Knighton Manor was lit up from within, and we could see it from miles away. For the first time, I saw my father relax. I hadn't even realized he had been tense until the moment he relaxed. "Were you worried about something, Father?" I had to ask.

"The highwayman struck again two days ago. A family who were on their way here for the Knightons' ball," Father said seriously. Silence filled our carriage. Clearly, I was not the only one who had not been aware of this. "With everyone dressing their best and wearing their jewels tonight, it was feared there would be many potential targets for the criminal."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sarah sit up straighter. The only thing I could think was that Mr. Richfield had gone, so there was no conceivable way he could be even remotely be construed as the villain behind this crime. So, then, I had to wonder what had caught her interest about the whole thing.

I refused to be involved in the horrid subject any longer. It had brought me enough grief.

Stepping out first, Father helped Mother down, and then Sarah and I. James and Will were last. The Manor appeared even more impressive against the darkening sky than it did in broad daylight.

"Diana, you're going to get left behind," Sarah hissed, pulling my attention from the view to her. The rest of my family was already walking towards the door. "Hurry up! I did not make you look good so that you could stand outside all evening!"

Lifting my skirt, I walked quickly to catch up. A footman relieved me of my shawl in the foyer. There were people everywhere, and many of them I knew. Mother and Father were quickly drawn into a conversation. Will and James had vanished while I gave up my shawl. How did they manage to do so with such ease?

"If I leave you, you won't try to hide?" Sarah asked, leaning close to my ear so I could hear over the din of conversation and the orchestra playing. "I want to take a turn around the room."

"Why would I hide?" Honestly, where would she get such idea?

"Because you always do," Sarah said. A look of relief appeared on her face. "Oh, look. Here's Anna. Maybe she can keep you from running off."

She slipped off into the crowd as Anna reached me. "Finally," my friend said, linking her arm with mine. "I had begun to think you weren't coming. I have so much to tell you, Diana."

I laughed at her dramatics. "I saw you this afternoon, Anna. I hardly think you have much to tell me that is new."

"The Reynolds' are not here."

Startled, I stared at her. "What?"

Glancing around, Anna pulled me to the side of the room. It was only marginally quieter there. "It happened so fast, while I was visiting you," Anna said, babbling in her eagerness to tell me all. "Mother and Father asked them to leave. I have never been so shocked!"

"Why?" I asked, confused about why the Knightons' would ask their guests to leave on the day of the ball. It must have been something serious. "What happened?"

"Now, you must promise me you won't be angry. It was brought to our attention that Miss Reynolds has been spreading horrible rumors about you."

It was as if there were no ball happening around us as I focused on what Anna was telling me. I wasn't sure I had heard her right. I couldn't possibly have heard what I thought I'd heard. "Miss Reynolds has what?"

"She told anyone who would care to listen you were marrying Richfield for his money because your family expects you to make a brilliant match. It was only by the merest chance Mother overheard her speaking of it to Miss Carter, bragging about just how many people agreed with her!"

Mr. Richfield had asked if I were marrying him for his money. Was Miss Reynolds the source of such an idea? She must have been! Anna had warned me not to get angry, but I couldn't see how I could avoid it! "How dare she? That insufferable girl," I said, clenching my fists. "How many believed her?"

"It doesn't matter," Anna said, trying to soothe me. "She is no longer here."

"Anna. How many?"

My friend sighed, looking as though she regretted telling me. "There were five families she mentioned," she said. She hurried on with her story before I could ask for further clarification. "Mr. Reynolds was most apologetic and agreed the best thing to do would be for them to leave. He asked I give you, Richfield, and your family his most sincere apologies."

I took a deep breath, trying to untangle my feelings on learning this. On the one hand, I was furious Miss Reynolds would stoop to such a level. At the same time, I felt pity for her desperation, but I also felt honored the Knightons would take such offense at insults aimed at me.

