Or would they? Would it have been better to try for Basset’s cousin, Lord de Dunstaville? She had yet to meet him, as the families were not close, but if he were a man of greater influence, she might find would-be rescuers more eager to offer her aid. And she did know that Tehidy was considered to be a very fine house indeed.

How far Tehidy was from Trevadden was still a question to her, let alone how far it might have been from her present position.

So really, everything was just a little bit hopeless.

A gust of wind whipped across her, slapping her skirts against her shins and nearly dislodging her hat, which had once been so carefully pinned into her hair. She shivered against the sudden chill, slipping her gloved hands into the pockets of her skirts in an attempt to warm them.

Something crinkled loudly against the gloves, and Adelaide frowned, pulling out whatever it was. Her frown cleared into a curious smile as she saw the letter Mrs. Elsom had given her before she had left Trevadden. She had not given her any indication who the sender might have been, and the handwriting was unfamiliar to Adelaide.

Well, if she was destined to be walking for a while, she might as well read.

The seal on the back had no distinct markings, nothing to give her any indication of the sender’s identity, which only heightened her interest. Anna had a flower stamp she was prone to using, Phillip had a ring, her parents had the family seal, and no one else would have sent her a letter.

Although, apparently, someone had.

She broke the seal and began to read the neat, if scrawling, hand.

My dear Lady Basset—

My warmest felicitations on the occasion of your recent nuptials. While it was certainly not a love match, I believe you may find true pleasure and satisfaction in the marriage all the same. If there is any person alive who knows and appreciates the qualities of your husband, as well as his flaws, it is myself, and I hope you will take this letter to heart.

My name is Richard Basset. I am Harrison’s unfortunate younger brother and have regularly sinned against his goodness and honor. He informed me of your impending wedding when he was in London, taking the time and effort to find me in person to relay the news. It was not a promising exchange for either of us, as I was not at my best, and in no state to properly congratulate him. He wisely did not inform me of your identity, knowing it is well within my nature to scheme and flirt, so it was as much a protection for you as a punishment for me. He begged me not to attend the wedding, and I, in such a state, had no qualms in agreeing to his wishes. Being a man of honor, he gave me no inducement to stay away, no bribery or coercion, trusting that somewhere inside, I still bore some semblance of honor myself.