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“I love you,” she said.

“I know that.”

“And I know you want me to be happy,” Catherine said.

“Happy andsafe,” he said. “You have come all the way to London without your husband, and you just broke down weeping. I have not seen you cry since our parents died, and I am concerned. Any man would be, kitty cat.”

“I know that, but I am asking you not to ask any more questions. I will tell you about the matter when I am ready. At the moment, I am not,” she said. “I am sorry.”

Elias sighed deeply and took a sip of his Tokay. He slowly nodded. “As you wish,” he said, “but are you certain that you are well? You know that if he has hurt you, I will protect you. No matter what, my dearest.”

“I know. But I do not want to speak of it,” she said. “Please, Elias. Talk to me about anything else.”

He hummed and tipped his head back. “Are you certain?”

“Entirely.”

Elias ran a hand through his hair. “I am in London on business,” he said. “Dorothy and Bridget have remained in the countryside, as you have likely surmised. I almost wish I was with them. I am having to argue with solicitors, and that is not an enjoyable pastime.”

“William has often said that I remind him of a solicitor,” she said, “because I argue with him so often.”

A bittersweet feeling twisted inside her. She wished that she did not have to think of him, and she feared that if she contemplated her husband much longer, she might cry again. That would be terribly distressing.

Elias laughed. “You do remind me a little of one,” he conceded. “However, I must admit that I enjoy your witticisms far more than that of my solicitor. I imagine Sarsen would say the same. He ought to, at any rate.”

“What else are you doing?” Catherine asked.

Elias took a sip of wine. “Besides speaking with my solicitor, I have been attending meetings with the Abolitionist Society. I have spent some time with Isadora.”

“Isadora?”

“Ah, Lady Mathers.”

Catherine arched an eyebrow. Lady Isadora Mathers, the Dowager Countess of Mathers, was a beautiful, sharp-tongued widow. Half the tonwanted to marry her; the other half envied her. Despite many suitors vying for her hand, however, Lady Mathers refused to wed. It would not be to her advantage. As a widow, Lady Mathers had inherited her husband’s vast fortune, and if she married, she would lose it.

“And why have you been spending so much time with Lady Mathers?” Catherine asked.

“I have been communicating with her about founding a seminary for young ladies,” Elias replied, grinning. “Isadora wishes to create a place where orphaned young women can go and learn a trade.”

“And you generously agreed to help with such an endeavor,” Catherine said a little dubiously. “Just out of the generosity of your heart?”

Elias laughed. “Dear sister, whyelsedo you imagine that I would aid the lady’s efforts?” His eyes sparkled with mirth. “I am certain I do not know what you are implying.”

Catherine laughed. It was quite obvious why her brother might be suddenly so devoted to the lady, and it had less to do with her desire to found a seminary and more to do with having anamorous congresswith such a lovely lady.

“My attraction to Isadora is purely intellectual,” Elias said, winking. “I assure you.”

“Somehow, I do not find myself inclined to believe you,” Catherine replied.

Elias heaved a deep, melodramatic sigh. “Woe is me! I cannot help but despair. My own sister refuses to believe that I have only pure intentions. How terrible it is to have such a dreadful shrew of a sibling!”

Catherine downed the rest of her wine, and Elias climbed to his feet. He took the bottle and filled the glass once more. “What do you say we finish this bottle and reminisce?”

“I am certain that you have work to finish,” Catherine said, sipping appreciatively from the glass. “It is no small business managing everything as a duke. My husband has taught me that.”

Elias chuckled and emptied the rest of the wine into his glass. “I do not doubt that. Does the man ever even leave his desk?”

“No,” she said.