In the front hall, he took his hat and cloak from Mr. Pultney. Movement at the back of the hall caught his eye, and he turned. His mother stood in the doorway to the servants’ area. They looked at each other for a long time, the only sound the ticking of the tall case clock.

Should he say something? Would she?

Mr. Pultney cleared his throat, holding the front door open, and the moment was broken. Daniel took his leave, not knowing if he was grateful or sorry.

Juliette stood beside her mother at the ball the week after Earnshaw’s capture, shaking her head at the incongruities of her double life. One minute she was a debutante, the next she was a hospital night nurse, then an earl’s daughter again. Before them, dancing couples performed a reel, and Juliette kept time, tapping her toe on the polished floor.

Not hard enough, however, to dislodge the pistol she’d tucked into her stocking and tied securely with a garter ribbon.

She smiled as Anne Victon and her partner pirouetted gracefully. Mother had asked their hostess if she would invite the young girl to the party as a special favor.

“Everyone seems to be having a wonderful time,” her mother remarked, flicking open her silk fan and stirring the air. “Lady Erskine’s home is lovely, just made for parties, isn’t it?”

“I wish Agatha could be here. And I wish Alonzo hadn’t left the country without so much as a fare-thee-well. She’s going to miss the lion’s share of her debut Season because of being in mourning, but it wouldn’t be as terrible if she had the man she loves by her side.” Juliette twisted her garnet ring. “She remains convinced he will return soon and keep his promise, but I am of two minds whether I want him to. If he would leave her with no explanation, what is to prevent him from repeating the act at a later date?”

Mother smiled at a man and woman as they passed, and once they were far enough away, she leaned over to whisper behind her fan. “Alonzo will return when he is ready. Things have happened and are in play of which you are not aware. I cannot go into detail, and you must not say a word to Agatha, but you should also stop speaking of the matter in public. Things of a sensitive nature are afoot, and your speculations may reach the wrong ears.”

Abashed, Juliette ducked her chin, but Mother used the tip of her closed fan to lift Juliette’s face. “Give us a smile. The duke approaches.”