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“They’re coming along fine,” Samuel said with a roll of his eyes. “My man, Harper, is overseeing them, and ensuring the staff maintains my stepmother’s needs while she is away in Bath taking the water. I, and I mean this most ardently, offer apologies for the noise accompanying the modifications on our home.”

Lord Naught tittered. “Thankfully for you, the season has offered many opportunities to take me away from my abode. I have not been bothered by the ruckus.”

The earl had not enjoyed Samuel’s presence in the past, Orris recalled. However, they seemed to have grown tolerant of one another since her brother-in-law’s generosity and disparaged reputation had become quite well known throughout the ton.

While the conversation changed to matters of Parliament, the ever-fluctuating weather thus far, and finally, Gladys playing the pianoforte to Mama’s rendition of “Ridente la calma,” Orris continued thinking of ways to help Mr. Fain find his friend.

In fact, while he had not asked anything of her, she resolved she would offer him assistance in his plight. And she knew just the person to help.

*

“No. There is no suitable solution that involves Myrtle galivanting around Whitechapel seeking out a missing man,” Samuel answered for his wife.

In part, Orris had suspected Samuel to react as such. After all, he had not received Myrtle’s, Violetta’s, and her own secret plans and cavalier travels outside the presumably safe confines of Mayfair well before.

“Samuel,” said Myrtle sternly, “since when have we decided for one another? Is a conversation not warranted? Or do you believe me too simpleminded for such an endeavor, as I am a member of the fairer sex?”

Samuel looked around the room as if he would receive assistance from Violetta, or Gladys, or Orris. None was available to him as each of us glanced about the room. Anywhere save directly at Myrtle, whose eyes were steely enough to score glass.

“Of course not, dearest.” He moved to her side on the chaise. “I believe you capable of unimaginable feats. My concern is purely selfish, as I should not survive the day if something, anything, were to happen to you. Am I to ignore my own wife’s safety? I would like to protect you, as any husband should do.”

His words pricked Orris’s heart, as always when he showed his genuine affection for her sister. If Orris had to be wed, she would only hope to experience such a love as theirs. Their romance was heartening, yet she was still disappointed in his reluctance to aid a person who had lost someone—while away from home shores, no less.

“I agree with Samuel,” Violetta chimed in.

“There is certainly no surprise there,” Orris said.

“Should we ask Aunt Seraphine for assistance?” Gladys suggested.

Everyone in the room turned to face her.

The unanimous no added heft to the sentiment.

“Can you ask some of your associates, Brother?” Orris said before Violetta could place another morsel of doubt on the matter. “Please. Mr. Fain seemed genuinely distressed.”

Samuel sat back on the chaise and blew out a defeated breath. “I will do it. I can ask my brother, if he is not too aggrieved. He is still in mourning for his lost love. Perhaps the houseman at the Dove would be a better source. What was the gentleman’s name?”

“Rowan, though I am not sure of his surname. You might inquire with Mr. Fain,” she said.

Samuel, with his fair-brown skin and neatly coiffed mutton chops, shook his head, errant curls shifting from the movement. “I am afraid I may not be the person to inquire. We have had… terse words, shall I say.”

“‘Terse words’? When? And whatever for?” Myrtle sat upright and turned to stare at him.

“I may have been concerned over the way he lingered about during the sittings. The exaggerated gazing… the smoldering looks. I was concerned he had designs on one of your sisters or cousin. I simply warned him off.” Samuel ran a hand over his face.

While he could have been staring at Gladys or Violetta, she wanted it to be her. She had not imagined his gaze, the thought causing a thrill of excitement to buzz in her belly. Then another thought dampened her moment, as if a cup of water hit a simmering campfire. Had Samuel noticed the way she had looked at Mr. Fain, as well? A heated blush ran the length of Orris’s neck. “Why would you have done such a thing? He seemed perfectly polite and genteel, even.” She hoped no one noted her all-too-eager rebuttal.

“Oh, no, Orris,” Violetta exclaimed.

Damn, of course Violetta would be the one to notice. “What? I do not want someone to be accused of anything untoward when he is merely attempting to fulfill a request we made unto him.”

“Are you sure he isn’t another of your projects? Like Thom the horse boy?” Violetta squinted her eyes in Orris’s direction.

There was knowing in her expression. Orris squirmed under her stare. “I am not ashamed of having empathy for others,” she said, tempted to stick her tongue out at her.

“One moment, Sisters. I do not believe this had anything at all to do with Orris,” Myrtle cut in, forever the peacemaker. “Or did it… Samuel?”

“No. I am simply aware of fortune hunters. I was thinking of you all. Ours is a wealthy family. One with connections and, unfortunately, a few whom are without husbands.”