Ravished

Chapter Sixteen

It was not easy getting the whole tale out of her. Gideon summoned his patience and held Harriet close while she gave him a disjointed explanation that involved forged fossils, a stone with a fish embedded in it, and Bryce Morland.

It was Morland's name that sent cold rage surging through Gideon.

"So I threw the stone down at him." Harriet lifted her head from Gideon's shoulder. "And it struck him. There was blood, Gideon. A lot of it. And then he fell to the floor and I cannot be certain, but he may have hit his head on the cabinets. When I went to get the key out of his pocket he did not move. Gideon, what are we going to do? Do you think I will hang for the murder of Mr. Morland?"

Gideon controlled his fury with an effort of will. "No," he said. "You most certainly will not hang for murder. I will not allow it."

Harriet's shoulders slumped in relief. "Thank you, my lord. That is very reassuring. I have been so worried." She grabbed the huge white handkerchief he held out to her and blotted her eyes. "Will we be obliged to go abroad to avoid the scandal, do you think?"

"No, I do not believe that will be necessary." Gideon's gut twisted. Morland had gone too far this time.

"Thank goodness." Harriet sniffed into the handkerchief. "I would hate to have to go abroad at this particular moment. I am so anxious to get back to Upper Biddleton so that I can continue my work. And I expect it would be rather difficult for you to supervise your family's estates from abroad."

"No doubt." Gideon gripped her shoulders firmly. "Harriet, are you quite certain he did not hurt you?"

She shook her head impatiently and blew into the handkerchief once more. "No, no, I am fine, my lord. Except for this gown, of course, which is no doubt ruined. But I cannot blame that entirely on Mr. Morland. In truth I had already gotten it quite dirty by the time he showed up."

She really was all right. He had to keep reminding himself of that. Morland had not gotten his lecherous hands on her. Leave it to Harriet to save herself with some ancient fish embedded in a chunk of stone. Gideon's hands flexed gently on her shoulders. He had failed to protect her.

"My brave, resourceful little Harriet. I am very, very proud of you, madam."

She smiled tremulously. "Why, thank you, Gideon."

"But I am very angry with myself for having done such a poor job of caring for you," Gideon added grimly. "You should never have been in the danger you were in today."

"Well, it is hardly your fault, Gideon. You could not possibly have guessed that Mr. Morland would go to Mr. Humboldt's Museum." Harriet paused and then continued earnestly. "It really is a most excellent museum, sir. I do not believe I have had an opportunity to tell you about it because I have been so busy explaining how I may have killed Mr. Morland. But I did not find any teeth which resembled mine."

Gideon smiled wryly. Trust Harriet to be more interested in her giant reptile tooth than in the close call she had had. He put his fingers on her lips, silencing her. "You may tell me all about it later. Now I think it would be best if I go find out exactly what we are dealing with here."

Harriet looked alarmed. "What do you mean?"

"I am going to Mr. Humboldt's Museum and see if Morland is dead or alive." Gideon kissed her on the forehead. "Once I know his present condition I can make further plans."

"Yes, of course." Harriet chewed on her lower lip. "What if by some chance he is alive? Do you think he will accuse me of attempted murder?"

"I think," Gideon said gently, "that the very last thing Morland will do is accuse you of murder." He will be too busy trying to save his own hide, Gideon promised himself silently.

"I would not be too certain of that." Harriet frowned thoughtfully. "He is not a very nice man, sir. You were quite right when you told me that he is not the angel he appears."

"Yes." Gideon released her. "Go on upstairs, my dear. I shall return when I have seen to Morland."

Harriet touched his arm, her eyes anxious. "You will be very careful, will you not, my lord? I would not want anyone to see you near the body. Assuming he is dead, of course. And if he is alive, he might be dangerous. You must not take any chances."

"I will be careful." Gideon crossed to the door and opened it. "I may be gone for some time. You are not to worry about me."

Harriet looked doubtful. "I think I should go with you, sir. I can show you exactly where I left Mr. Morland."

"I will find him on my own."

"But if I accompanied you I could keep a watch while you attend to the body," she said, obviously warming to her plan.

"I will manage very well on my own. Now, if you do not mind, Harriet, I would like to be on my way." He motioned her out into the hall.

She walked slowly toward the door, clearly turning several notions over in her mind. "My lord, the more I think about it, the more I believe it would be best if I accompanied you."

