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“This concerns the people of Ludlow and Griffin.”

“The same people you so often help?” Marina asked. “The children?”

“Yes,” he said, “and it pains me that I am unable to speak with the vicar to learn what it is they require.”

Every year, the vicar met with Ambrose before Christmastide to discuss whether there were any particular needs in the community, and Ambrose always saw to them. Usually, however, the vicar approached him sooner.

Then again, Ambrose’s time was not ordinarily taken up with finding a mother for his abandoned niece.

Marina appeared keen to help, and he had to admit that he was pleased to see it. Besides, it would keep her occupied. And that might prevent another incident like the one that had occurred the day before.

“Very well,” he said. “Meet with the vicar and see what he requires. If it is something reasonable, you may act on my behalf. If there is anything you are uncertain about, send word to me.”

“Very well.” She smiled. “Perhaps tonight we can discuss it over dinner.”

No. No, this would not do.

This was not meant to give them another reason to spend time together. It was meant to accomplish quite the opposite.

“I cannot tonight,” he said. “I am rather occupied.”

She opened her mouth, evidently intending to ask with what, but he had no intention of remaining long enough to answer.

“It is only common courtesy to offer one’s assistance,” he said, as though that explained everything.

Then he turned and walked away, leaving her alone in the breakfast room.

Ambrose had barely reached the foot of the staircase when Ernest appeared.

“Your Grace. Might I have a word?”

Ambrose stopped. “What is it?”

“There is something I believe you ought to know. I heard some rather troubling talk in the servants’ hall this morning.”

Ambrose frowned. “About what?”

“Lord Rutland, Your Grace.”

That was enough to command his full attention. The name of Janet’s husband always turned his stomach.

“Go on.”

“Hendricks was in London yesterday, attending to an errand for you. While there, he happened to overhear a conversation involving Lord Rutland’s coachman.”

“And?”

“It seems His Lordship has been telling people that his daughter is only staying here temporarily.”

Ambrose stared at him. What was this no-good excuse of a man up to now?

“Temporarily?”

“So Hendricks understood, Your Grace.”

“Explain.”

Ernest hesitated. “Apparently, Lord Rutland has been telling people who questions where his daughter has gone that the arrangement to have her here is temporary.”