“It seemed a good description,” he replied, amusement in his eyes. “It gives me a reason to watch your very fine body, but I also think you need one, with Denshire running mad about town.”

She shivered. “I’m so glad we moved Kit to Duval House! Mr. Hollowell was polite but very thorough.”

“Do you know Hollowell? Apparently he and Denshire have been friends since their school days.”

“I believe I met him a time or two in the early years of my marriage.” Her voice turned dry. “He was one of the three men who testified that I’d lain with him.”

Lucas looked startled. “I didn’t realize that. I wonder if he was the one Kirkland said was uneasy with the whole business? We talked briefly. He seems to be loyal to Denshire because of their long years of friendship. He said he tries to keep Denshire in line.”

“Not doing a very good job of it, is he?” She sighed. “I’ll be so glad when Christopher is safely in school. I wonder how successful we’ll be when we confront Denshire at this very exclusive entertainment that the ladies are planning?”

“I can’t even begin to guess,” Lucas said. “But I hope it will be the turning point for clearing your reputation.”

“I hope so, too.” She gave him a sideways glance. “How about your reputation? Are you still being scorned?”

“Sometimes,” he admitted. “Another Rogers brother challenged me to a duel when we met by chance at Tattersalls. Those fellows are as stubborn as they are loyal to their little brother.”

“You didn’t accept the challenge, did you?” she asked with alarm.

“No. I refused on the grounds that I still didn’t know what my deadly sin was and how could there be a duel with no stated cause?” After a pensive silence, he added, “I got the impression that the injured brother, Godfrey, has never told his brothers the details of my dishonorable behavior.”

“That’s interesting,” Kendra said thoughtfully. “I wonder if his reasons for accusing you contain an element of shame at his own behavior.”

Lucas’s brows furrowed. “Very interesting indeed. But we’ll never know unless young Godfrey is willing to speak up.”

“Frustrating. A real grievance could be addressed but not dire accusations that aren’t explained. At least my alleged shameful behavior is clear, if fraudulent.”

“You’re also facing up to the situation, not wailing and accusing.” He glanced down at her, his eyes warm. “I have much more respect for your approach.”

She felt absurdly pleased. “Thank you. I spent several months in an angry fog, but I’ve been coming out of that ever since I attended the Clantons’ ball and met you.”

“We’re good for each other,” Lucas said. “I admired how carefully you worded what you said to Denshire to avoid actually lying.”