Mainly, I felt heartbroken to know Richfield had listened to her. Even knowing her character, he had listened to Miss Reynolds' lies. Perhaps not truly believed every word she had said, but he had doubted he knew me because he'd listened to her.

But had I done any different? Struck by this thought, I paused to consider. I'd listened to Sarah, which had caused me to doubt what I knew of him because of what my sister had said. I couldn't make any judgments because I hadn't acted in any better.

"Diana, you look like you're going to cry," Anna said, looking horrified. "All will be mended soon! It doesn't matter what those families believe! Your Richfield knows the truth, and so do your friends!"

Why did she have to say that? This was no time to go into it. "Yes," I said, forcing a smile. "My friends know me."

Anna frowned as if sensing there was still something she didn't know. "Now, let's have some fun tonight," she said, linking arms with me again. "I've made Rodger swear he will dance with you."

I forced a laugh. "Of course you have."

"But not before I have had my dance," Philip Knighton said as he approached. He bowed stiffly. "Would you do me the honor, Miss Forester?"

With a mock scowl, Anna slapped her brother's arm. "Don't you think Diana will want to save the first dance for her betrothed?" she asked. "There's no need to be so formal with her, either. She's practically your sister or have your London friends made you forget everything?"

That made me flinch. Philip's impassioned proposal some months before was the one secret I'd never told Anna. I had no idea how she would have reacted to it. That he had never spoken of it to his older sister either made me think I had made the right choice. Who had he told? His parents had known but hadn't spoken of it?

"The music is about to begin, Anna, and I don't see Richfield," Philip said, holding his hand out to me. "Miss Forester?"

A refusal now meant I would not be dancing at all evening. "Certainly," I said, putting my hand in his. I had to have something to distract me because I was sure I would be spending most of the evening on the wall with the spinsters.

The floor had been cleared, and lines were forming for the first dance. At the head of the room, the musicians were beginning to play. "I wanted to tell you I wish you every happiness, Miss Forester," Philip said as he led me forward. "You and Richfield both have my congratulations."

"Oh. Thank you," I said, surprised by this sudden attempt at reconciliation.

"When I think of my conduct this winter, I am ashamed," he said without acknowledging my words. "I had no intention of hurting you, and hope you will forgive me."

His wording puzzled me. Hurt me? As far as I knew, the only thing damaged had been our easy friendship. "Of course I forgive you," I said as I stepped into place. The music began, and we started to dance.

****

As he had in the past, Philip made me laugh as we danced the lively country jig. It felt good to be on somewhat easy terms with him once more, though I knew I would never have the same friendship I had once had with him. To be on speaking terms at all was a relief in itself.

"I see Richfield is not yet here," Philip said as he led me off the floor at the end of our dance. "Isn't that strange?"

It was as if he was fishing for information. I chose to ignore it. "Look, Mr. Ward is dancing with Sarah!" I said, spotting my sister being led out for the next dance.

"I honestly did not think to see Ward show any interest in a young lady," Philip said, looking a little concerned. "He's something of a rogue in London, you know."

No, I hadn't known and chose not to comment. I had learned well how idle comments could destroy someone's reputation. That didn't mean I wasn't going to keep my eye on Mr. John Ward. Just in case. I would not allow my only sister to be hurt by someone who had no serious interest in her.

Making me promise to dance with him again, Philip excused himself and went to dance with Miss Carter. I was surprised to see the young lady without anyone at her side. Then again, Miss Reynolds had been a close companion, and she hadn't exactly endeared herself to any of the other young ladies. A fact she must be regretting.

Standing on the sidelines felt worse than it ever had before. My toe began to tap in time to the music.

"You're not dancing?"

Richfield?

My breath caught in my throat, and I slowly spun around. He stood before me in his impeccable evening wear. There was a smile on his face. Something I had thought I would never see again. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Swallowing hard, I tried again. "You're here?"

His smile broadened, and he held out his hand. "I am. Shall we join the dance?"

