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Lancaster has agreed. The ceremony will be tomorrow. Thank you, Richard. You . . . you’ve allowed me to take a measure of control over my life.”
    â€œI’m glad I could help two friends at once,” he said quietly. “Perhaps providence was taking a hand.”
    â€œI’d like to think so.” With a slightly crooked smile, she bade him farewell.
    Wondering if David looked as shaken as Lady Jocelyn, Richard pulled himself onto his crutches and made his way to his friend’s room. “I gather all is well?” he asked as he entered.
    David’s eyes opened. Though he was gray with exhaustion, there was a smile on his face. “Very much so. Will you stand witness for me?”
    â€œOf course.” Richard settled in the chair beside the bed. “Do you need me to do anything else for the wedding?”
    â€œCould you take the ring from my little finger and keep it for the ceremony?” He pushed his right hand over the dingy sheets. “I think it’s small enough to fit her.”
    Richard removed the ring. It came off David’s bony finger easily.
    â€œMy efficient bride will arrange everything,” the major said with a spark of amusement. “Thank you for bringing us together.”
    â€œThe marriage of convenience is a time-honored tradition, though I’ve never heard of one quite like this,” Richard said. “But everyone benefits.”
    â€œThere are other men here whose families could use the money more than Sally, but I am selfish enough to be glad she will be provided for. A woman without family is only a step away from potential disaster. An accident or illness could push her into abject poverty. Now that won’t happen.” David exhaled roughly. “Time for more laudanum. Over there, on the table . . .”
    Richard poured a dose of the medicine, then held the spoon so David could swallow. “Your sister is not entirely without family.”
    â€œShe’d starve to death before she would ask help of one of our brothers. Can’t say that I blame her. I’d do the same.” David’s eyes drifted shut. “Now she’ll never . . . have to ask help of anyone.”
    Thinking his friend asleep, Richard hoisted himself onto his crutches, but before he could leave, David murmured, “I would have helped her even without the annuity. I rather like the idea of being married to Lady Jocelyn, even if it’s only for a few days.” His voice faded to a bare whisper. “Something to look forward to . . .”
    Richard left the room with satisfaction, grateful that Lady Jocelyn was bringing some pleasure into David’s last days. The only person likely to object to the arrangement was Sally Lancaster, who guarded her brother like a mother cat with a kitten. At least the income would give her something to think about after he died.

Chapter 3
    A fter leaving Captain Dalton, Jocelyn entered the enclosed stairwell, then plopped down on a step between floors, heedless of her expensive gown. Burying her face in her hands, she struggled to collect herself, her mind a jumble of thoughts and feelings. She was intensely relieved that her problem was solved—assuming Major Lancaster didn’t die in the night—yet she half wished she’d never set foot in the York Hospital. Though neither man had shown disgust at her impulsive suggestion, she felt like a carrion crow feasting on the almost dead.
    Well, she and the major had made a bargain, and it was too late to withdraw now. There was comfort in the knowledge that he’d seemed pleased to accept her proposition. Yet when she thought of the major’s courage, his amused green eyes, she could have wept for the waste. How many other men and boys had died as a result of Napoleon’s ambition, or been crippled like Richard Dalton and Rhys Morgan?
    It didn’t bear thinking of, so Jocelyn stood and carefully donned her gracious-lady facade. By