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visited with Jack and Virginia when she was younger, and unfortunately become the Marquess of Ettington’s ward.
    Across the table, Virginia frowned. Unable to bear the tense expression, Constance forced herself to make conversation. “Do you think the weather shall hold tomorrow, Virginia? We should take advantage of the warmer temperatures and stroll around the square.”
    Virginia leaned back in her chair. “We could do that, I suppose.”
    Constance forced an excited smile to her face. “If we go early enough there is hardly anyone outside. I was looking about this morning and noticed how lovely the park is. We should definitely take a stroll.” The marquess wanted Virginia to go outside more often and this was the start of Constance’s plan. Even if he tossed her out tomorrow, they would take that walk first.

    ~ * ~

    Jack covertly watched his sister throughout the meal. The occasional twitch of tension raising her shoulders set his heart racing. Although her awareness of the servants going about their duties shouldn’t concern her, the subconscious sway of her body away from them proved they still did. However, unlike the first months of her despair, she resisted the urge to make a sound.
    They didn’t eat formally for every meal, but Jack was determined to help Virginia conquer these irrational responses by degrees. There was no one remaining that could hurt her again—fate had seen to that. But Virginia had to regain her confidence before she went about in society.
    After the dessert course was placed before them, Jack sent the servants away, poured more wine for the ladies, and cleared his throat. His news would be another hurdle for Virginia to overcome. “Lord Hallam sent a note, announcing his intention to visit London, Virginia. He will arrive the day after tomorrow.”
    Virginia dropped her glass and the ruby red wine flowed across the white linen.
    “Oh. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
    Cursing, Jack circled the table as Virginia attempted to sop up the wine with her napkin. He should have waited until her glass was firmly down before he spoke, but there was never a perfect moment to mention Hallam.
    He drew Virginia away from the mess. “There is nothing to be concerned about, Virginia. Hallam will stay in the green suite, as he always does when in London. He will have his head buried in a book within the hour of his arrival. You won’t have to deal with him any more than you normally do. Just send his meals to the library at regular intervals, and leave him to his own devices.”
    Virginia fussed. Her panicked state remained thick around her. Unfortunately, Jack was at his limit in dealing with her distress. He glanced at Pixie for the first time this evening.
    She nodded as if hearing his unspoken plea.
    Pixie crossed to them, slipped her arm around Virginia’s back, and led her from the room. On the threshold, Pixie turned back.
    He thanked her with a tight nod, and she graced him with an actual smile.
    The warm affection in her expression almost knocked him off his feet. Jack hadn’t seen that smile for what felt like an eternity. He waited until they were well beyond the stairwell before he returned to the library. There was nothing more he could do.
    Returning Virginia to full health was beyond his abilities. As much as he might wish it could be otherwise, he needed help.
    Pixie’s help, and possibly Hallam’s.
    Jack sank into a chair, disgusted by the mess before him, but thankful for the distraction of Pixie’s debts. They provided a balm to his battered nerves. Judging by the rate of progress he had made through the papers earlier, he would be up all night. He didn’t mind in the least—the longer the distraction lasted, the better.
    Light footsteps crossed the threshold, but he didn’t bother to raise his head. Despite her earlier smile, he wasn’t going to be the first one to bring up Pixie’s insulting comments. He hadn’t paid much attention to his age, but it appeared she