By some miracle, no other problem reared its head for the rest of that day. Although my headache subsided, it still lingered in the background. I spent my afternoon hours putting books back on the shelves. The glass from the broken window had been cleared away by one of the maids.

I was a bit disappointed that Sir George had shown no interest in examining the scene. Perhaps he didn't believe there was anything to be learned by seeing it in person. I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary as I sorted through the volumes.

"Lucas, what are you doing?" Philippa swept into the room. She was dressed in a pale pink gown and her hair had been arranged. For a moment, I wondered if she'd done it herself or if one of the maids had a hidden talent for dressing. "We must leave for the Campbells soon or we will be horribly late."

Sitting back on my heels, I looked up at her. "I am curious how you expected that to happen? Were you to ride behind me on the back of Phaeton? Seems rather uncomfortable, if you ask me."

My sister scoffed. "You must have a carriage or something of the sort. Every house does."

"Not this one. Not yet." I made a show of dusting off my hands and got to my feet. "However, I guessed you might not have realized that fact, so I've made arrangements. You will not have to walk to the Campbells."

"You really don't have a carriage?" Philippa's voice was faint. "How? Why?"

"As a bachelor with what you have called a ruin, what would I do with a carriage?" I asked. "You've hinted that I have already been living beyond my means and had resorted to living by gambling. Did you think I had won a carriage in a game?"

Her face flushed bright red. "There's no need to be rude," she muttered. She cleared her throat. "You cannot expect to dine at someone's house in what you're wearing. Look at the state you're in, covered in dust, grim and who knows what else."

Glancing down, I saw she was correct. Streaks of dust were on my trousers, the sleeves of my shirt, and on my hands. "I am in something of a state, aren't I?" I asked cheerfully.

Davison stepped through the doorway at that moment. "The Carpenter carriage has arrived, sir," he announced gravely.

"Excellent." I dusted off my hands and strode forward. "Come along, Philippa. We don't want to keep the driver waiting."

She edged away from me, no doubt eager to keep dust from her dress. "What are you talking about? What carriage?" she asked, her tone confused. "Lucas, you aren't dressed."

"Well, I'm certainly not running around in the nude," I said with a laugh.

Wrinkling her nose, Philippa shuddered. "You know what I mean."

"You mean I am not dressed to attend a dinner party, and that is correct," I said, herding her into the hall. "However, since I am not dining with anyone tonight, I see no issue with how I am dressed."

Coming to a halt, Philippa spun around. "What are you talking about? You are expected!"

"You mean to tell me that you didn't rectify your mistake with Mrs. Campbell?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. Disappointing but not surprising. "Even after I specifically told you I wouldn't be able to make it to the dinner party tonight. I wasn't joking when I said I wasn't attending tonight."

Horror appeared in her expression. "B-but," she sputtered. "You are expected!"

"Fortunately for you, I anticipated this," I said, putting my hand on her arm. "I took the liberty of sending a message to Mrs. Campbell and apologized for your mistake. It is their carriage that is waiting for you."

"You did what?" Philippa exclaimed. "Lucas! How could you?"

"Very easily, I assure you." I pushed her to the doorway. "Now, enjoy your evening. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. You can fuss at me when you get back."

"I'm not a child, Lucas!" Philippa protested as I pulled the door open. "Stop treating me like one."

"I'm not treating you like a child," I assured her. "If I were, I would have sent you to the nursery with a governess to teach you manners. I'm astonished by this behavior, Philippa."

"Oh, what do you know?" Philippa wrenched her arm free of my grasp. "Stop being such a brute!"

Nose in the air, she went out the door and descended the steps. I made sure she was safely in the carriage before I shut the door. With a groan, I rested my head against the oak.

"That could have been handled better."

Of course Davison would have something to say about the situation. "She's behaving like the world revolves around her," I said, turning around. I rested my back against the door and crossed my arms. "What am I supposed to do?"

