Lucas gave an embarrassed shrug. “They were amateurs. No one died so it was no great matter.”

“But surely it was unnerving!” Suzanne’s gaze returned to Kendra. “Lucas told us something of your situation. I hope we can help you find some justice.”

“I hope so, too,” Kendra said in a low voice. “I haven’t known where to start.”

“We’ll think of something,” Suzanne said. “But first we will eat and drink because good food and conversation lead to good ideas.”

Simon smiled and rested a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “I think my good French cook was the reason she agreed to marry me.”

“Not the only reason,” Suzanne said serenely, “but it was most certainly on the list! Come now and relax and have a glass of wine before we dine. Later we will talk.”

* * *

Kendra quickly realized that Lucas had been right that she would like his cousins, and that they were understanding people. Dinner was simple, delicious French country food that helped create an atmosphere of warmth and easy conversation. By the time they’d finished the cheese course, they were all on a first-name basis.

At a signal from Suzanne, they adjourned to the drawing room and coffee was served. Her hostess handed Kendra a steaming cup. “Now we talk. Tell us your story.”

Simon added, “I recall hearing the divorce case had some unusual legal features, but I don’t know what they were.”

Kendra’s ease vanished and she cradled the hot cup of coffee to warm her shaking hands. But speaking to Lucas the night before made it easier to tell her story this time. After sketching out what had really happened, she said, “The legal case was unusual in several ways. Usually the injured husband charges his wife’s lover with criminal conversation in a civil suit. If successful, the lover pays a large fine for alienation of affection.

“Then comes the ecclesiastical trial in which the husband charges his wife with adultery and demands legal separation. What made this suit different was there was no one lover to charge. Instead, Denshire claimed that my behavior was so heinous that I should pay a massive fine for my adulterous actions. The legal issues are still being sorted out, but so far, Denshire has been winning with his arguments because he convinced the courts that my behavior was vile beyond belief.” Her voice turned bitter. “Naturally I can’t testify because I’m a woman.”

As she went into greater detail, Suzanne pressed her fist against her mouth, her eyes stark. Simon was very still and radiated a quiet, cold rage. Lucas looked . . . dangerous.

When Kendra finished her tale, Suzanne leaned forward and squeezed her hand. “I’m so sorry for what you’ve endured,” she said compassionately. “I don’t suppose it would be wise to just shoot Lord Denshire.”