“If you agree, we will pay for their lodging,” she murmured close to my ear, her words barely above a breath. “Miss Grant has some money left from an inheritance, but she should keep that in the event that they can set up their own household. Besides, from what I have heard among society and what Lady Eleanor has intimated tonight, the ladies have a very limited source of funds, so this will help them as well as Lady Hester and Miss Grant.”

“Of course we will pay,” I said. The economics of independence was always fraught for women, whether they were of high station or low. Julia and I knew control of one’s own money meant control of one’s own life, which was probably why men kept it from women in every way conceivable.

“What do we do if Deele insists on taking Hester?” she asked.

But I did not get a chance to answer, for a clatter of hooves sounded outside. We all peered through the old glass at the smeared whirl of activity in the drive. As far as I could tell, not a coach, but three horsemen.

“Is it Mr. Kent and Lord Evan?” Julia said, the anticipation in her voice mirroring my own rise of hope. “They have been so long!”

We both moved to the window, although proximity did nothing to improve the clarity of our view. From the hallway, I heard the front door opening, some muffled instructions in the voice of my beloved—my heart suddenly lighter at that dear sound—and then the footman knocked upon the dining room door.

“Come,” Lady Eleanor said.

The door opened and the footman announced, “Lord Evan Belford and Mr. Kent, my lady.”

And Weatherly, for I could see him standing in the hallway too.

Evan and Kent entered and bowed. We all returned the honors although all I wished to do was run to my love. I could see the same impulse barely contained in my sister’s curtsy.

Evan’s eyes found mine, his wry smile warm but tired: This is an unexpected solution.

I shifted my own smile into a moue of doubt: I hope it works.

Both he and Mr. Kent had divested themselves of greatcoats and hats, but they were road-stained, with dust smeared upon their faces and fatigue dark around their eyes. Kent had dried leaves caught in his hair and in the collar of his jacket, as if he had been dragged through a bush.

“You are most welcome, gentlemen,” Lady Eleanor said. “I am pleased to see you again, Lord Evan.”

Evan bowed. “Lady Eleanor, Miss Ponsonby, allow me to introduce Mr. Kent.”

The two ladies inclined their heads graciously.

“It has been a long while, Belford,” Lord Alvanley said with some warmth. “I am glad to see you well.”

There was, I think, a hint of relief in Evan’s return smile. “Thank you, Alvanley. May I introduce Mr. Kent, lately of Bow Street.”