"Her heart is broken," Davison remarked, sounding remarkably like Mrs. Wallace. "And she is young."

"That excuse only works for so long," I pointed out. "I cannot believe that either of my parents would condone this kind of behavior. And I cannot believe Philippa has never faced disappointment before this."

"There can be many different kinds of disappointment, and varying kinds of reactions to each one," Davison said gravely. "You're only making her angry when you argue with her."

"She can't expect me to just do whatever she wants," I argued. "That's not how life works for anyone."

Davison considered that and then nodded in agreement. "However, it's not your place to teach her that."

"I am very well aware of that, but someone needs to take her in hand. She's going to ruin herself if she keeps throwing herself into whatever plan comes into her mind." I pushed myself upright, eager to put an end to the conversation. "I will be in the library if anyone needs me."

Fortunately, Davison had nothing more to say. Or, if he did, he chose to keep them to himself. I closed the door behind me as soon as I was in the library. Hopefully, I would have nothing but peace for my evening.

Collapsing into my desk chair, I made the decision to put my feet up. There was no one around to scold me for my indecorous behavior. To my surprise, there was a meow and then Leo jumped into my lap.

The cat paid me no attention as he leisurely curled into a ball and began grooming his front paws. "What are you doing down here?" I asked, tentatively rubbing the top of his head. I knew all too well that a cat was not always willing to be touched.

To my surprise, Leo began to purr. "Well, at least you're being nice to me," I said with a sigh. "It seems like everyone is against me right now, and it's not fair. I'm just trying to do my best here."

Leo hissed at my fingers, and I pulled my hand away. However, he remained where he was, so I assumed he wasn't too annoyed with me. With a sigh, I closed my eyes. I didn't want to risk claws by removing him from my lap.

A desk may not be the ideal spot for a nap, but there were certainly worse options available

~*~

"Mr. Bywood!"

With a start, I opened my eyes. The sun was starting to set, casting a dim glow in the library. Leo was still curled on my lap, fast asleep. Who had shouted? Had some shouted? Or had I been dreaming?

"Mr. Bywood!" This time, my name was accompanied by a loud knock on the door.

"Yes," I called out, straightening up. The movement was enough to make Leo jump down. His tail flicked back and forth angrily as he landed on the floor. "Come in."

"Excuse me for interrupting you, sir," Molly said as she slipped in. "You have a visitor. Well, Miss Bywood is the one who has a visitor, but since she's not here..."

Her voice trailed away as she twisted her hands together. "Oh? I will be there directly," I responded. Every muscle ached as I forced myself to stand up.

Who could Philippa be expecting to visit? If it had been Father, I would have expected him to ask for me as well. "I didn't hear anyone at the door. Did they give their name?"

"She said her name was Miss Darkin."

Dumbfounded, I stared at her in the dim light. I couldn't have possibly heard her correctly. "Miss Darkin?" I repeated. "Miss Olivia Darkin?"

Molly twisted her hands in her apron. "I don't know, sir. She didn't give her Christian name. She just said her name was Miss Darkin and that she had come to visit Miss Bywood."

How could Miss Darkin be here? At Pearsend? We had gone our separate ways in the spring, and I often thought of her. All my hopes had been that I would see her when I went to London.

"Where is she? The sitting room?" I asked, running my hand through my hair. Had I gotten dust on my jacket? Was there dirt on my knees from being out by the stables?

Molly's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I wasn't sure if she would be staying," she admitted. "She's waiting in the hall."

"The hall!" I regretted my sharp tone as Molly flinched back. "I'm sorry, Molly. Thank you for telling me. Could you kindly ask Mrs. Wallace to prepare a tea tray? I will go and greet our new guest."

Ducking her head, Molly stepped aside, and I hurried past her. I'd have to consult with Mrs. Wallace about the maid. Although I didn't plan on hosting many visitors, there were bound to be people coming and going once I had the place in better shape. A maid who was made anxious by that would not be a good fit for the household.

