“Will his wife mind having a disgraced woman at her table?” Kendra asked warily.

“Suzanne is the most tolerant of women. She has also had a complicated past and may have some good insights into your situation.”

“Then I thank you for the invitation.” Kendra exhaled roughly. “I must rest now. Thank you for coming to my rescue at the ball, and for listening to me.”

Lucas rose. “Between now and tomorrow night, think about everyone who was involved and might have information about what happened to you. Servants. Neighbors. Your husband’s friends.”

“Do you think that will help?” she asked.

“I don’t know, but it might be a start.”

“I hope so.” She drew a deep breath. “Thank you, Lord Foxton. I feel steadier for having talked to you. Step by step, I will move forward as best I can.”

“That’s all we can ever do.” He smiled. “You should call me Lucas if we’re to be allies. That will balance the fact that I keep wanting to call you Kendra Douglas.”

She pursed her lips thoughtfully. “I want to be Kendra Douglas again. She was stronger and more clear-sighted than I. Scottish women keep their own names, so I’ll claim that right. I do not want to be Lady Denshire anymore.”

As they’d talked, she’d become more like the Kendra Douglas he remembered. He was glad because she would need that strength and clarity to fight her way out of the wreckage of her life. “I’ll collect you tomorrow for dinner, Kendra. I hope you sleep well.”

“Perhaps I actually will,” she said, sounding surprised as she escorted him to the door. “Good night, Lucas.”

After he left, she climbed the stairs to her room, tired but feeling a cautious hope that there might be sunlight beyond the dark fog of despair that had been suffocating her since her life had shattered.

Though Denshire had done his best to destroy her, he had failed. Now she was going to fight back. Women had few weapons, but she was better armed than most because she had money and determination. Dear Lord, did she have determination!

She wondered how far Lucas would go to help her. This was such a sordid business and he had no particular reason to exert himself for a near stranger. He might eventually lose interest and she’d be on her own. But his kindness and belief had already meant a great deal to her.

After she lit the lamps in her room, she opened her jewelry box and removed the miniature of Christopher, which was more precious than any of her jewels. The picture had been painted the year before. He’d grown since then, but his sunny smile hadn’t changed.