“Let me solve one dispute at a time,” Griffith said, holding his hands up in supplication. “First let me go resolve things with my lady, and then we can return to which of you louts is the worst. And then I’ll have to tell the crew.” He looked at Frederick. “You have some jobs that need filling, don’t you?”

Frederick nodded. “Now that I’ll be here to oversee the work? You have my word there will be enough positions.”

“Thank you,” Griffith said, exhaling.

“Good luck, cousin,” Frederick said as he raised his glass. “Bring me back a duchess-to-be.”

Griffith nodded. “I’m going to try my damnedest.”

Olivia, bless her impetuous heart, thought that Lord Stanbury had only done what was necessary in the moment.

Eleanor wished he had consulted with her first, which was a mild version of how Della felt.

Ida sniffed in disdain at hearing how he hadn’t bothered to tell her at all, and had, in fact, heard her out without disclosing his own information.

Whereas Sarah just held her hand and shot her concerned looks.

Pearl and Mr. Wattings were both quietly sympathetic, but Della couldn’t blame them, given how many words both Olivia and Ida had spoken.

“The door,” Sarah said, tilting her head to listen.

“Drat, and I don’t think anybody is out there,” Della said, rising from the table.

“They’re all getting your tea,” Sarah replied pointedly.

“Hush, you.” Della shot her friend a grin as she walked out toward the front door. Her family was here for her, and even if her heart was completely and thoroughly broken—plus she’d confessed she loved him, and she wished she didn’t feel so humiliated about that right now—at least they were all there and supporting her.

While also arguing about the best way to support her. Which was the way of all the best families, she supposed.

She flung the door open, gasping as she saw him, his size nearly filling the frame of the door.

“Evening, my lady.” He swept his hat off his head and held it in front of himself.

He looked nervous.

He should look nervous.

Because she was still angry.

And she was now angry at herself for not anticipating he might show up on her doorstep.

“Who is it—oh!” Sarah exclaimed as she strode across the hall.

“Captain, if the lady says you are to go . . .” Mr. Wattings began as he followed his wife.

Her sisters came out too, standing behind her as though preparing for battle. She hoped Ida’s face wasn’t too fearsome, not that it would scare him away.

“Della, do you want—?” Olivia said.

Della held her hand up. “Hold on. You do all know I can take care of myself? That is the whole point, isn’t it?”

She heard their murmurs of assent.

“Will you speak with me, my lady?” he asked.