appeared huge, and shadows of pain lurked in their golden brown depths, along with something else that looked liked fear. A small red mark marred her swollen bottom lip. Her face was devoid of color.

“Dr. Gibbens assured us you would make a full recovery,” Lord Ravensly said, taking her hand between both his own. “How are you feeling?”

A grimace passed over her features. “Sore, but very grateful. My injuries could have been much worse.”

The earl visibly shuddered, a sentiment with which Andrew wholeheartedly agreed. Her troubled gaze bounced between them. “Were you able to find out anything about who fired the pistol?”

Andrew cleared his throat. “One of the party guests, Mr. Sidney Carmichael, reported he was just entering his carriage when he heard the shot. He saw a man running into Hyde Park. He provided a good description to the magistrate and said he would definitely recognize the man if he saw him again. Lords Borthrasher, Kingsly, Avenbury, and Ferrymouth, as well as the Duke of Kelby were entering their carriages nearby and agree they saw a shadowy figure in the park, but none could provide a detailed description.

“The group of gentlemen who searched outside came upon an injured man near the town house. He identified himself as a Mr. Graham. Mr. Graham claims that while walking down Park Lane, he was accosted from behind. When he regained consciousness, he realized he’d been relieved of his purse and watch fob.”

“I see,” she said slowly. “Did the robber have a pistol?”

“Mr. Graham didn’t know, but then, he never saw his attacker before he was rendered senseless.”

“No doubt the scoundrel knocked him out with the butt of the pistol,” Lord Ravensly fumed. “Then the weapon discharged, and here we are. Damn footpads.” He shook his head, then frowned at Lady Catherine. “Now what is this nonsense Dr. Gibbens said about you wanting to return to Little Longstone tomorrow?”