The maid repeated her story as before in halting words. When she was done, Lucas said gravely, “Your evidence could be very useful. Will you describe the truth of what happened when we challenge Denshire about his vile lies?”

Molly shrank back. “A court is no place for people like me!”

“This wouldn’t be a law court,” Kendra said. “We’ve arranged a social event where we’ll confront Denshire with people who will give the lie to his account of what happened. Your story would prove that I was drugged that night.”

Lucas added in a steely voice, “You will be protected. You have my word on that.”

Molly’s uncertain gaze moved from Lucas to Kendra. Kendra said nothing, but she held Molly’s gaze. If the girl felt that she had failed her mistress, here was her chance to make up for it, but Kendra would not pressure her.

Molly gave a jerky nod. “If it will bring you justice and I will be safe, then yes, I will bear witness.”

“Thank you,” Kendra said quietly. She rose to her feet. “Laurel, I hope you want me to come back regularly. More stories on Thursday morning?”

“You’ll be most welcome,” Laurel said as she also stood. “I’ll show you the rest of Zion House then. Today has been most eventful for you, and for you also, Molly.”

Molly gave a crooked smile. “Yes, but I feel better now.”

“As do I.” Kendra squeezed Molly’s hand briefly, then left the room with Lucas.

“Storytelling?” Lucas asked as they headed down to the ground floor, then outside to the nearby livery stable where he’d left his horse and carriage.

“Yes, I may have found my niche,” she said with a chuckle. “I told the story of Dick Whittington and his cat and enjoyed it as much as the children did.”

“Stories are important because they bring a sense of wonder,” Lucas said. “Even more so for children who have had a hard time of it.”

“Yes, that’s it exactly! In the version of the story I know, Dick Whittington started as a poor orphan, and ended as a rich, successful man.”

“And the cat was treated with great respect and immortalized,” Lucas said solemnly, but with his eyes twinkling.

“A good outcome for all. I’m going to prefer telling the stories with happy endings. The real world has enough grief,” she said thoughtfully.

He nodded and ended the conversation since they’d reached the livery stable and he needed to retrieve his carriage. When they were inside and heading back to Mayfair, Kendra asked, “Could you take me to Duval House? I want to tell Suzanne what happened.”

“Of course. Molly is a valuable witness.” He gave Kendra a wry smile. “The Duchesses’ Ball is going to be very interesting.”