In his heart he knows that he did not imagine her love for him. That it is more than likely duty and loyalty and fear that have made her abandon him and turn away from the possibility of a life together. And he believes, if he allows himself to do so, that were he to go to her, to take her hands in his, to meet her soulful gaze, and to tell her he still loves her, he still wants her, he would see in those glorious, wild green eyes that she still loves him, too. There and then, he resolves to try one more time. To risk the pain of possible rejection. To risk humiliation. To risk falling again into that kind of madness into which he descended those lonely years ago when she spurned him.

We could be together. We could find a way. If she still loves me. For after all, surely there is no greater magic than love.

*   *   *

It is a warm April night and the window is open. Sitting on the cream sofa in my bedroom, my eyes closed, I can hear the chimes of Big Ben announcing the hour. Nine o’clock. Louis will be here any minute to take me to Charlotte’s fancy-dress party at the club she has booked for the purpose in Kensington. I would rather not go. Not only because of my natural dislike of such large, rowdy gatherings but because there are so many spirits whispering in my ear tonight. Some of them seem so lost. Others have pressing matters they wish to discuss with me. How can I leave them to go off and indulge in hours of frivolous society? Why do I allow myself to be persuaded to attend such things? I know the answer is Louis. He loves me to go, so that he may show me off, as if I were some sort of rare wild animal he has managed to trap. And, of course, there are Charlotte’s feelings to consider this time. This party is one of her fund-raising events. We have all bought our “tickets” to attend, and the money will go to one or another of the several good causes of which she now finds herself patron. She would be hurt if I did not attend.

There is a knock on my door and I bid Terence enter.

“Lord Harcourt is here, my lady.”

I take a slow breath and then release it, mentally sending the spirits on their way. I do not want any of them thinking they might accompany me to the party.