It would be cruel to force her to be anxious over something that would be her responsibility. Where was Davison? Oh, yes. It was his half-day, and I did not know where he had gone. No doubt that was why Leo had settled on me. Wasn't that just perfect?

"Note to self. No more napping at the desk," I muttered to myself, trying to relieve the ache in my neck. The sleep I had gotten hadn't been worth the price.

I quickly made my way to the entrance hall. My footsteps warned the lone occupant of the room of my arrival. Miss Darkin, wearing a lovely blue gown and matching spencer jacket, turned to face me.

"Miss Darkin," I said, making a hasty bow to keep from staring at her. "I apologize you were left waiting. My maid is very young and she is still learning how to go on in her role. My housekeeper will have a word with her about this."

"After riding in a carriage for several hours, standing was more than welcome," Miss Darkin responded with a gracious smile. "Good afternoon, Mr. Bywood. You're looking well."

"As are you." It would have been untoward to expound on just how well she looked. Her eyes, always full of warmth and intelligence, were sparkling with a vivacity that I couldn't help but be drawn to. "Was your journey long?"

"No. It was only six hours." She reached for the ribbons of her bonnet. "Your sister's note made it sound as though someone was on the verge of death. I hope she is well?"

Philippa. When Molly had said that the newcomer was for my sister, I hadn't really paid attention. But I couldn't be surprised that Philippa was to blame for this. My silly and thoughtless sister wanted to meddle in my affairs? She would not like the consequences!

"She is remarkably well, if a bit heartsick," I said honestly. "She has quarreled with Mr. Talbot. Instead of talking it over and resolving the matter, Philippa chose to run away from home and come here without warning or asking if I had a room for her."

Miss Darkin arched one eyebrow. "Am I to assume, then, that you were not aware that I was coming?"

"No, but you are most welcome," I quickly added. "I suppose it is obvious that we are not quite up to snuff."

She glanced around. "I wouldn't say that. I see nothing too terrible."

With a laugh, I shook my head. "That's doing it much too brown, Miss Darkin. I've been here for over a month now, so I know all about the faults of Pearsend. There was a reason everyone proclaimed me to be a fool for keeping it."

"A fool or someone wise enough to see the potential hidden behind the flaws?" Miss Darkin responded with a smile. "I see a home that, yes, is in need of repairs, but it will easily be made to shine once the work is done."

It was refreshing to hear her optimism and positivity. So many others only saw Pearsend as a "ruin," as Philippa had described it. But I could see beyond the surface, just like she could.

"When did Philippa arrive?" Miss Darkin asked, getting back to the topic at hand.

"A few days ago. Without warning." As I answered, I was reminded of my manners. "But I have left you standing here too long. Come up to the sitting room where we can speak more comfortably. This way."

"It's bold of Miss Bywood to run away from home," Miss Darkin commented as she followed me. "I would not have expected her to do such a thing."

Philippa has her moments of impulsiveness, but this was unexpected," I said over my shoulder. "I'm sure our mother is beside herself with worry. I've already sent a message to Bywood Hall informing them that she's safe, but I have yet to receive a response."

"She and Mr. Talbot were so happy together. What did they argue about?"

I heaved a sigh. "I'm still trying to piece it together. She claims he insulted her, but he insists all he did was ask her to be mindful of how loud she can be in company. I don't know who to believe."

"Why can't they both be right at the same time?" was Miss Darkin's next question, though it sounded more like a statement. "A simple question, if asked tactlessly or at the wrong time, can be offensive."

"That's what I'm afraid of. If they can be driven apart by something simple, how sincere were their feelings for each other? Should I let them go their separate ways?" It felt like a relief to voice my concerns.

"Were you asked to interfere?"

As we stepped onto the next floor, I couldn't help but laugh. "Philippa made it my concern when she arrived on my doorstep without warning. Talbot made it even more my concern when he followed her here."

"Mr. Talbot is here as well?"

