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“I did,” Lenora admitted. “But I’m still afraid. What if I do something that permanently angers Lady Asquith?” Or worse, what if, by accepting the invitation, she had permanently alienated Asquith?

“Lady Asquith endured living with all of us last Season,” Eliza said. “And she guided Cassie and me through scandal, yet she still holds us in high regard.”

Yes, Lenora knew.

But that had been different. Lady Asquith could hardly hold her eldest sisters accountable, as they hadn’t been to blame. However, if the dowager learned Lenora employed blackmail and bribery to spend time with her son, what would her reaction be?

Lenora suspected her fate would be far worse than a ferocious quizzing glass glare.

Moreover, during this visit, Lady Asquith planned to apply her substantial talents to Lenora’s romantic success. All the while Asquith—Lenora’s true desire—observed.

“I predict disaster,” Lenora said.

Cassie made a sympathetic noise. “I wish I could keep you safe.”

“I wish to keep her safe, too,” Eliza sighed, long-suffering. “Yet, I’m sure neither of us want Lenora to be so secure she never experiences adventure.” Eliza caught and held Lenora’s gaze. “You cannot avoid everything that’s frightful and live a meaningful life.”

“If I had an ounce of your strength....” Lenora’s voice faded.

“But you do, Silly,” Eliza replied. “None of us are cowards. We survived Father, after all.”

Lenora lifted her eyebrows. Eliza wasn’t wrong. However, Lenora had either steered clear of their malevolent father or put up with him by pretending to be someone else.

Over the next few weeks, she would not be able to avoid Asquith, any more than she would be able to shy away from the relentless force of his mother’s goodwill.

Millie turned away from the window. “Lady Asquith’s carriage has just stopped in front of the house.”

Lenora whimpered.

“You’ll be fine,” Eliza said. “When you want to look smart and feel strong, put on the riding habit I lent you. The dress is suitable for a lady not yet out, but fashionable and certain to boost your confidence.”

“And I,” Nettie added, “lent you my favorite hat. When you wear it, you’ll be unforgettable.”

Lady Emily laughed. “Indeed, no one will forget that plumage!”

“And you have my warmest pelisse.” Millie raised her brows. “If you bring it back with even one small spot, then, yes, you should be afraid... of me.”

Millie’s facetious threat brought a halfhearted smile to Lenora’s lips.

“Well, Emily,” Cassie remarked, “it seems everyone besides ourselves has contributed a talisman.”

Emily started toward the stairs. “I’ll be right back with my favorite hatpin.”

“Hatpin?” Lenora queried.

“Perfect for discouraging unwanted advances,” Emily called over her shoulder. “Between Eliza’s riding habit, Millie’s pelisse, and Nettie’s hat, I predict you will have quite a few!”

“Which leaves me.” Cassie studied Lenora. “How can I best contribute to the effort?” She paused. “Eliza, have you ever taken note of the slight downward turn of Lenora’s eyes? Or the minuscule protrusion of her upper lip?”

Eliza nodded. “She is the most like Mama.”

“So much,” Cassie agreed. “I almost want to cry.”

Yes. Lenora thought.

She was just like her mama. Sad. Lonely. And lonelier still, now that she was dreading separation from her sisters.

“Here.” Cassie unfastened a locket from around her neck.