Simon also rose. “I’ll come as well in case the villains who attacked earlier are still out there and annoyed.”

As Lucas helped her into her cloak, Kendra said hesitantly, “We discussed my going to public places. Are you familiar with Angelo’s Fencing Academy?”

“We both learned to fence there,” Lucas replied. “The Angelos’ teaching methods were far superior to any instruction we have had in the navy or army.”

“What I learned there saved my life more than once.” Simon considered. “Many times more than once.”

“Are you interested in visiting there because they give fencing lessons to women?” Lucas asked.

“Yes! When I was a girl and visited Thorsay, my cousin Ramsay gave several of us girls fencing lessons when none of the adults were around to say we couldn’t. I enjoyed it, and fencing is splendid exercise.”

“Shall we go tomorrow?”

Kendra glowed at him. “Yes, please!”

Lucas felt that glow right to his marrow. The effect was—interesting.

“Do you mind if I join you?” Simon asked. “It’s been a good many years since you and I crossed swords, Lucas.”

“So it has, and I’m sure you’re much more in practice than I. But I’d enjoy it,” Lucas said. “Would you mind having both of us, Kendra?”

“Not at all.” Her voice dropped to a near whisper. “I feel blessed to have found such friends and allies.”

Lucas had felt much the same when Simon and Suzanne had opened their homes and hearts to him. He was glad that he could offer that kind of support to Kendra.

The return to Thorsay House was uneventful. Kendra walked between Lucas and Simon, but Lucas’s arm was the one she held. She thanked both men graciously when they reached her destination and they set a time for the next day.

The moon had set and the streets were dark, but peaceful. They were about halfway home when Simon remarked, “You’re whistling.”

Lucas blinked. “I am?”

“Kendra Douglas is lovely and interesting,” Simon said, amusement in his voice. “Is the friar part of you fading away?”

“If you’re asking if I find her attractive, the answer is yes,” Lucas admitted. “It’s a pleasure to rediscover masculine appreciation of the fair sex. But if you’re asking if I feel more than that, the answer is of course not. Her life is in turmoil and she’s made it clear that she has no interest in men as more than friends and possible allies. If she can find her Christopher, she’ll probably disappear with him, never to be seen in England again.”

“True,” Simon said thoughtfully. “I wouldn’t blame her if she leaves the country with her son, but I hope it doesn’t come to that. She’s a strong woman, and if she can prove her case, it will surely benefit more women in the future.”