"I said no, Harriet."

"But you know as well as I do that sometimes your plans do not always go perfectly. Bear in mind what happened that night in the cavern, and all because you did not take me into your confidence."

"The only time my plans go awry, madam, is when you interfere with them," Gideon said evenly. "This evening you are going to do as you are told. I will deal with Morland. You will go straight upstairs to your room and have a bath and a cup of tea while you recover from your ordeal. And you will not leave the house until I return. Is that very clear, my dear?"

"But Gideon—"

"I see it is not quite clear. Very well, let me be blunt. If you do not go up those stairs this instant I will carry you up them. Now do we understand each other, madam?"

Harriet blinked. "Well, if you are going to be that way about it—"

"I am," he assured her.

Harriet walked reluctantly past him. "Very well, my lord. But please be careful."

"I will be careful," Gideon said gruffly. "And Harriet?"

She glanced back inquiringly. "Yes, my lord?"

"You may be certain that in the future I will take better care of you."

"Oh, rubbish. You already take excellent care of me."

She was wrong, Gideon thought as he watched her climb the stairs. He had not taken good care of her at all and today she had almost paid the price of his carelessness. One thing was certain. It was time to get rid of Morland once and for all.

Unless, of course, Harriet had already done so.

The early evening streets were crowded as Gideon made his way on foot to Mr. Humboldt's Museum.

Gideon had decided he could make his way more swiftly without the encumbrance of a horse or carriage, but there was another advantage to walking. On foot it was easier to lose himself amid the clutter of vehicles and people constantly moving about London.

The St. Justin horses were hardly inconspicuous. They were recognized by many, and Gideon did not want to call any attention to himself this evening. If he should happen to spot a familiar face, he could duck into one of the nearby alleys or lanes.

When he reached the street where Mr. Humboldt's Museum was located, Gideon waited in an alley until he could see no one around. Then he made his way to the front area that had been sunk into the ground to provide light for the underground story of the house. As was customary, there was an iron railing and a gate protecting the outside steps that led down from the street.

Gideon tried the gate and found it locked. He glanced around once more to be certain no one was in sight before he vaulted over the railing and dropped down onto the stone steps.

The steps, which were designed to serve as a servants' and tradesman's entrance, led down to a door which was also locked. Gideon tried to peer through the small windows which were supposed to afford light to the lower story of the house, but heavy drapes had been drawn across them.

Gideon was wondering if he was going to have to go to the trouble of breaking a window when he saw that someone had apparently forgotten to lock it.

He opened it and swung a leg over the sill. A second later he lowered himself into a shadowed room full of cabinets, crates, and bones. He quickly realized that this was not the chamber Harriet had told him about.

Gideon took down a candle from a wall sconce, lit it, and made his way out of the dusty room into a short dark hall. The door of the chamber at the end of the hall stood open.

As soon as Gideon stepped into the dark chamber he knew he was in the room where Harriet had been attacked. A cold fury burned in him as he checked each aisle of tall cabinets. She had been trapped in here by Morland. He had hunted her down as though she were a helpless doe and then he had attacked her. Only Harriet's own cleverness had saved her.

Gideon's hand clenched around the candle. He was very nearly as furious with himself as he was with Morland in that moment. He should have made certain Harriet had never been in this sort of danger. He had not fulfilled his duty as her husband. He had not taken proper care of her.

He found the aisle where Harriet had thrown the stone down on Morland. The chunk of rock lay on the floor. A section of it had broken off. Tallow dripped on the imprint of a strange spiny sea creature as Gideon knelt down to examine the site of Morland's defeat.

There were dark spots of dried blood on the floor. Gideon rose to his feet and did a quick survey of the rest of the chamber. There was no sign of Morland.

Gideon found a few more dark spots in the dust as he left the room and started back down the hall. He followed them straight back to the window where he, himself, had entered. When he held the candle up he could see a bloody fingerprint on the windowsill. Morland had climbed out of the house via this route. That explained why the window was unlocked.

So much for Harriet's fears that she had killed the bastard. He had obviously been spry enough to sneak out of the house after he picked himself up off the floor.

Gideon smiled coldly to himself as he snuffed the candle. He was just as glad Morland was not dead. He had other plans for him.

