He’d also been her protector, and now he was gone. A woman alone and disgraced was in dire straits, and Lucas guessed it was possible that under the circumstances, a court might rule that Denshire had the right to manage the money on behalf of his son. “It’s fortunate that you were unmolested that night, but it did complicate matters to hire a woman to pretend to be you,” Lucas said. “Do you know why he didn’t choose the simple way?”

“I’ve thought about that,” she said slowly. “I believe Denshire decided to hire a substitute because if I became with child as a result of that night, he would legally be the father and he wouldn’t want responsibility for a child not his own.”

Lucas shook his head. “It’s a monstrous story. No wonder you’re in a rage for justice.”

“Do you believe me?” she asked, sounding on edge. “When I say the words out loud, my tale seems too bizarre to be true.”

“Yes, I believe you,” he said steadily. “Not only is it hard to imagine someone making up such a tale, but even though we’ve only met half a dozen times or so, the Kendra Douglas I once knew was honest to a fault. I believe you still are.”

She exhaled and finally returned to her chair by the fire. Briefly she lifted the brandy decanter as if considering another drink, then set it down again. “I’m glad someone believes me. I’m trying to decide what to do next. Shooting Denshire would be very satisfying, but I don’t want to end up on the gallows.”

“If Denshire can be revealed for the monster he is, you might regain custody of Christopher,” Lucas said. “We need to find witnesses to support your story. Your maid, for one, and the woman hired to impersonate you.”

“I hope Molly is still alive, but if she is, I don’t know how to find her.” She cocked her head. “You said ‘we.’ You would help me?”

Lucas smiled, feeling a tingle of anticipation. “You need an ally and I need a good cause to fight for.” He extended his hand across the space between their chairs. “Shall we make a pact to pursue justice on your behalf?”

Looking as if she wanted to weep, she caught his hand in a tight clasp. “Yes! I hope you have a better idea of where to start than I do.”

After he released her hand, he said, “I have a few thoughts, and I have friends who will have more. I’ve been staying with my cousins Simon and Suzanne. Will you dine with us tomorrow night so we can discuss the possibilities?”

“This is the Simon who is your almost-brother?”

Lucas nodded. “He was also a colonel in the army intelligence service, so he has a number of useful skills as well as useful friends.”