"In a manner of speaking. I decided it would be best for him to stay at a neighbor's house instead of here. That way. they have some space, but he is not entirely abandoning the field."

Miss Darkin hummed a note. "I can see you have been put in a complicated situation."

"What did my sister write in her note that made you come here?" I asked, leading her into the sitting room. "Did you know you were coming to my new estate?"

Her cheeks colored. "Your mother's letters had mentioned that you had come into possession of this place," she admitted. "So when Philippa gave me directions, I knew where I was going."

Yet, she had come anyway. Was it because she wanted to see me? A shake of my head drove that thought away. It would never do to encourage my ego or imagination. It was obvious that she was only here as a friend to Philippa.

Molly entered with a tea tray. "Please set it down there," I said, gesturing to the small table by the chairs. She hastily did so, her trembling hands making the tea cups rattle. "That will be all. Thank you, Molly."

The maid exited with her head hung low. Miss Darkin watched her go with a curious expression on her face. "The poor girl has never had a position before, has she?" she asked.

"No, but there were not many applicants for the position," I told her honestly. "Mrs. Wallace assured me that Molly would learn quickly. The girl is anxious around strangers, I'm afraid."

"Perhaps once you have regular visitors, she will become more comfortable in her role."

Dismissing the topic, I gestured to the tea tray. "Would you do the honors?" I asked.

"I would be happy to do so." Miss Darkin discarded her bonnet and gloves onto a spare chair. Oh, dear. Another lapse on Molly's part. Those should have been taken from her in the hall. "Where is Miss Bywood? I hope she will not assume I am taking over her role."

"No chance of that. At the moment, Philippa is at a neighbor's house for dinner. She was extremely put out when I refused to escort her. My sister volunteered to be my hostess while she is at Pearsend, but I told her it wasn't necessary."

With a smile, Miss Darkin poured the tea. "Cream or sugar?"

"Sugar, if you please."

She handed over my teacup and then poured her own. "I suppose we should address the pressing issue of where I am to stay," she said, sitting back in her chair. "Since I was not expected, I assume a room has not been prepared."

"Ah. Yes, I suppose we should." If I hadn't sent Talbot to Ward's home, that was the place I knew she would be safe. However, he was there and I knew I couldn't beg another favor from my friend in such a short time.

"I am partially to blame for this situation, of course," she continued. She slipped her tea and then added, "When I read Philippa's note, begging me to bear her company during a distressing time, I ought not to have sprang into action. It would have been more appropriate to respond with a message of my own to ask for more details."

"Please. I don't want you to blame yourself for any of this. I am putting all of that on Philippa. She is the cause of this whole mess. She ought to have known better."

"If I wish to bear blame, I will do so, Mr. Bywood," Miss Darkin insisted. Her eyes sparkled with good humor. "No doubt there have been many I have failed to take responsibility when I should, so this should make up for those times."

"Far be it for me to argue with a lady. You may take some of the blame."

We shared a smile, and I became conscious of the fact that we were alone together. What would the gossips say if they saw us? The lack of a chaperone could cause us a great deal of trouble if anyone found out.

"My aunt was gracious enough to lend me her carriage, but the driver must return tomorrow," Miss Darkin said, getting back to the matter at hand.

"We will have a room made ready for you,"I told her immediately. "And a place for your driver, as well, of course. It may not be to the standard you are accustomed to, but what is ours is yours."

"You are very generous, but I have no wish of intruding. It is clear you have many concerns and responsibilities." Her gaze dropped, and she added, "I do have to consider my reputation."

Right.

"Unfortunately, I'm afraid your reputation wouldn't fare any better at the nearby inn," I told her honestly. "I have a housekeeper. And Philippa will be here. She might not be much of a chaperone, but it will be something."

It sounded worse aloud than it had in my head. However, Miss Darkin smiled. "For one night," she said. "I'm sure nothing untoward will happen."

"Mr. Bywood!"

Mr. Walton's voice. What now?