After my adventure yesterday, I was content to pay my visit to Grace and stay with her the entire day. I visited with Mrs. Millburn for a time—Jane and Grace had a holiday from lessons while I was there, and the two girls played games together, giggling and arguing and giggling again, like true sisters.

Grace and I then went out for tea, as we liked to, she asking me all about what I’d done since Monday. I did not like to worry her, so I kept what had happened at the prison to myself, though I did tell her about poor Bessie and her chap, and how they sent messages by way of the guard.

I kept Grace close to me while we walked from tea shop to St. Paul’s to stroll in the churchyard there, gazing up at the magnificent building. Cynthia’s talk of predators had unnerved me greatly, and I imagined eyes on my child as we strolled along. I hated to part from her, but I knew the Millburns were diligent people and would keep her safe.

I returned home in time to prepare the evening meal as usual. Tonight the Bywaters had invited two gentlemen who worked with Mr. Bywater in the City. More suitors for Lady Cynthia, I assumed, and hoped another row did not ensue.

I gave them cod in cream and butter sauce, a stuffed veal roast, a fresh green salad with plenty of Miss Townsend’s herbs, slices of ham, rhubarb tartlets, Tess’s cauliflower with mushrooms and dill, and finished with my apple tarts served with cream, and a vanilla custard with raspberry jam.

The staff ate the leftovers, and I put my share into a basket.

Tess was busy shoveling in her supper when I breezed out. She only gave me a nod and wink, thinking she knew where I was going.

Her guess would have been wrong. I paused on the street to give the beggars there some scraps, then I walked to Regent Street and Mr. Thanos’s flat.

Mr. Thanos was home, but not in bed. He opened his door himself, dressed in a comfortable jacket and slippers, indicating he’d intended to spend the evening indoors.

“Mrs. Holloway!” He beamed in genuine delight. “How wonderful to see you. Is, er . . .” He peered past me. “That is, are you alone?”

“Lady Cynthia did not accompany me, no.” I moved past him into the front room. “I hope you are not too disappointed.”

“Not at all. That is . . . I am always glad to see you, Mrs. Holloway.”

I chuckled and set the basket on his table. “I quite understand, Mr. Thanos. You are a man with a warm heart. Lady Cynthia has sought refuge with Lady Roberta and Miss Townsend this evening after spending a meal with her family. She was understandably upset by the conversations you had with the Woolners yesterday.”