“A whole day and night,” Julia said, sitting upon the edge of the bed. I heard the worry in her voice. “Your jaw is so bruised.”

“It is not broken,” I said. “Lord Evan assured me of that. Is there any news of them?”

Charlotte and Julia exchanged a look.

“I think your mistress needs something to eat,” Charlotte said to Tully. “Go to Cook. Tell her I sent you.”

She and Julia waited for Tully to depart; then my sister pulled out a letter that she had tucked into her white morning gown sleeve. “I received this from Sarah Ponsonby earlier today. By messenger.”

She unfolded the paper and read aloud:

1st November 1812

Plas Newydd

Llangollen

My dear Lady Julia,

Lady Eleanor and I wished to express our pleasure at your recent visit and to convey the news that Lady Hester and Miss Grant have settled in very well. Lady Hester is particularly taken with our garden and I feel that her connection to it will aid greatly in her recovery.

You will no doubt be pleased to know that Lady Hester’s brother and his friend returned that same morning and, although a little worse for wear, are whole and well. They have received aid from our mutual friends and have now moved to a location more suited to their circumstances. Our mutual friends have asked me to assure you and Lady Augusta that all is in hand and they suggest that you return to London as soon as your situation permits.

Julia, my friend, I believe you can trust this report of their well-being as well as the source from which it comes.

You are always most welcome at Plas Newydd and we look forward to the next time we see each other.

Yours in affection,

Miss Sarah Ponsonby

I looked at their expectant faces. “Lord Evan and Mr. Kent went back to Plas Newydd,” I said.

I closed my eyes for a moment, taking in a full, clear breath. They were safe.

“Julia believes the mutual friends are Mr. Brummell and Lord Alvanley,” Charlotte said.

“It cannot be anyone else, can it, Gus?” Julia said. “They have, for some reason, helped Mr. Kent and Lord Evan to safety. Charlotte is not convinced.”

“Why would Mr. Brummell and Lord Alvanley help Lord Evan and Mr. Kent?” Charlotte demanded. “They would not risk it. They may be leaders of fashion and society, but that does not put them above the law.”

“Even so, I believe they have helped them,” I said. I had great faith in George’s system of favors and his influence upon his friend Alvanley. “And now, it seems, they want us back in London.” I frowned, remembering the intense conversation between Mr. Kent and Mr. Brummell at Plas Newydd. It seemed George was a man of many hats, and not only of the fashionable sort. “We should do as they ask.”