Georgie slumped back into her chair. Of course he'd overheard. Richard's skill at eavesdropping was unsurpassed. She cast him a pleading glance. "Please. Don't tell the girls."

"I won't." Even at twelve, he was very much the man of the family. He seemed to have an intrinsic need to protect his sisters that was as endearing as it was tragic. "But only if you agree to take the sword."

"They said I could have a blanket," she reminded him. "And a torch or two, and some ...