Twenty minutes later, Gideon walked up the steps of Morland's small townhouse and announced himself to the housekeeper who answered the door. She gawked at his scar as she wiped her hands on her apron.

"He's not at home to anyone," the woman muttered. "Told me so himself, not more'n half an hour ago. Right after he came home. Been in an accident, he has."

"Thank you." Gideon stepped forward into the hall, forcing the startled woman aside. "I shall announce myself."

"Now, look here, sir," the housekeeper grumbled, "I was given my orders. Mr. Morland ain't feelin' at all well just at the moment. He's restin' in the library."

"He'll be feeling a good deal worse when I've finished with him." Gideon opened the first door on the left and knew he had guessed correctly. He was in the library. There was no sign of his quarry until Morland spoke from the other side of a wing-back chair that faced the hearth.

"Get the hell out of here," Morland growled without looking around to see who had entered the room. "Goddammit, Mrs. Heath, I left orders I was not to be disturbed."

"But that is precisely what I intend to do, Morland," Gideon said very softly. "Disturb you. Greatly."

There was a stunned silence from the chair. Then Morland heaved himself out of it and spun around to confront Gideon. Brandy from the glass in his hand splashed on the carpet.

Morland no longer looked like an archangel. His carefully styled blond hair was in disarray. There was dried blood on his forehead and a feverish expression in his eyes. He set down the brandy glass with trembling fingers.

"St. Justin. What in the name of the devil are you doing here?"

"Do not trouble yourself to play the gracious host, Morland. I can see that you are not feeling at all well. By the bye, that is a rather nasty gash you sustained on your forehead." Gideon smiled. "I wonder if it will leave a scar."

"Get out of here, St. Justin."

"She was afraid she had killed you with that chunk of stone, you know. Harriet is quite strong for a female. And it was a rather large stone, was it not? I saw it on the floor in that chamber where you tried to attack her."

Morland's eyes were wild. "I don't know what in bloody hell you're talking about and 'I have no wish to know. I demand that you leave at once."

"I shall leave just as soon as you and I have taken care of a small matter of business."

"What business?"

Gideon arched a brow. "Did I not explain? I require the names of your seconds, of course. So that mine can call on them to arrange the details of our meeting."

Morland was speechless for a few seconds. "Seconds? Meeting? Are you mad? What are you talking about?"

"I am challenging you, naturally. I would have thought you would be expecting it. You have, after all, insulted my wife. What else can a gentleman in my position do, but insist upon satisfaction?"

"I did not touch your wife. I don't know what you are talking about," Morland said quickly. "If she says I insulted her, she is lying. Lying, do you hear me?"

Gideon shook his head. "There you go, insulting her again. How dare you accuse my wife of lying, Morland? I shall most certainly have to have satisfaction now. I cannot let that pass."

"Damn you, St. Justin, I am telling you the truth. I never touched her."

"Yes, I know," Gideon said patiently. "The fact that she saved herself from you is all well and good, but that does not make up for the insult. As a gentleman yourself, I am certain you understand perfectly well what my duty in this matter is."

Morland stared at him, his expression a mixture of fury and desperation. "She is lying, I tell you. I do not know why, but she is lying. Listen to me, St. Justin. We were friends once. You can trust me."

Gideon studied him. "Are you actually suggesting I take your word over that of my wife?"

"Yes, damn you, yes. Why should you trust her? She was forced to marry you because you compromised her. I know all about it. The gossip was all over Town while you were gone."

"Was it really? Well, the gossip does not much matter now, does it? I married the lady. In Society's eyes, that takes care of everything, as we both know."

"But you cannot trust her," Morland said. "She does not love you. No more than Deirdre did. How could any woman want you, with that ruined face of yours? Your wife was forced to accept your offer of marriage just as Deirdre was forced into it."

"I am surprised you would bring up Deirdre's name," Gideon said softly. "After what you did to her."

Morland's mouth worked for a few seconds, but no sound came out. "After what I did to her? What the devil are you talking about now?"

"She told me the name of her seducer that night she came to see me," Gideon said. "She flew into a rage when I refused to fall for her scheme. I thought it rather odd, you see, that she had suddenly found me so overwhelmingly attractive she could no longer wait until marriage."

