Gabby drew Phoebe up against her side in a hug. “We will find your mama,” she said. “And meanwhile, Phoebe, just think about all those lovely clothes that Madame Carême is making for you!” For Phoebe, too, had ordered a complete wardrobe.

Phoebe’s eyes brightened. “Mademoiselle Lucile said that I would have a gown with pin tucks and puff sleeves.”

“Absolutely,” Gabby replied. “Why, it’s just as well that Peter has not located your mama yet. Because I would like the pleasure of your company, and your new garments will not be delivered for some weeks.”

In Phoebe’s eyes shone the passion of a young woman who already understood—even at the tender age of five—the importance of a first impression. She had had a lovely time looking at pictures of children’s clothing in La Belle Assemblée with Mademoiselle Lucile, one of Madame Carême’s assistants. “I shall wear the gown with puff sleeves,” she said. “And then my mama will love me more.”

Gabby frowned and was about to say something, but the footman opened the coach door. She was just a bit nervous to meet the viscount and viscountess. What if they were as disappointed with her as Peter seemed to be?

But there was no viscount. And within a few minutes of entering the sitting room, it became clear that she might never meet the viscount at all.

“He slept and slept,” the viscountess was saying, weeping and wringing her hands. “When I finally woke him, Thurlow looked at me, but I could tell that he didn’t know who I was.”

Quill was standing in the middle of the room, saying nothing. Peter turned white and sank into a chair.

“Last night he did recognize me,” the viscountess continued. “But the doctors say he is unlikely to recover the use of his limbs. And worst of all, he doesn’t seem to be able to speak! Although this morning, when I explained that I had to go to London for a day and tell you what had happened, I’m sure that he heard me. Because I asked him to close his eyes if he understood, and he did. He blinked his eyes.”

She started weeping harder, and Quill moved over and gave her an awkward hug. Kitty held out her free arm, and as Peter moved toward her, Gabby turned and fled from the room. There was something about seeing Kitty Dewland cling to her two sons that made tears come to her eyes. She had tried her entire life to please her father, but he would no more think of hugging her than of complimenting her.

Gabby swallowed hard and climbed the stairs to her bedchamber. The truth was that if her father had an attack and couldn’t speak, she would probably be grateful. That was a terrible, terrible thought.