My life had become such a tangle, and I knew there was only one place I could get help. Mama always knew whenever I was concerned about something. I went to her room the day after the picnic, only to find Dr. Morgan was with her, a frown creasing his forehead.

"Is Mama well?" I asked worriedly, my mind immediately thinking the worst. "What's happened?"

"I'm afraid your mother has rather overdone herself, Master Lucas," he said, shaking his head gravely. "I must insist you remain in bed until I say it is safe for you to rise, Mrs. Bywood. You will do yourself no favors if you are up and about before you are ready. You may cause permanent harm."

"Surely some movement and fresh air would be better than none." I couldn't bear the thought that I was the cause of this downward turn. "It cannot be good for anyone to be in the same room for so long without a change."

Dr. Morgan, so familiar and yet aged at the same time, frowned at me. "I am the professional here, young man," he said sternly. "Trust me to know what is best for your mother. If she expects to recover her health even slightly, she will obey me this time."

"Luke just worries, Doctor," Mama said, her voice hoarse. "I shall be fine dear. I fear I may have sat in a draft the other day. I feel weaker than before, nothing more."

"Then, you should have said something at the time." I went to her side. Her eyes scanned me, and her forehead began to wrinkle into a frown. "Miss Darkin would have understood, I'm sure. Now she will be distraught when she learns of this."

"Now don't you discuss my health with the neighbors, Luke Bywood. I do not need any more of that."

I raised my hand as though I were swearing to it. "I promise no one shall hear a word of it from me." What else could I do? She enjoyed her privacy as much as the next person and to know she must be talked of often must have been frustrating to her. "Shall I leave you to get more rest now?"

"Not at all," Mama said even as the doctor agreed with me. "Doctor, I must speak with my son. He would not seek me out unless he were in need of my advice."

How did she always know?

Heaving a sigh, Doctor Morgan gathered up his supplies and tools. He left after giving Mama strict instructions as to her health and informed me he intended on telling my father the same thing. I had little doubt I would be in a great deal of trouble once again from both Father and George when they learned of this.

"Now, Luke, tell me all about the picnic," Mama said once we were alone. "I assume something happened then that bothered you?"

"Hasn't Rosamund told you the story? I thought she or Philly would have."

She shook her head. "Rosamund has many duties to see to around the house," she said, an odd note of bitterness obvious in her voice. "She barely ever comes to see me. It's better for us both she does not. Philippa, as you know, is only concerned with her Mr. Talbot now he is in the area."

I chuckled and settled into the seat by her and gave her a full account of the afternoon, ending with the accident at the pond. "Miles disappeared as soon as we got back. I mean, he joined us for dinner, but since then I haven't seen him. I have no idea what he intends to do now he knows where his ring is."

"His ring?"

Flinching, I shook my head. "It's a long story." I would at least keep Miles' secret. "I told him I would help him, but now I don't know what he is thinking."

"Perhaps the strain of pretending to be something he is not is affecting him as much as it is affecting you. It cannot be easy to constantly hear the woman he loves is to marry you, even if he does know your courtship is a farce. To be perfectly honest, Luke, I think you might do better to end it now and allow all of you to continue with your separate lives."

With a sigh, I ran my hands through my hair. "Would that I could, Mama."

"You concern yourself with others far too much, Luke." She coughed into her handkerchief before she continued. "You will do yourself harm if you continue with this play-acting."

"Mama, I don't see how it would be possible," I said with a forced laugh. "I know there will be hurt feelings on all sides when the Ramseys learn Phoebe will not marry me. But as has been made clear to me, my reputation here isn't worth much anyway. I will be as I was before I arrived, no harm done."

Alarm filled Mama's face. "Your reputation? What do you mean?"

"Calm down, please," I said, catching her hand. "I simply refer to how I am not well thought of. I have been called a rapscallion, a scapegrace, and I don't know what else."

"A scapegrace? How—why would anyone call you that?"

Her outrage was palpable and made me smile. "Mama, they undoubtedly believe it since I am the rebel who went off on a Grand Tour in the face of disapproval from Father and you."

"But we never disapproved! Young men do so all the time. George may dislike traveling but why should you not get to see something of the world? Oh, this is outside of enough! What right has anyone to make such judgments about you? It is entirely uncalled for."

