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returned to say yes, she hurried off to inform the dowager of her journey to London, wondering how to explain it without worrying her.

Her mother, however, propped up in bed eating breakfast while Mrs. Turcott read to her from a memoir of some sort, seemed to think a trip to court delightful.

"How kind of the queen. And how kind of the marquess to escort you. So unpleasant to travel without a gentleman." Her eyes twinkled with other meanings and hopes.

"I usually travel without difficulty, Mother. And I expect court to be a dead bore."

"Of course," her mother agreed, startling her. "But there will be opportunity for livelier entertainments, and enjoyment of London."

"London will be emptying for the summer."

That did daunt her mother a little, but then she smiled. "I'm sure you'll find some excitement, dear. You always do. And I'm sure the marquess will want to keep an eye on you. After all, you're almost family to him now, aren't you?"

That was too close to the point. In the night Diana had realized that no matter what happened, there would always be a connection through Rosa. She'd never be able to put the marquess completely out of her life.

She gave up trying to explain things, and hurried on her way. A footman brought the news that Rosa was here, so after a pause in the estate office to deal with a few more matters of business, she went to the drawing room, finding all her guests there.

Aware of looks both curious and speculative, she joined Brand and Rosa, taking Rosa's hands. "You look radiant."

"Well of course." Rosa smiled at Brand by her side, but then turned back to Diana. "What is all this about London? I thought you never wanted to go there again."

"I'm given little choice. The queen - "

"Diana!" She was swept into Elf's arms. "Oh, you poor thing!"

What had the marquess said? Diana didn't want to tell anyone about the threat of the madhouse.

"Court!" Elf exclaimed. "You'll expire of tedium! Especially now the queen is so near her time."

"At least that means it will only be for a few weeks," Diana said.

"That will seem like an eon, I promise you. I told Bey we'd return to London with him, but he thinks not."

Diana glanced over to where he was chatting to Lord Bryght and Lord Steen, wondering if there was some dark motive in that. But to Elf she said, "Of course not. You have things you want to do up here."

"But we will return speedily. Fort agrees." With a grin, she added, "Cutting short an exploration of cloth manufacturies is no great hardship to him."

Diana felt a tension ease. "I confess, having you nearby would be a relief."

Elf smiled, but her eyes flickered to the marquess. "Will you mind traveling south with my brother?"

"No more than he will mind traveling south with me," Diana replied, striving for a note of boredom. "I plan to take a number of books I have been wishing to read."

"His coach is very comfortable, at least. Just remember, don't play cards with him for anything but love!" Then she seemed to rethink her words and flush, but the Steens broke the moment by declaring that they were ready to leave.

Their children were already restless, eager to get on with the journey, so Diana went over to say farewell. Lady Steen smiled. "I don't envy you your weeks at court, Lady Arradale, but my brother will take care of you."

Lord Steen kissed her hand and thanked her for her hospitality. "If Rothgar tries to order you about, Lady Arradale, tell him to go to the devil."

Everyone went out to wave them on their way. Soon Lord and Lady Bryght with offspring, and Elf and her husband, were climbing into one carriage for the journey into Lancashire. Only a few days ago Diana had felt invaded, but now she felt bereft, as if this were her own family departing.

Now just Rosa, Brand, and the marquess were left, and in the stable courtyard her chosen belongings were being loaded into carriages and carts for the journey south.

"I don't want to go," she said, but then shook her head. "That's folly."

"Of course you don't," Rosa said. "Neither did I. But as with me, it's just for a little while. You'll be home before the leaves turn color. Come, let me help you with the final packing."

Rothgar watched the two women hurry away, arms around each other, and turned to his brother, prepared for questions.

"Is this