Gabby was very pleased to find that Peter was endlessly kind to his mother, rubbing her hand and murmuring in her ear. Quill sat silently across from them, and after the third or fourth eruption of tears, Gabby could tell that he was becoming irritated. And yet…poor Lady Dewland. It was clear that she had never contemplated the idea of her husband being incapacitated, and the pain was almost too much for her.

Halfway through luncheon, Kitty clutched Peter’s wrist. “I cannot sit here for another moment,” she declared, her voice breaking. “All I can see is my Thurlow’s face, waiting for me to return.” She stood up. “I am delighted to have met you, Gabrielle. I trust we can have a long coze the moment Thurlow is back on his feet. Why, I shall likely be gone only a few days.”

Gabby murmured agreement, although it was abundantly clear to her that the viscount would be very lucky to speak again, let alone walk.

“You cannot return to Bath alone, Mama,” Peter said. Both men had leapt to their feet when Kitty stood up. “I shall accompany you and stay as long as you need me.”

“Oh, no, I could never allow that,” Kitty said in a distressed tone. “Why, dear Gabrielle would be most inconvenienced if you left at this moment!”

Peter and Gabby spoke at the same moment. “He must accompany you,” Gabby said earnestly. It was clear that Kitty and Peter shared a special relationship.

“I could not think of being away from you during this terrible ordeal,” Peter said.

“But your friends,” Kitty protested feebly. “They must think it very odd if your betrothed is in London and you are in Bath.”

“They certainly will not,” Peter said, with the utmost confidence of someone who knew that his sense of social protocol could never be questioned. “My place is by your side.” He pressed her hand.

Kitty smiled at him tremulously. “I shouldn’t. Oh, I shouldn’t.”

Only Quill frowned. “I am persuaded that Peter should be here with Gabby. After all, they are to be married, and she only just arrived from India. It does not sound as if Father is in immediate danger, and I can easily accompany you to Bath for a few days.”

Gabby shot him a look. “Lady Dewland, Peter must accompany you and stay as long as you need him,” she said warmly. “I insist. I will not allow Peter to stay here when he could be of so much comfort to you.” Obviously Peter would be much more of a consolation to his mother than Quill would be.

“At any rate,” Peter said, “Gabby is not prepared to enter society. We ordered a new wardrobe for her this morning, but Madame Carême estimates it will be over a month until she is able to deliver it. Given Lady Sylvia’s presence, no one can question the propriety of Gabby staying here in London.”