“But who better understands my situation?” After a silence of half a dozen heartbeats, she added almost inaudibly, “Who else can I trust as much?”

Simon could be trusted with anything, but he hadn’t been at Kendra’s side through her difficult journey. “I suppose that could be considered an extension of my bodyguard services. But it might reinforce the idea that we’re lovers.”

“People will think that anyhow,” she said with a slight laugh. “But they won’t have proof.”

“Gossips don’t need proof. In fact, it gets in the way of their enjoyment.” He gave his head a quick shake. “Very well, I will speak for you but you must also be there and be prepared to chime in as necessary. We can work out in advance what needs to be said, and what witnesses we’ll have present. But you realize that no matter how carefully we consider the possibilities, events are likely to turn in a direction we’ve never considered.”

“I know you’re right, but considering possibilities will fill in the time while we wait.”

“A fortnight of worry won’t be of much aid. I intend to go to Lady Kirkland’s infirmary and help as many people in pain as will hold still to let me treat them,” he said firmly. “I suggest you go to Zion House and start working with small children who are eager to learn. Turning one’s mind to the troubles of others is a good way to put one’s own troubles into perspective.”

“You’re absolutely right. I’ll go to Zion House,” she said. “I’ll also cross swords with the Fencing Females at Angelo’s Academy. I’ll write discreet letters to my children so they’ll know they aren’t forgotten. But all that begins tomorrow.” She raised her face and kissed his throat. “The rest of this night belongs to us.”

“Let’s not waste another moment of it,” he murmured.

They didn’t.

* * *

Kendra was still feeling buoyant when they drove away from the Westerfield Academy the next morning. “I like knowing that I’ll be coming back here regularly for years to come.”

Lucas was guiding the horses around the turn onto the London road, but he gave her a quick glance. “The school and estate both feel warm and welcoming, don’t they? It’s good that Lady Agnes intends to keep the school fairly small so that all her students can receive the attention they need. If the school became too large, it would change its personality.”

Kendra nodded. “I’m glad she found a place for Christopher so quickly. She was right that by this morning he’d be adjusted to the school. He was chattering so happily about his roommate Bobby and his big brother Benjamin and the other Hawks that I don’t think he’ll miss me at all.”