“Darcy said he’s a lot of fun. I gather they got up to high jinks together on the ship home.”

“I can believe it.” I glanced at Darcy, who grinned.

Belinda shifted uneasily. “Where is everybody?” she asked. “Usually these houses keep a pack of servants, and nobody has come to take our coats yet. I’m freezing out here. And we’ve luggage in the motor.”

“The dowager duchess is breaking the news to the servants at this moment,” I said. “And introducing them to the new duke.”

“So she’s acknowledged that Jack is the rightful heir, has she?” Darcy asked.

“Oh yes. Fawning all over him. He looks just like his father, you see.”

“Well, that’s good, at least,” Darcy said. “My journey to Australia was not in vain. Poor old Jack. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end.”

“Her Grace was hoping you’d come down and guide him along for a bit, and now here you are.” I slipped my hand through his. “Goodness, you’re freezing.”

“Yes, well the motor I borrowed had a rag top that leaked and no heating,” he said.

“Leave your coats on the floor and come through to the Long Gallery. I gather there is food and coffee there.”

“Thank God,” Belinda said. “I should have worn my mink and fur boots.”

As we walked, something struck me. “Belinda, you said you’ve brought luggage. Are you planning to stay too? I’m not sure about that. The dowager duchess is a stickler for protocol.”

“You think she’d turn away a good chum of poor old Cedric?” she said. “I just flung a few things into a bag just in case I decided to stay. I don’t have to. But on the drive down, it occurred to me that I might be some help. You know, give the young chap some pointers,” she said. “He’ll have to know how to handle sophisticated women, and he’ll find himself the most eligible bachelor in England, won’t he?”

She stalked on ahead. I looked across at Darcy, and he raised an eyebrow, making me smile. We entered the Long Gallery. Belinda was already bearing down on the cake dishes with their tiers of good things to eat and the silver coffeepot on a tray and the roaring fire.

Darcy drew near to me. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ve got a feeling that Jack can take care of himself.”

“I hope so,” I replied. “Because I have a feeling he’s going to need a bit of help in the days to come. He’s going to need someone on his side.” I drew closer to Darcy, my hand brushing against his. “I’m so glad you’re here,” I added, and kissed his cold cheek. “This beastly business. I wish I weren’t mixed up in it.”

“I presume you’re only an innocent bystander,” he said.