He chuckled. “I’d like to think that nonsense is over, but they seemed a pigheaded lot. If I’m out of sight, perhaps I’ll fade from their minds.”

“I wouldn’t count on it,” Suzanne said. “But this sounds like a worthy mission to undertake while you’re waiting for Kirkland’s investigators to come up with useful information. Kendra, where is the village where you took refuge?”

Kendra frowned. “I’ll have to find a map of the area. We didn’t take the usual road. Denshire insisted on a shortcut that he said would be faster. It wasn’t a good decision. Denshire Park is between Cirencester and Gloucester, so not a great distance from London. The village was . . . Little Dauntrey, I think.”

“As a former exploring officer, Simon loves maps,” Suzanne said. “I’m sure he has some of that area.”

“Would you object to calling on my great-aunt and uncle at Camden Keep?” Lucas asked. “It’s on the way and would be a convenient place to spend the night.”

Kendra hesitated. “They may not welcome a scandalous woman into their house, and I can’t say that I’d blame them.”

“They won’t mind. They lived in India for years while my uncle was the British Resident in one of the royal courts, so they are more broad-minded than most.”

“And it will give you a chance to visit the Magdalene,” Suzanne answered. “Give her a kiss for me.”

“The Magdalene?” Kendra asked warily. “That could refer to me.”

Lucas laughed. “The Magdalene is the mule who was my mount and companion during my Franciscan years. She was already old when I acquired her, so I brought her back to England to give her a comfortable retirement. She might have ended up in a stew pot if I’d left her in Belgium.”

“Which would be a tragedy,” Suzanne said firmly. “She is a noble beast of great moral character and has earned kindness, green pastures, and a full manger.”

“All of which my aunt and uncle provide. They rather dote on her,” Lucas agreed.

“With such references, I cannot but honor her when we meet,” Kendra said with a straight face. “I’d like to leave as soon as possible, but tomorrow is the luncheon with influential ladies that you arranged for me, Suzanne. Lucas, what does your schedule look like?”

“I’m going to visit Lady Kirkland’s infirmary tomorrow,” he replied. “She’s interested in my bonesetting skills. But after that I’m free to go.”

“So day after tomorrow. That will give us time to study maps and hire a carriage and arrange the other necessities of travel.” She sighed. “I suppose there is no reason to rush after all these years.”

“This journey isn’t so much about reason as about heart,” Lucas said quietly.