It would be easier, she admitted to herself, if she were just able to conform to what Society expected. If she had married as she’d ought to have, socialized with the right people, and left the unfortunates to fend for themselves.

But, of course, then she wouldn’t be Della.

“I will send a note to the duke asking when it would be convenient to visit him.” That way she could ascertain if he was amenable to receiving a visit from Emily as well as Nora.

“Does he have any dogs?” Nora asked.

“I have no idea,” Della replied.

“If he doesn’t, we should bring him one of our kittens,” Emily said.

“Let’s wait to see when he might want to see you before we start bringing him gifts of live animals,” Sarah chided.

Della smothered a laugh. Sarah was constantly having to rein all of them in, Della included. Della felt for her, but she couldn’t resist diving into trouble if it seemed as though it would be fun and worthwhile. Occasionally both.

Which is why you are so intrigued by Lord Handsome, a voice reminded her.

“Are you feeling all right?” Sarah asked as she moved a gravy boat that was perilously close to Nora’s elbow.

“Yes, why?” Beyond being sexually frustrated, but she wouldn’t be sharing those details with her friend.

“You exhaled. Deeply, as though you were troubled.”

Della bit her lip to keep from bursting into laughter. “I am fine, thank you.” She rose, placing her napkin on the table. “If we are done, perhaps we can play a game before bedtime?”

Emily and Nora both scrambled out of their seats, while Sarah kept a worried glance on her. I’m fine, Della wanted to say. It’s you I worry about. That’s why I want to find your husband so desperately. I want you to be happy in a way I doubt I ever will.

The next time she saw Lord Stanbury, she’d have to make him commit to firm plans to look for Mr. Wattings. They had only gone to the docks once, and he hadn’t made it clear when they would go again. He’d mentioned Clark making inquiries; had he sent him instead? Without telling her?

Then again, he’d been distracted, as she had, by their mutual plans for strategizing.

So. New tasks: purchase shoes suitable for slipping in and out of houses for clandestine relationships; get protection so Nora wouldn’t wind up with a sibling; and require Lord Stanbury to lay out his plans for finding Mr. Wattings.

“Della?” Sarah was holding the door of the dining room open. Della had apparently been thinking on her feet for far too long.

“Oh yes. Sorry,” Della said, walking out the door and down the hall. She heard the sound of their daughters’ giggling, and shared a warm look with Sarah. “Oh, and Miss Mary? Is she here?”