"Mama, please calm down," I said, concerned as she became more agitated.

She focused a glare at me. "I will not calm down. You have done nothing to warrant these names! And here I am stuck in this stupid bed with no way of putting those horrible people in their places."

I could well imagine how Mama would face the whole of the neighborhood and scold them. Shaking my head, I squeezed her hands. "To be honest, the worst offenders are right in this house. You may call them up and set them straight whenever you wish to do so."

"Allow me to guess. George and Rosamund," Mama said with a scowl. "Well, you can be sure I will have words with them both as soon as I get some rest."

"I have no doubt you will put things right."

****

At dinner, I knew Mama had spoken to George because he avoided my gaze. I knew Rosamund had also been scolded because she glared at me and refused to speak to me for the entire meal. Mr. Talbot had been invited to join us, and when he happened to ask after Mama, George and Rosamund both had nothing to say, though Philippa had no qualms about detailing Mama's decline.

The evening was spent playing a game of charades, which revealed a light-hearted side to Mr. Talbot I hadn't seen before. He even laughed on several occasions. As Philippa seemed to be much calmer than I ever remember her being before, I decided it would be a good match and gave them my silent, unasked for approval.

Miles did not make an appearance, and I assumed he had been invited to Braglow for dinner. However, when I mentioned it, Mr. Talbot declined any knowledge of such an invitation being extended. Where was Miles and what was he up to?

Knowing his state of mind and his determination to get his family ring back, I had the feeling I should be worried.

The next morning, he appeared at the breakfast table and was more cheerful than he had ever been. With George and Philippa at the table, I couldn't question him about his whereabouts. While we were eating and chatting, an invitation arrived for us all to dine at Braglow that evening.

"How marvelous," Philippa said with delight. "I shall pen our acceptance immediately."

"Wait until Rosamund has agreed to go," George said to her, his tone reproving. "It would vex her if you accepted in her behalf without consulting her feelings on the matter."

I resisted the impulse to remark how we must always be considerate of others feelings on matters. Unless, of course, it is about an arranged marriage. Then, the young man in question must be berated and forced to accept. However, I decided it would be best to remain silent.

"When you do respond, inform Mrs. Ramsey that while I will be unable join them for dinner, I will be glad to join them after," Miles said casually.

Philippa stared at him in shock. "My goodness, Mr. Russell, you have been making yourself scarce these past few days," she said as she set aside the invitation.

"I have had business to settle, I'm afraid, Miss Philippa. But I am certain it will be completed soon."

George got to his feet. "Speaking of business, this estate won't run itself. Luke, make yourself useful if you please. The Masons have been complaining about a leak in their roof. Stop in and see if it's all a hum, will you? They always did like you."

"Why don't we just send someone to fix it?" I asked. "I have never known the Masons to make a complaint without basis."

My brother shook his head. "For once in your life, just do as I ask, Luke."

Sighing, I nodded. With an answering nod, George left the room. "I wish you and George would get along," Philippa said softly. "You argue so much nowadays."

"I am afraid that is what happens when siblings grow up and form their own opinions of the world," Miles said philosophically. "I would be more concerned if they agreed on everything, especially on the points that result in Luke being used in an abominable way."

"Oh, that's not true at all! You make it sound as though Luke is mistreated." Philippa stood up, collecting the invitation. "I cannot speak to you both when you are in such impossible moods. I shall go 'consult' with Rosamund about whether we shall attend this dinner tonight or not."

She swept from the room, and I burst out in laughter. "I thank you for your defense, Miles."

"I realized we all have been treating you terribly, and it is not fair to you," he said humbly. "I shall not impose on your good nature anymore, Luke. I have this matter of my ring in hand, and I expect to be in a position to propose to Phoebe by the end of the week."

I eyed him suspiciously. "Just what are you up to? How do you intend to get your ring from Rosamund? I hardly think she is the kind of woman to give it up on your word."

As he rose from his seat, Miles shook his head and chuckled. "I have it in hand." Hearing it a second time did not leave me anymore reassured. "I will see you later this evening, Luke."

He left the room, and I was alone. In the quiet, I contemplated what he could be up to as I finished my coffee. "I have no idea," I said aloud. Shaking my head, I went off to the stable.

