Reginald Ball was, as I expected, pacing nervously waiting for me in the parlor, sweaty hands dipping into the sweet tray. If he had bothered to look at my hands rather than my nonexistent bosom, he would have noticed my permanently stained fingertips. Traces of my constant scribbling, as my mother describes it. “Mr. Ball,” I said, smiling at him and stretching out my hand in an unfamiliar movement that I copied from my mother. “I do hope I haven’t...”

Before I could continue, I met the eyes of the most beautiful man I had ever seen. He rose from one of the blue velvet chairs that faced the empty fireplace. He had a thick mop of dark, wavy hair that he wore slightly longer than the current style. He had dark blue eyes that were fringed with curled black lashes. His tanned skin was clear and warm-looking; I felt myself blush but managed a tense smile.

The stranger was half a foot taller than Mr. Ball, who was no short figure. Although his clothing clearly belonged to a gentleman, he appeared dusty and disheveled.

Mr. Ball cleared his throat. “Miss Cottonwood, I took the liberty of bringing this gentleman here, to Seven Sisters, as I found him in dire distress on the road. He says he was set upon by bandits, right on the road north of your home. We couldn’t find his horse or belongings. I do hope you can assist him. I’d like you to meet, oh dear, I haven’t collected your name, sir.” The painter’s face reddened at his oversight.

“Mademoiselle, sir, let me introduce myself. I am Captain David Garrett, at your service.” He had a deep voice and a friendly manner.

We three stood looking at one another for a few seconds before I realized that I must take control of the situation. “Sir, you are most welcome here. If I may ask, how did this happen to you, Captain?”

“Blayliss and I decided to hunt for some rabbits this morning. Blayliss is a bit of a puppy but with a fine pedigree. The rabbit ran across the road in front of us, and we followed him. I rounded the curve, the one near that copse of trees, then two men stepped out onto the road. We exchanged greetings, and suddenly one of the men reached for my saddle. I began to ride on, but the two overpowered me.” He paused here, no doubt feeling embarrassed. I said nothing, and he continued.

“The next thing I remember, I woke along the road with this good man standing over me. What would I have done if Mr. Ball had not found me?”

Hearing his part in the story, Mr. Ball practically glowed under the praise. “My dear sir, I venture to say you’d have found help here at Seven Sisters. However, it was my pleasure to help you in your time of need.”

“Yes, indeed. Thank you, Mr. Ball.” I smiled.

He turned to me. “May I thank your father or mother for your kind attention?”