Violet’s cup clattered against her saucer, as though her hands trembled. “I’m afraid I must go,” she said, standing abruptly.

“Of course,” Sophie said, sympathetic. She retrieved her reticule from behind the counter, withdrew the few coins she’d brought, and pressed them into Violet’s palm. “It’s not much, but I’d like you to have it.”

“I couldn’t,” Violet said, clearly appalled.

“Please, think of it as a small gift.” The coins amounted to Sophie’s share of last week’s earnings from the newspaper column—the earnings that Fiona and Lily had insisted on splitting three ways from the start. “One day, if you wish, you can pass the kindness along to someone else.”

“That’s very generous. I don’t know what to say, except … thank you.”

“It’s nothing,” Sophie said with a dismissive wave.

Violet gave Sophie a wobbly smile, clutched her shawl tight around her shoulders, and turned toward the door.

“Take care walking home,” Sophie called after her. “And I hope you’ll be able to join us again next week.”

“I hope so too,” Violet said softly, before vanishing into the darkness of the alley.

Sophie’s encounter with the frail young woman left her feeling uneasy as she finished washing the dishes and setting the shop to rights. But she had little time to dwell on the conversation because it was almost eleven o’clock—and Reese would arrive any minute.

When he rapped on the window of the back door, she grabbed her portmanteau, extinguished the lantern on the counter, and met him in the alley, her heart pounding as if she’d run a mile.

“Sophie,” he said, sounding faintly relieved. “You’re well, I hope?”

“Yes.” She exhaled slowly, willing her pulse to slow. “And you?”

He shrugged. “Better now.” He gestured toward her bag. “Would you like me to carry that? I have a hackney cab waiting for us one block over.”

“Thank you.” She handed him the portmanteau, taking care to avoid contact with his hand. Then she draped her shawl over her head like a hood, concealing herself just in case they encountered anyone during their short walk.

A few minutes later, they were in the cab, rumbling through the streets, on their way to Warshire Manor. Reese sat beside her, keeping a safe distance on the seat between them. Occasionally, he glanced over at her, almost as though assuring himself she was still there. But mostly, he stared out the window.