****

As always, Mrs. Mason was delighted to see me and sat me down in her kitchen for some tea and biscuits she had just baked. She gathered the children around the table, and they all listened with interest as I explained where I had been and the things I had seen. The middle son had a hundred questions about my trip.

Once a full hour had been spent in that manner, Mrs. Mason showed me the roof. A recent storm had caused some damage, and with the latest rain, they had just noticed it. "I wouldn't be asking, but it leaks right over the children."

I assured her it would be no trouble at all. As soon as left the cottage, I rode Phaeton to the thatchers and directed him to repair the Masons' roof sooner rather than later. The Mason family had lived on and worked our land for three generations, and I would not see them becoming ill over a leaky roof.

As I set off across the countryside, I breathed in the clean air. Though Miles' certainty he would be reclaiming his ring was concerning, I couldn't help but be relieved the failing pretense of Phoebe and I being involved in a courtship would come to an end. With the mystery behind Mama's accident mostly solved, I would be free to chart my own course once again.

Miss Darkin's face rose up my mind, laughing in spite of being thoroughly soaked.

"Maybe," I said to myself. Maybe she would have a part of my future.

A curious sight caught my attention then, driving away the idea of a possible romance. Mr. Ward and Mr. Lamotte were in the middle of a field standing practically nose to nose. Given the cold greetings they had exchanged before, this could not have been a good thing. As I rode towards them, debating whether to get involved or not, Lamotte brought his fist up and planted a solid facer. Ward reeled several steps but remained on his feet.

Lamotte moved as though he was going to strike again with Ward not even looking up. "Enough!" I shouted as firmly as possible. I reined Phaeton in by them and slid to the ground. "What is this about?"

With a sneer, Lamotte took a step back. "Mind your own business, Bywood. This is a gentlemen's dispute between Ward and myself. I wouldn't expect you to know anything about it."

"Given that you are on Bywood land, I have the right to make it my business, Mr. Lamotte. And you would do well to cease implying insults, sir. I may be easygoing in general, but you will find my patience only goes so far."

My threat drew another sneer, but Lamotte did continue to back up. Ward straightened and said, "I'm serious, Lamotte. I cannot wait much longer."

"You will wait until I am ready," Lamotte said sharply.

Ward stepped forward, his hands curling into fists. "Leave it," I said, stepping in front of him. "Mr. Lamotte, you do not wish us on your land, and I request you stay off of ours."

Scowling, Lamotte spun on his heel and stalked away. "You have done yourself no favors by taking my side, Bywood," Ward said. "You should have kept on riding and allowed me to settle it my way."

"Let's say it is the story of my life these past few days and leave it at that. What was that about?"

He leveled an incredulous look at me. "How can you ask me that?" He ran the back of his hand over his mouth, wiping away the trickle of blood. "A gentleman never reveals the nature of his debts."

I chuckled as I connected the dots. "Lamotte owes you money. And it is a great deal, I am assuming?" Ward glared at me. "Well, to be fair, he is waiting to be repaid himself for a debt."

Slowly, I began to put more of the pieces together. Rosamund had the ring now. Why had Lamotte given away the ring he would have to get back to get the money from Miles? Though the fact he didn't have the ring explained why he kept putting Miles off about repaying.

"Oh, what a mess," I said with a sigh.

Ward raised his eyebrow, once again the haughty gentleman. "You would be better served to break off your engagement with Phoebe Ramsey and return abroad, Bywood."

"I know it, but I am committed to the course I am on," I said with regret. I paused and chuckled. "I do hope it will be resolved before I am dragged to Bedlam Asylum."

He shook his head at my attempt at being witty. "So, if your friend must repay Lamotte, he is the one I must press," he said returning to the topic at hand. I blinked in surprise. "Did you think you were the only one clever enough to put two and two together?"

"Well, as Lamotte is not in a position to accept payment and return the security Miles gave him, I don't think it will do any good."

Shaking his head, Ward scowled. "I cannot wait much longer."

"Are you so pressed for funds?"

"You are impertinent."

Unaffected, I shrugged my shoulders. "I can assure you the end of the Ramseys house party will set many things in motion." Turning, I mounted Phaeton. "I look forward to our race tomorrow, Mr. Ward."

A resigned expression on his face, he nodded. Nudging Phaeton's sides, I rode away from him. "That is the last time I try to do the honorable thing." I almost meant it. "It only complicates things."