The woman composed herself. “The Countess of Lienz. She arrived unannounced just after you and demanded a fitting. Most of her luggage is apparently still on board her husband’s yacht and she needs clothes. I could not refuse.”

Caroline frowned at herself in the mirror. She should have recognized the voice, but Julian’s mother had sailed for the Continent weeks ago; so, what was she doing back in London?

As quickly as good manners would permit, she and Adelaide finished with their appointment. Once they were seated in the privacy of the Saunders family town carriage, Caroline confided the truth of the house party to her mother.

“That could have been very embarrassing if Lady Margaret had not been so quick to smooth things over. And Lord Newhall does not know the countess is in town?” said Adelaide.

“No. I am certain he would have made mention of it to me if he did. The countess has a priceless piece of estate jewelry with her, and Julian is most keen to retrieve it. If he knew she was in town, he would be knocking on her door and demanding the return of his property,” replied Caroline.

“Well then, you shall have to speak with Lord Newhall when next you see him,” said Adelaide.

As soon as they returned home, Caroline retrieved Eve’s favorite black cloak from her wardrobe. She had no intention of wasting any time to see Julian.

The cloak had been used many times when Eve and Francis had slipped out of the house and gone to secret parties without their parents’ knowledge. But Caroline knew her mission for later this evening was more important than attending an illicit gathering of the younger members of theton.

She had to warn Julian that his mother was back in town.