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The word mistress left an unpleasant taste in her mouth. But that was who she was, was it not?

She wrapped her arms around herself, the chill of the night seeping through her thin nightgown, though the cold she felt came more from within than without.

It didn’t feel right, and she doubted it ever would. The secrecy, the hiding, the knowing glances from the servants—

“This isn’t who I am,” she whispered into the darkness. “This isn’t who I want to be.”

She wanted to stand beside Jacob, not cower behind his shadow. She wanted to be his wife, not a mistress secreted away whenever visitors came calling. She wanted to guide Elise through her season, not be afraid of being seen in public.

Instead, she would be hiding forever, never able to live the life she was meant to live.

And then there was Lady Bradshaw.

Honoria sank onto the edge of her bed, the memory of that bruised face haunting her.

She could save her. Hide her, like she had hidden herself. Dye her hair, forge a new identity for her, teach her to blend into obscurity. That life would be better than the one under Bradshaw’s roof, certainly.

And then what?

Bradshaw would take another wife—the thought struck her with sudden clarity.

Another life ruined.

“It never ends,” she murmured, pressing the heels of her hands against her eyes.

A knock came at the door—sharp and urgent—and then it opened unceremoniously.

Before Honoria fully turned toward the sound, Lydia burst in, winded and breathless, her cheeks flushed with exertion or excitement—perhaps both.

“Lydia!” Honoria exclaimed, immediately rushing toward her friend. She wanted so badly to embrace her—except she couldn’t, for the large, heavy book in Lydia’s arms.

“Honor, I am so happy to see you.” Lydia patted her arm.

“Please, sit.” Honoria guided her friend toward the narrow bed. “What happened? Where have you been all this time? Why haven’t you written?” Millions of questions tumbled out of her mouth, tripping over one another. “I’ve been so worried about you. I feared I might not see you any time soon.”

“I was with Thornton,” Lydia said, taking a seat and placing the enormous book on her lap. Her eyes sparkled with something Honoria hadn’t seen in them before—a fierce joy. Happiness. “We were going to marry in secret and leave the country, just like you and I had planned… Well, not the marriage part, you understand.” She let out a chuckle.

“Yes, yes, go on.” Honoria leaned forward, hanging on every word.

“But a lot of things have changed. So I’m back and planning to stay in London now.”

“But Miss Monroe—” Honoria began with a frown.

“Thornton has dealt with that particular issue,” she said. “It’s a long and entangled story, Honor, and I’ll tell you all about it later.” Lydia glanced anxiously at the small clock on the mantel. “But I need to leave before dawn breaks, and I need your help.”

“Of course. What do you need?” Honoria responded without hesitation.

“I need you to forge a few names here into the betting book.” Lydia opened the heavy tome, revealing pages filled with elegant script—wagers and predictions made by the ton’s elite. At the top of every page, it read: Hades’ Hell Property. She took out a couple of letters from her cloak pocket. “These are from the people whose names I need forged.”

Honoria took the letters, studying the handwriting carefully, then looked pointedly at the book. “Did you steal this from Miss Monroe?”

“No. She gave it to me.” Lydia laughed softly at Honoria’s expression of disbelief. “Again, long story. But I promise I’ll explain everything later.” She watched anxiously as Honoria examined the handwriting, then walked toward her small writing desk, lighting a candle and reaching for a quill and ink.

“At least tell me what this is all about,” Honoria said as she concentrated on scribbling the words onto a discarded sheet first, warming up her hand to the unfamiliar strokes and flourishes.

“It’s about fighting for my life back,” Lydia said, passion lacing her voice. “Remember how we were constantly hiding and running the past six years?”

“You longer,” Honoria murmured.