A flare of indignation illuminated Isabella's eyes. "I have no intention of becoming anyone's prey. I refused to marry my cousin." Her fingers clenched on the tea saucer. "When my uncle threatened to tie and gag me for the ceremony, I bolted." She grimaced. "And was indeed hunted, wasn't I?"

"It was fortunate you turned down our lane."

"Your light gleamed like a beacon in the night."

"And Mercer hasn't reported any unwelcome visitors, so your relatives must have lost the scent."

"Thank God."

While Molly admired the young lady's indomitable spirit, courage alone wouldn't ensure her independence. "Have you someone you'd like us to send for, or a friend you'd care to go to tonight? Another relative perhaps who would offer you refuge. My carriage is at your disposal."

Isabella's expression turned grave, and she shook her head. "Grandpapa and I lived a quiet life. And my few relatives have all entered into the conspiracy against me."

"What of a legal advocate outside your family?"

"I'm afraid Mr. Lampert, Grandpapa's lawyer, is quite unable to help me. He was thoroughly intimidated tonight when my uncle threatened him." She set her cup down and nervously twisted her fingers. "I doubt he can afford me protection."

"Perhaps another barrister of more resolve could warn off your relatives."

"I'm not so sure Uncle Herbert would comply regardless the warning given. When he threatened to tie and gag me in order to consummate the marriage, I understood how pitiless his intent. So while a legal advocate could theoretically protect me, in truth he would also have to serve as bodyguard to be effective."

"Perhaps that's what you need. A bodyguard."

Isabella's fine nose wrinkled in a grimace. "How dreadful life would be if it came to that. I'd hate to be under constant surveillance."

"Better, perhaps, than marriage to-"