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today he is, ah . . . well, we’ve been traveling so much.”
    â€œI understand,” Lucretia said, her smile kind. I did not have to explain my father’s non-churchgoing ways further. “Men who are dedicated to their work seldom take the time to rest, until it all comes up on them at once.”
    She lifted her eyes to make another quick scan of the courtyard, and this time she flinched.
    I turned to see just what this Henry fellow was all about.
    Unfortunately, I wasn’t alone.
    â€œHenry David Dobbs!” Annabelle cried out, her voice clear and melodious. “Pray, come over and give me a proper greeting!”

CHAPTER SIX
    My eyes popped wide to see Annabelle flounce across the courtyard, the other girls trailing her like ducklings. Beside me, Lucretia gave an unhappy sigh. “Who is that?” I asked, my curiosity clear. Just a simple traveling miss, out enjoying the scenery.
    â€œHenry Dobbs is the third son of the Dobbs Milliners, one of the most prolific craftsmen in Leeds.” She frowned at me. “I am surprised you don’t know the name.”
    I shrugged. “I’ve only just begun assisting my father. I don’t think he has ever mentioned a Henry Dobbs before.”
    â€œWell, no, he wouldn’t have.” Lucretia shook her head. “Henry hates the work, I tell you plain. Or, at least, I never see him actually working.”
    I frowned at her. “He’s a wastrel?” Why would she lose her heart to a shiftless fool?
    â€œOh, never that.” She shook her head again, firmly. “But he is such a kind and loving young man. Always willing to help, always willing to give his time when he can spare it from his work. He has no taste for commerce, though that is where his commitment lies. And, as you can see, he is quite a favorite with the girls.”
    â€œWell, if his family is rich, that would account for some of the attention, I’m sure,” I said dryly. “Even if he is the third son.”
    â€œOh, his father has made much over his love for all his sons. They and their families will be well cared for.” She grimaced. “Annabelle is quite certain he will marry her and keep her in the style and luxury of her current life. And perhaps he will. They would make a lovely couple.”
    â€œIt doesn’t look like he has much of a choice,” I said, frowning. Annabelle and her girls had nearly surrounded poor Henry, along with a few other young men of apparent high standing. Henry looked chagrined, but he held his ground, responding to Annabelle’s questions with smiles and easy banter. “Why don’t you go over and talk to him? It looks as if he could use rescuing.”
    â€œFrom Annabelle Farthington? Not likely,” Lucretia scoffed with the first hint of real fire I’d seen in her. “She is barely eighteen, and yet you would think she ruled the city. Her family has an estate east of Leeds, and their money doesn’t come from commerce. ’Tis said old King Henry had them in line for the peerage, and now they hope to further their interests in that direction with the ascension of Princess Elizabeth to the throne.” She crossed herself quickly. “God rest Queen Mary’s soul.”
    â€œYes, God rest,” I murmured. In truth, I had no love for our dearly departed monarch. From all accounts, Mary Tudor had been as dour in person as in policy, and she’d painted the country in blood trying to force her people to cleave to Catholic ways when verily half the land was now Protestant. I prayed Elizabeth would have a lighter hand with her rule, though I doubted I’d ever see the woman. Grandfather had long warned us away from performing in any city so grand as London. “Still, ah . . . is not your family also well placed?” The question was a bit pointed, but I didn’t have much time here. The socializing hour after services gave me the