And now she was.

Hadrian’s chest tightened. Moralistic or not, Audrey had been a familiar part of his youth and he had a keen desire to know what tragedy had befallen her and her husband. It had been something horrific, judging by the haunted expression on Miss Fanshawe’s face and the way she’d refused to speak of it in front of Leo.

The massive front door clicked open, and a man stepped out onto the portico. The Earl of Godwin epitomized the proper gentleman in a nut-brown coat and nankeen pantaloons. His thick thatch of hair had receded at the temples, and age had dulled the color from a dark gold to the paleness of straw. Despite being of an unremarkable height and build, he exuded authority from his squared shoulders to the proud tilt of his jaw.

His welcoming smile vanished as he spotted Miss Fanshawe and Leo. A puzzled frown confirmed that he was not expecting their arrival.

Hadrian braced himself for an unpleasant scene. He didn’t share Miss Fanshawe’s belief that Godwin would be thrilled to acknowledge the boy. Yet he resolved to do whatever he could to facilitate this meeting.

For Leo’s sake. And for Audrey’s.

He offered Miss Fanshawe his arm, and for once she did not scorn gentlemanly protocol. Her gloved fingers curled around the crook of his elbow, gripping with a tightness that belied the pleasant curve of her lips. Given her independent streak, it surprised him to know that she could suffer from an attack of nerves.

Little did she realize, he admired her pluck in crossing an ocean for the purpose of fulfilling a vow made to a dying woman. None of the ladies of his acquaintance would have had such fortitude. Most would have needed smelling salts at the mere suggestion of leaving the comforts of society.

As they mounted the three wide steps to the entry, she held Leo’s hand. Uncharacteristically shy, the boy stayed close to her skirts. Hadrian was reminded of himself at about that age, compelled to leave his widowed mother and live with his cousins. He could still remember his mother’s weeping and his sense of being frightened and alone—but at least he’d had some familiarity with this house and the people here.

Leo had only Miss Fanshawe.

“Delighted to see you, Clayton,” Godwin said. “I presume the ice storm delayed you? Richard was jesting that you’d lost your way. After all, it’s been at least six years since you’ve deigned to visit Oak Knoll.”

“We see one another often enough in London during the season, so the journey never seemed necessary. May I add, you’re looking in prime health.”

After the two men shook hands, the earl’s affability vanished into a haughty stare directed at the others. “You’ve brought guests?”

“We met on the journey quite by happenstance. Lord Godwin, may I present Miss Fanshawe and Leo. They’ve come to call on you.” Hadrian deliberately left off the boy’s last name. And because he didn’t wish to give Miss Fanshawe the chance to offer her hand in lieu of a curtsy, he hustled them toward the door, which was held open by a footman. “Come, let’s get out of the chill.”