"She hated the sight of you. "

"Yes. She made that quite clear the night I turned down her very generous offer. She was very angry. In her rage she told me a great deal about you, Morland. How you loved her but could not marry her because you were inconvenienced with a wife. How you had suggested she seduce me after she discovered she was pregnant. How you and she planned to continue your affair after her marriage to me."

Morland wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Deirdre was lying."

"She was?"

"Of course she was," Morland screamed. "And you knew it. You must have known it. Otherwise you would have… have…"

"Challenged you six years ago? To what purpose? It was you she wanted and she had given herself to you willingly. She made her choice. And as she made it plain she could not bear the sight of me, why would I bother to challenge you over her? Killing you would have accomplished nothing."

"She lied." Morland clenched his fist and slammed it against his chair in a gesture of enraged frustration. "Damnation, they are both lying."

"My wife does not lie," Gideon said quietly. "And I do not tolerate insults to her. Name your seconds."

"I am not going to name any seconds," Morland said thickly.

"Ah," said Gideon, "I see you are too unsettled from your recent wound to think of the names of two men who can be trusted to handle the details of our encounter for you. Very well, I shall give you some time."

"Time?" Morland was suddenly very alert.

"Certainly. You shall have tonight. I shall send my seconds to call on you first thing tomorrow morning. By then you should have thought of two names. Good evening, Morland. I look forward to our meeting." Gideon turned toward the door.

"Wait." Morland moved forward with a jerky motion. His hand struck the brandy glass and it toppled to the carpet. "I said wait, damn you. You cannot challenge me. Think of the gossip."

Gideon smiled. "I assure you the thought of gossip does not trouble me. I have had six long years to grow accustomed to the worst that Society can offer in that regard. That reminds me, I almost forgot something."

Morland straightened in increased alarm as Gideon walked back to him. "What is this? Stay away from me, St. Justin."

"I believe that to be strictly correct about this, I am supposed to slap you across the face with my glove, am I not? Allow me."

Gideon bunched his hand into a tight fist and slammed it straight into Morland's jaw.

Morland crumpled to the floor with a muffled groan.

Gideon stood over him. "I apologize for very nearly overlooking the formalities. When one has been out of Society as long as I have, one occasionally forgets all the little things that are expected of a true gentleman."

The next stop, Gideon decided, would be his clubs. Morland was not the only one who was obliged to come up with the names of two men who would handle the details of the challenge. Gideon also needed seconds. And as he did not possess a single close friend in Society, the choice was limited.

Fortunately Harriet had acquired several friends.

Gideon found young Applegate sitting in the main room of his St. James Street club. Fry was with him. They both looked up warily when they realized Gideon was advancing on them.

"Good evening, gentlemen." Gideon sat down and helped himself to a glass of claret from Fry's bottle. "I am pleased to see you here. I need a favor."

Fry's eyes widened in alarm.

The glass in Applegate's hand trembled slightly, but he looked at Gideon with a resolute expression. "If you have come to issue your challenge, sir, I am ready."

Gideon smiled. "Nonsense. My wife has explained the little matter of her abduction. I am quite prepared to let bygones be bygones."

"I say." Fry squinted. "You are?"

"Certainly. I would like to discuss a completely different matter with you."

Applegate frowned in confusion. "What is that?"

Gideon leaned back in his chair and surveyed Applegate and Fry. "I am certain you will both be extremely distressed to learn that my wife has been insulted by Mr. Bryce Morland."

Fry and Applegate glanced at each other and then back at Gideon.

Applegate scowled. "Never did like that fellow. What did the bastard say to her?"

"The exact words are neither here nor there," Gideon murmured. "Suffice it to say that I consider the matter a grave offense and intend to seek satisfaction. I require two men who can be trusted to act as my seconds. Would either or both of you care to volunteer?"

Applegate blinked and looked at Fry, who looked equally taken aback.

"I say," Fry muttered.

"You have issued a challenge to Morland?" Applegate asked cautiously.

"I had no alternative under the circumstances," Gideon explained. "Matter of honor, you see. The man insulted my wife."

Applegate's frown intensified. "Cannot have Morland running about insulting Lady St. Justin."

"My sentiments exactly," Gideon said.

Fry's whiskers twitched. "Always thought Morland was a bit unsavory. Something entirely too smooth about rum. Not surprised to hear he's stepped over the line."

