“Then let’s assume that it hurts most of the time,” Sophie said. “Men are positively idiotic about admitting pain.”

“Well, then, what if the migraines are caused by straining his leg?” Gabby frowned. “It wouldn’t be a question of the leg, in that case. More likely his hip.” She could feel that her face was a rosy pink.

“It could be either,” Sophie pointed out. “I mean”—she paused and then plunged ahead—“he likely supports himself on his knees and moves his hips.” Her eyes took on a mischievous gleam. “So tonight you must refuse to allow him to move his hip or put weight on his leg.”

Gabby’s heart bounded and then thudded back to earth. “I can’t, Sophie. I told him that I didn’t like…didn’t enjoy…so that I wouldn’t be responsible for any more migraines. He’s not angry. But now, it’s been several weeks, and he doesn’t even kiss me good night.” To her shame, her eyes filled with tears again.

“Change your mind,” Sophie said bracingly.

“I can’t! What if it doesn’t work?”

“It will work. And you can’t go on like this, buying filthy medicines from cracked apothecaries. You’re like to kill Quill one of these times.”

“I’ve never actually given him any of them,” Gabby said miserably. She had a secret little collection in her desk. “I was waiting until he had a migraine attack.”

“Well, he’s never going to have an attack if you don’t take him back into your bed,” Sophie pointed out.

“He said he would visit a concubine,” Gabby whispered. One tear spilled down her cheek.

“Absurd! Quill is undoubtedly lying abed at night planning to break down your door. Patrick and I stopped having relations for a time during the first year of our marriage, and he never visited a concubine. He glowered at me for his entertainment.”

“You did, really?” Gabby was fascinated.

“You’d be surprised at the foolish things we did,” Sophie replied dryly. “But I’ll save them for our next cup of tea, because I promised to take a young guest to see the Tower this afternoon.”

Gabby bit her lip. “I don’t know how to thank you enough, Sophie. It—”

“Poppycock!” She laughed. “I sounded just like my mama there. Have you met my mama yet?”

Gabby shook her head.

“Count your blessings. Now—” She leaned conspiratorially across the table. “I shall think of you tonight, Gabby. Be of strong heart.”

GABBY RETURNED HOME to find that two letters had arrived from India. She snatched them from the salver, only to discover that neither was from Sudhakar.

She read the first letter with keen interest. It appeared that her plan to save Kasi Rao was well in train. She felt a little gleam of pride at the idea that one of her fantastical ideas might actually be useful.