Kendra studied Hazel Wilson more thoroughly. The young woman’s features were pleasant and unremarkable, but her eyes were sharp with intelligence. “I’m impressed, Miss Wilson. I do hope you really are good at defending yourself. In recent years I spent little time in Denshire House, but I heard it was difficult to keep female servants because of the behavior of Denshire and his friends.”

“They would regret misbehaving with me,” Hazel said tartly. “I’ve taught self-defense courses to the females of Lord Kirkland’s household. Everyone from the countess down to the youngest scullery maid.”

“I don’t suppose you know much about Denshire’s friends who testified to your alleged depravity, so I’ll set someone else to investigating them.” Kirkland gave a slow, rather dangerous smile. “We shall see if some justice can be done.”

A tap on the door was followed by a lovely blond woman, surely the lady of the house. “May I join you? What you said earlier made me want to meet your guests.”

Kirkland stood and gave his wife a smile as intimate as a kiss. “I’m glad you’ve returned in time to meet them. Colonel Duval you know, and here is his cousin Lord Foxton, plus Kendra Douglas, who is here on a quest.”

Lady Kirkland’s smile was warm. “And Hazel is here also, I see, doing her best to seem invisible. Will you be free to give another defense course here soon? We have several new maids who are keen to learn.”

“Not right away,” Hazel said, “but soon.”

“May I take the course also?” Kendra asked.

“Or perhaps Miss Wilson will teach the course in my household,” Simon said thoughtfully. “You might end up as a full-time teacher at this rate.”

Hazel shook her head. “There aren’t many men as enlightened as you and Lord Kirkland, but I’m happy to oblige when asked.”

Lady Kirkland’s gaze moved to Lucas. “Lord Foxton, I’m involved with a charitable organization called Zion House, which provides shelter for abused women and children. We also operate a free infirmary adjacent to the shelter. I hear you’re a bonesetter of considerable skill. Would you be interested in sometimes working in our infirmary in the East End?”

Lucas gave a blink of surprise. “Yes, I would. When and where?”

“A good thing you agreed, Foxton,” Kirkland said amiably. “There is no escaping my lady and her dedicated friends.”

“Indeed not,” she said placidly. “Do you have a few minutes to discuss it now?”

“You two can go into one corner to discuss the infirmary, Hazel and Miss Douglas can go into another corner to discuss what she needs to be doing, and Simon and I can stay here by the food and drink and discuss general strategy,” Kirkland suggested.