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J ames Murry raked his unwashed hair with his fingers, pushing the too-long locks away from his forehead.

After nearly two weeks of constant travel, he desperately needed a shave, a bath, and a set of clean clothes.

None of which had been easy to come by in any of the places where he’d elected to spend the night.

Until a few days ago, his only thought had been of avoiding capture, of getting out of England, and of reconvening with Croft at Croft’s uncle’s estate in France.

Since he and the others had split up into three groups, he’d delayed his departure, traveling all the way to Falmouth before attempting to cross.

The coastal town was as far from London as he could get.

He’d reasoned he’d likely arrive there before news about Croft’s escape had a chance to do so.

The route from Falmouth to Brest was also more direct.

Finding a boat to take him across the water should not be too hard.

Such a route would have had the added benefit of avoiding travel on the French side.

It truly was a stroke of luck that the sailor he’d struck a bargain with had been holding the latest issue of The Cornwall Times . It had been folded over and tucked beneath the man’s arm, so the front-page article hadn’t registered with James until after he’d paid the agreed upon fare.

There had been no getting that money back without resorting to violence – something he’d avoided to keep from drawing attention. Instead, he’d found comfort in knowing all charges against Croft were dropped, and had promptly begun his trek back to London.

With three pounds less in his pocket, the road ahead now seemed endless. Especially since he’d had to sell his horse to pay for his intended crossing. Which meant there was little else to be done but start walking.

* * *

Samantha was preparing to leave the house with Adrian when Elks came to inform her that Melody had arrived and was asking to see her. “Shall I tell her you’re at home or—”

“Please do,” Samantha said. She waited until Elks was gone before apologizing to Adrian. “I’ll be sure to make it quick so we can head out.”

Following dinner last night, they’d agreed to stop by Bow Street first thing and pass on the information they’d learned to Kendrick. This would now have to wait, though she hoped not too long.

“Just be sure not to share too much information.” He sent her a sharp look. “She’ll only report back to Harlowe with it.”

As much as she hated the accusation he made against her friend, Samantha knew he was right. Trusting her foster sisters with details about her private life would be foolish.

She crossed to where Adrian stood tying his cravat, and took over the chore. “You know, we could consider hiring a temporary valet until we receive word from Murry.”

“I can easily manage without as long as you’re here to assist me when needed.”

His comment produced a surge of warmth within her breast. She finished creating the elegant knot, tucking the end of the linen carefully into place, and set her hands on his shoulders.

Rising onto her toes, she placed a tender kiss against his clean-shaven cheek – allowed herself to get drunk on the masculine fragrance that clung to his skin.

Aromatic soap with notes of pine and the sandalwood oil he favored as his cologne.

Honestly, she wished the world beyond this room could wait another hour or two, but it was already past ten o’clock and she had yet to speak with Melody.

“Let me know when you’re ready to depart,” she told him as she left the room, aware that he’d need at least five more minutes to finish dressing.

She descended the stairs and entered the parlor where she found Melody waiting by the window, looking out onto the street beyond. At the sound of the door being opened, she turned, allowing Samantha to see the anxious look in her eyes.

Something wasn’t right. “What’s happened?”

Melody forced a smile. Her gaze shifted toward the table where a maid had placed a tray of tea things. “Can we sit for a bit?”

Samantha crossed to the nearest seat while Melody did the same. “I don’t have much time. Adrian and I have some things to attend to. We were preparing to head out when you arrived.”

“Oh. Sorry. It’s just that…” Melody pressed her lips together. “I know you warned me away from Marsdale and I understand your reasoning. It makes sense even though it doesn’t seem fair.”

“What’s not fair is for him to fall for a woman who wasn’t pursuing him for the right reasons.”

“Yet that is precisely what happened to Croft, is it not?” Melody scoffed. “Your arrangement has worked out well in the end.”

“Not easily, I can assure you.” Sensing Melody’s displeasure, she said, “Consider what Marsdale has been through, Melody. If he falls in love again, it should be with a woman who has been open and honest with him from the start. Not with an illusion that’s destined to lead to additional heartache.”

“I know. It was never my intention to like him as well as I do.”

Samantha smiled at that. “I think it would be impossible not to do so, Melody. He’s a very likable man.”

“A man with whom I could see myself being happy, if only I’d been born into wedlock and never met Harlowe.”

“Circumstances that may have prevented you from making Marsdale’s acquaintance in the first place.”

Melody nodded. “At least I’ve had the pleasure of dancing with him.”

“Melody, I—”

“You need not worry, Samantha.” A slight crack in her voice revealed the extent of her emotional struggle. Most surprising was her seeming reluctance to try and hide it. “Lady Heathbrooke shares your opinion. Did I mention that she’s Marsdale’s godmother?”

“Um…”

“She wishes to travel to Italy to visit an old friend. As her companion, I am expected to join her on what she describes as her nostalgic journey. Which it may well be though there is no doubt it’s also a very deliberate effort to put some distance between me and her godson. An entire continent, in fact.”

“Oh, Melody. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m sure I’ll be lounging in the Mediterranean sun while you endure the English winter weather comprised of sleet and rain.” Her expression sagged a little. “I just wanted to tell you first hand.”

“For which I’m grateful.” Samantha wove her fingers together and placed them in her lap. “When do you depart?”

“In the morning.”

“So soon? But… Does Harlowe know?”

“I informed him a couple of days ago.”

“Yet you’re only telling me now?” Despite everything, the revelation stung. It felt so horribly sudden, as though she were being abandoned by her sister, even though it was silly to feel that way. They were on opposing sides of the playing field after Samantha had changed her allegiance.

Melody shrugged one shoulder. “It’s a long journey with a long stay away from home and very short time in which to prepare. I’m sorry, but I haven’t really had a chance to stop by before now and sending a letter to you felt wrong. I wanted to see you in person.”

Annoyingly, Samantha’s eyes began to sting.

She blinked a couple of times and fought to recover that ironclad composure she’d been trained to wear like armor.

It wasn’t easy. She’d known Melody most of her life.

Her friend had provided comfort and hope while they’d been stuck at St. Christopher’s.

Samantha wasn’t sure she could have survived the place without her.

They’d always been close. Never far from one another even after Melody found her place with Lady Heathbrooke.

“Do you have any idea when you’ll return?”

“Not really. But given the fact that Lady Heathbrooke intends to remove me from Marsdale’s life for a while, I doubt she’ll be in a rush to get back.” She stood, prepared to take her leave. “And who knows? Maybe I’ll find a new life for myself in Italy.”

“Don’t you dare,” Samantha warned. She pulled her friend into a tight embrace. “Send me your address and I’ll write to you once a week – make sure you’re kept apprised of all major events.”

“Especially the scandals,” Melody said, hugging her back. When they pulled apart, Melody’s gaze had turned serious. “Be careful, Samantha. Harlowe trusted you and you betrayed him. I worry he’ll keep on hunting you until he gets his vengeance.”

“That will be a challenge for him with you gone and Hazel badly wounded.”

“There’s still Tara and Holly. Perhaps even Harlowe himself. Honestly, the idea of harm befalling any of you turns my stomach.”

“Rest assured, I feel the same. I’ll do my best to avoid them. I promise.”

They parted ways a few seconds later. Standing at the parlor window, Samantha watched Melody’s carriage drive away.

Despite all she’d gained for herself, a part of her heart felt hollow now.