When Dane and the others swung themselves down from their horses, Caroline didn't so much as look back. She gathered her skirts and hurried into the mansion as though another arrow might come flying through the air if she were to linger a second longer.
Still seated atop his horse, Lachlan watched his cousin disappear through the doors before turning towards Hailey. "Miss Elliot," he called, and Hailey was quick to look his way. "Would you mind keeping an eye on Caroline for me until I return?"
"Of course! Leave her to me, Mr. Hawksley," Hailey answered without hesitation, already making her way towards the entrance.
"Thank you," Lachlan looked relieved as he watched her follow after Caroline. Only once they had gone inside did he finally climb down from his horse. The moment both boots touched the ground, a sharp jolt shot up one of his leg.
