Kendra took a seat with Lucas on her left and Katie on her right while Jane sat on Katie’s other side. The girl continued to study Kendra, her changeable eyes more green than gray today. “Will I be able to meet my brother? Will he like me?”

“Yes, you’ll meet him someday, and of course he’ll like you,” Kendra said reassuringly. “He’s always wanted a brother or sister.”

As tea was poured and the cake platter was passed, Jane asked bluntly, “Where do we go from here?”

Kendra met the other woman’s gaze. “As I told your sister yesterday, I won’t take my daughter away from the people who love her and the only home she’s ever known. But I do intend to be part of Katie’s life.”

Jane’s gaze was still wary, but she gave a reluctant nod. “ ’Tis only fair.”

“I am going to settle an income on Katie that you will be able to spend for your joint benefit,” Kendra continued, glad she had the money to do this for her daughter. “It will be sufficient for the two of you to live comfortably.”

“Can I get a pony?” Katie asked wistfully. “I’ve always wanted a pony.”

“That’s up to your mother,” Kendra said, glad she could call Jane the girl’s mother in a steady voice. “If she agrees, you can have a pony, though she might want to wait until you’re older. Your brother likes horses, too.”

Mrs. Lowell said, “Jane, you and Katie are welcome to move into this house. I was concerned about contagion before, which was why I fixed up a separate cottage, but now that you’re well, there’s plenty of room here. Two widows and our daughters. I’d like that.”

“I would, too,” Jane said. “And your stables have enough room for a pony if we decide to get one.” She glanced at Katie. “That’s if, little miss. Not definite!”

From Katie’s beaming smile, she seemed confident that her mother meant not “if” but “when.”

Kendra bit into a delicious apple tart with a wonderfully crumbly crust. Continuing the conversation, she said, “My life in London is complicated now, but when I have things sorted out”—if it was possible to sort them out—“I’d like to have you and Katie visit me there.” Her gaze moved to Mrs. Lowell and Maggie. “And both of you also. It could be a family visit.”

Maggie drew her breath in, her eyes shining. “We could go to the theater?”

“Indeed we could. And shopping on Bond Street as well.”

Maggie beamed. Kendra said softly, “I want us all to be friends, you know. Surely that’s possible?”

For the first time, Jane smiled. “I don’t see why not.”

Kendra swallowed the last bite of her tart. “I suppose we should be on our way. We have a long journey ahead of us.”