Applegate nodded soberly. "Yes, there have been occasional rumors about him. Mostly concerning the rather unpleasant habits he indulges when he visits the brothels. Mere speculation, of course. Still, one cannot be too careful of his sort."

"I intend to make certain he does not bother my wife again in future," Gideon said. "May I have your assistance?"

Applegate drew himself up and squared his shoulders. He appeared dazed, but there was a dawning enthusiasm in his eyes. "Never done this sort of thing before. Generally concentrated on fossil toes until now. But I expect I can handle it. Certainly, sir. I would be honored to act as your second."

"So would I." There was a suppressed glitter in Fry's eyes. He flushed a dark red. "I say. Honored, sir. You may leave all the details to us. We shall call upon Morland first thing in the morning."

"Excellent." Gideon got to his feet. "I am in your debt, gentlemen."

The notion of having the Beast of Blackthorne Hall in their debt was clearly a stunning one for both Fry and Applegate. Gideon left them sitting there with expressions of astonishment on their faces.

Out on the street in front of the club Gideon hailed a passing carriage, gave the address of his townhouse, and vaulted up inside the vehicle.

He contemplated the darkened streets while he went over his preparations. He did not doubt the loyalty of his seconds. Applegate and Fry would clearly do anything for Harriet. They had proven that when they had kidnapped her and risked the wrath of the Beast of Blackthorne Hall.

He was also quite certain that they would be unable to keep quiet about their roles as seconds. He had seen the excitement in their eyes. Neither had ever dabbled in the manly art of the duel. They were accustomed to thinking of themselves as men of science, not men of action.

Being asked to serve as seconds in a matter of honor had clearly given them both a new image of themselves.

Morland was quite right. The gossip about the challenge would be all over Town by breakfast tomorrow.

Which was just what Gideon wanted.

He alighted from the carriage a few minutes later and made his way up the steps of his townhouse. Owl greeted him at the door.

"Lady St. Justin requests that you go to her immediately, sir," Owl said with a foreboding expression.

"Thank you, Owl." Gideon handed over his hat and gloves. "Where is she?"

"Her bedchamber, I believe, sir."

Gideon nodded and started up the stairs, two at a time. When he reached the landing he turned down the hall, stopped in front of Harriet's door, and knocked once.

"Come in," Harriet called instantly.

Gideon opened the door and sauntered into the room. Harriet leaped toward him.

"Thank heaven you are home at last," she breathed as she hugged him tightly. "I have been so worried. Did you find the body? What did you do with it? How are we going to get rid of it?"

"I found the body." Gideon smiled into her springy hair. "And it was very much alive. Morland was at home nursing his wounds."

"He is alive?" Harriet stepped back, clasping her hands in front of her. Her brows came together in a serious line across her nose. "Are you certain?"

"Quite certain. You may relax, my dear. You did not succeed in killing him. More's the pity. But I believe everything is under control now. I congratulate you on your aim, by the way."

Harriet heaved a sigh. "As much as I cannot like the man, I am glad he is not dead. It might have caused no end of complications."

"I doubt it." Gideon loosened his cravat and shrugged out of his jacket as he walked over to the connecting door. "Even if he had been found dead in that chamber full of bones, it would have appeared that the large stone had merely fallen on him accidentally." He opened the door and went into his own bedchamber.

"Do you think so?" Harriet followed him quickly. "Mayhap you are right, my lord. Well, I am vastly relieved it is all over with, although I do wish there was some way of punishing Mr. Morland for his disgusting behavior. I suppose I must be content with knowing I did him an injury."

"Umm," Gideon said noncommittally as he tossed aside his cravat and jacket. He stripped off his shirt.

Harriet gave him a sharp glance. "You said you went to see him at his house?"

"Yes." Gideon poured water from the pitcher into the basin and started to rinse his face. He probably should shave again before going out this evening, he decided. His dark beard was a constant nuisance. "Are you not going to dress, my dear? We are scheduled to attend the Berkstones' ball tonight, I believe."

"Yes, I know," Harriet said impatiently. "Gideon, what precisely occurred when you went to see Mr. Morland?" She hesitated and then asked cautiously, "You did not do anything rash, by any chance, did you?"

"I am not a rash man, my dear." Gideon grabbed a towel and dried his face and hands. He surveyed his features in the looking glass. "Do you think I ought to shave?"

"Probably. Gideon, look at me."

