With another nod, the sailor trudged back toward the lugger. I looked across at Julia, holding Mr. Kent’s hand, their heads bent together, intent upon their conversation. Beyond, on the road, Weatherly and Tully were unloading our luggage to bring down to the boat.

I felt Evan’s arm around me: my safe harbor. Perhaps it was not the wisest decision to cross the channel into such a dangerous and reckless adventure. But under the circumstances—on a mission for England and with a pardon for Evan in sight—perhaps it was faith that was required, not wisdom.

And for me, that was faith in the five brave, loyal people by my side.

Author’s Note

Thank you for joining Gus and Julia on their new adventures. Some real Regency historical figures appear alongside our heroines, although I have taken some poetic license with their activities. It is always great fun to include real people and real events in the Ill-Mannered Ladies series. It does mean a lot of fascinating research, most of which doesn’t (and shouldn’t) make it into the story. So allow me to indulge my nerdy research obsessions with a bit more information about the historical figures and events that appear in this book.

George “Beau” Brummell