Hastily, he withdrew his hand. Nothing about the situation felt at all right and, for a moment, Balt wondered if it would not be best—for both parties—to simply abandon Miss Lovegood there. Not the gallant thing, to be sure, but with reason escaping her entirely, he wondered if he truly had any other option.

"No," he said frankly, even coolly. "Miss Lovegood, I think it best that you return home to your brother."