He had come back. After all that had been said between us, he had come back! I could not think of anything else as I put my hand in his. He led me out, and we joined the dance. I did not smile as I moved through the steps. As I danced down the line, I caught Sarah's eye, and the look of absolute shock on her face made me laugh.

"What, Miss Forester, is so funny?" Richfield asked.

I shook my head, unable to explain. How was it possible to go from feeling miserable to completely happy in a matter of moments? In any event, I didn't know, and I didn't care.

"There is someone I want you to meet," Richfield said once the dance had ended. "If you don't mind sitting a dance out."

"No, I don't mind at all," I said, struggling to show some decorum.

Smiling, Richfield put my hand on his elbow and led me through the crowd. I quickly spotted my parents. We were headed in their direction. Not recognizing the woman they were speaking to, I frowned, my curiosity piqued. "Mother," Richfield said. Oh. Oh! "I would like you to meet Miss Diana Forester, my betrothed."

"Mrs. Richfield!" I said, bobbing a curtsy. "I'm pleased to meet you finally. I didn't know you would be here tonight."

For a moment, Mrs. Richfield simply watched me, a serious expression on her face. I fidgeted, feeling sweat forming on my palms. Then, she began to smile, her expression relaxing. "I've been hearing a great deal about you, Miss Forester. I'm pleased to meet you as well."

Well, that could have gone so much worse. "Mrs. Richfield and I were just becoming acquainted," Mother said to me, smiling.

"Why don't we have a seat and have a brief chat," Mrs. Richfield said, gesturing to the chairs. "I would love to become better acquainted with my future daughter-in-law."

That wasn't terrifying at all. "I'll get you something to drink," Richfield said with a smile.

Mrs. Richfield took my hand and pulled me towards the chairs. I glanced at Mother for support. She merely nodded at me and continued speaking with Mrs. Davison. This was a conversation I would have to face on my own.

****

For two dances, I sat and talked to the older woman. She had many questions for me, and I had the feeling she was studying my character. Richfield brought us both lemonade and then went to talk to Sir Rodger, presumably to give us some space. I wasn't sure whether I appreciated or was annoyed he had done so.

"Miss Forester, I believe this is our dance."

Startled, I lifted my head to see Philip, holding his hand out. I hadn't even heard him approach. Unsure how to make my escape, I glanced over at my companion. Mrs. Richfield nodded, smiling pleasantly. "I look forward to speaking to you more when we have time to ourselves," she said.

Smiling my thanks, I stood up. "Until later, Mrs. Richfield," I said. I took Philip's arm as I walked back to the dancing.

"So that was Mrs. Richfield," Philip said in an offhand way. I could have kicked myself. Good manners meant I should have introduced him to her and I hoped my failure wouldn't leave a bad impression on her. "Her daughters are two charming ladies."

Richfield's sisters were here? I tried to see them among the crowd, but it was too much of a crush for it to be possible. "I will have to meet them," I said.

Philip shook his head as he led me out onto the dance floor. Down the line, Richfield watched me with a smile. He was partnered with Anna for the dance. I felt a little sorry for him because the look on Anna's face said she intended on getting every bit of information she could, however she could.

The music began, and I curtsied. When Philip took my hands in his for the next step, I noticed something I hadn't seen when I danced with him earlier. "You are wearing your family ring?" I asked. I had often teased him about before.

To my surprise, Philip stumbled. He'd never stumbled while dancing since he was fifteen and first learned how to dance like a gentleman! That should have been my first clue. "Father likes it when I wear the stupid thing," he said as he regained his footing.

Laughing, I glanced down at his hands and then I was the one who missed a step. His ring. I remembered holding the ring in my hand the day at the bridge and thinking I had seen it before. That was why I had thought it had seemed familiar! I had seen it on his hand half a dozen times before! I also remembered hearing someone behind me, and then something hitting my head.

Philip Knighton? My brother's oldest friend was the highwayman?