He met her eyes in the glass and quirked a brow. "What is it, Harriet?"

"I have the distinct impression you are trying to avoid something here."

"I am merely trying to get ready in time for the ball. We are going to be fashionably late as it is."

She scowled at him. "You are never concerned with whether or not we arrive on time for a ball. What has happened, Gideon?"

"Nothing that need concern you, my dear."

"Damnation, Gideon, I demand to know the truth."

He slanted her an assessing glance. "Such language, my dear."

"I am very overset, my lord," she retorted. "My delicate sensibilities, you know."

He grinned. "Yes, I know."

"Gideon, what have you done to Mr. Morland?"

"Very little. Not nearly what he deserves."

Harriet put her hand on his arm. "Tell me the truth, my lord."

He lifted one shoulder, knowing full well she would learn the facts this evening at the ball or tomorrow at the latest. Everyone would be talking about it. His choice of seconds ensured that much. "I did what any gentleman in my situation would have done. I challenged him."

"I knew it, " Harriet exclaimed. "I was afraid of this. As soon as you told me he was still alive, I was afraid you might have done something idiotic like this. I will not allow it, Gideon. Do you hear me?"

"Calm yourself, my dear. You are not going to talk me out of this the way I allowed you to talk me out of challenging Applegate," Gideon said quietly.

"Yes, you most certainly are going to let me talk you out of it. You are not to conduct a duel with Morland. I absolutely forbid it. You might be killed or wounded. Mr. Morland would not fight fairly. That should be perfectly obvious."

"I shall have my esteemed seconds there to make certain everything is conducted fairly."

Harriet grabbed his arm. "Your seconds?"

"Applegate and Fry. Ironic, is it not? They are both delighted to assist."

"Dear heaven, I do not believe this. Gideon, please stop talking as if there were no alternative. I will not allow you to go through with this."

"Trust me, Harriet, all will be well."

"Gideon, we went through this once before when you were threatening to shoot Lord Applegate. I simply cannot tolerate this sort of behavior. There is too much risk involved. Anything could go wrong and you could wind up severely injured or dead or running from the authorities." Harriet drew herself up and lifted her chin. "I forbid it."

"The challenge has already been issued, my dear." Gideon arranged his shaving things on the washstand. He mixed up the lather and began applying it to his face. Shaving with cold water was unpleasant, but he did not want to take the time to order hot water from the kitchens. "You must allow me to handle the situation."

"No," Harriet declared. "I will not allow you to go through with this nonsense."

"It will be all right, Harriet." He met her eyes again in the glass and saw the fear and concern in her beautiful turquoise gaze. The fear and concern were for him, he knew. The knowledge warmed him deeply. "I give you my word I will not get myself killed."

"But you cannot know that for certain. Gideon, I could not bear it if anything happened to you. I love you."

Gideon slowly lowered his razor. Face swathed in lather, he turned to confront her. "What did you say?"

"You heard me," Harriet said. "I do not see why you should act so astonished. I have loved you for quite some time. Why on earth do you think I allowed you to make love to me in that cave?"

A surge of elation went through Gideon. For a moment he could not think coherently. "Harriet."

"Yes, yes, I know, it is a nuisance for you and I am well aware that you do not love me," she said swiftly. "That is not the point. The point is that we have agreed to make a go of this marriage and if we are to do so, then you will have to respect my wishes in certain matters."

"Harriet—"

"And this is one of those matters, my lord," she concluded fiercely. "I will not allow you to go about fighting duels on my behalf. Sooner or later someone will get hurt."

"Harriet, will you kindly hush for one moment?"

"Yes," she retorted. "Yes, I will hush. As a matter of fact, I shall give you perfect silence, if that is your wish, my lord."

"Excellent."

" In point of fact, sir, I am not going to speak to you until you have put an end to this foolishness. Do you understand me, my lord?"

Gideon narrowed his eyes. "Not speak to me? You? Keep silent for more than fifteen minutes? That should be amusing."

"You heard me. Not one more word. As of this moment, I am no longer speaking to you, sir."

Harriet swung around on her heel and marched out of Gideon's bedroom.

Gideon stared after her, torn between a mad desire to shout for joy and an equally strong wish to turn the little shrew over his knee.

She loved him.

Gideon hugged the knowledge close to his heart, the way he held Harriet herself in the middle of the night.