I did not have a ready answer; but after some deliberation, we agreed that, of all the qualities we should require in a husband, Honesty is of the highest importance." — From the diary of Lady Georgiana Montford, aged 15 GEORGIE SAW A top hat, a billowing greatcoat, and a thunderous face, and shock sucked every last ounce of air from her lungs. The Rat loomed in the doorway, but his presence extended beyond, filling the room with tangible wrath. Phillip grabbed his walking stick and sprang from the bed. The ease of his crushing weight should have been a relief, but instead she felt only exposed, vulnerable. "What is the meaning of this?" he barked, although he must know the answer well enough. "I should think that's obvious," Robert said with restrained menace. "I'm retrieving stolen goods." "Stolen goods?" Georgie pushed herself up and scrambled off the bed. "There is nothing stolen here, and you have no right to interfere!" Yet through her indignation, she couldn't help but search the Rat's face for signs of jealousy.
