“I promise we’ll talk later about all this, but I don’t want to until I know—”

“Until you know what? Isn’t it enough to know that I lo—?”

“Shh,” she said, giving him a reproachful look. “Don’t distract me with your powers of persuasion, which are mighty. First you need to tell me where I will find Mr. Baxter. And I promise, I will come see you in a few hours.”

He told her without hesitation. Just that; not insisting he go with her, or urge her not to do anything reckless. She’d do what she wanted to do, and he respected that.

He wouldn’t try to stop her. He knew her. He understood her, even if he didn’t understand what she had to do before deciding everything.

“Sarah?” Della called outside her friend’s room.

The door opened, and Sarah poked her head out, a knowing look on her face as she surveyed Della’s state of attire.

“I gather you accepted his apology?” Sarah said in a dry tone of voice.

Della rolled her eyes at her friend. “Yes, you know I did. You knew I would. I can’t believe I’ve fallen in love with him, but there you go.”

“And Mr. Baxter?”

Della’s mouth tightened into a thin line. “I am going to see him and deal with him myself. And then, if you wish, we can go see your parents. You deserve an explanation as to why they lied to Henry.”

Sarah’s expression darkened. “Thank you, but that’s not necessary. You’ve done enough. I need to do this on my own. Well, on my and Henry’s own. Besides,” she continued in a lighter tone, “I think you’ll have your hands full with Mr. Baxter.”

“If they’re not wrapped around his throat,” Della replied.

“And I wanted to speak with you anyway,” Sarah continued. “Henry and I have had an offer from the Duke of Northam. He’s asked us to come live with him. I’ll be his nurse, and Henry will work in the gardens. There is a school being planned there so I can continue teaching as well, if I want. It’s a generous offer.”

“What about when—?” Della asked.

Sarah smiled. “He’s ill, but his doctors say he’s got more time now. I’m sorry you won’t be a duchess soon.”

“I’m not sorry at all,” Della retorted. “Does Griffith know?”

Sarah nodded. “The duke told him just recently.”

“He’ll be so relieved,” Della said. She had seen how much Griffith cared for his cousin.

“It will be a good place for Emily to live. As long as you, Nora, and Lord Stanbury promise to visit often.”

Della squeezed Sarah’s hands, then wrapped her friend in an impulsive hug. “I am so glad for you,” she whispered.