"I am not embarrassed in the least. I admit that I am not fond of his decision to marry, but I understand. Mr. Summerville hasn't many other avenues open to him."

"You are courageous," I said quietly.

Pain flashed in her eyes before her smile reappeared. Summerville leaving her to marry hurt her, I saw, but she had decided to put a brave face on it. I admired her for that.

"The walking stick?" I prompted.

"I'm afraid I do not remember him having it yesterday, though I will ask my footman."

Mrs. Chambers rose and rang a silver bell that rested on a tambour desk, and the lanky footman who'd admitted me entered the room.

"John," she said. "Did Mr. Summerville leave his walking stick behind last evening?"

John's face remained as expressionless as a blank wall. "I couldn't say, ma'am. Henry was on the door last night."

"I see. Thank you, John."

John bowed with trained stiffness and withdrew.

"Henry has gone to visit his family," Mrs. Chambers said once John had closed the door. "He'll not return for a few days. However, I will make inquiries of the other staff and have a good root around myself. If the walking stick turns up, I'll send it on to Mr. Summerville." She paused. "Or perhaps it would be more discreet if I sent it to you."

"That would be best," I answered, rising.

I took my card back from her and scribbled my direction on it: Above Beltan's Bake Shop, Grimpen Lane, Covent Garden.

"Thank you for seeing me, Mrs. Chambers," I said, handing her the card. "Your home is lovely."

Again, the flash of pain. "That is kind of you. Perhaps you would like to remain and take coffee?" She tried to look as though she'd love nothing better than for me to stay, but I saw in her eyes that she offered from simple politeness.

"I regret that I have another engagement." I did regret it. Sharply.