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His expression softened. “Be nice and I promise to make it up to you.”
    When?” Melissa demanded.
    “Soon. I have business to see to now.”
    Laurel caught Melissa’s eye roll as she shrugged one shoulder. He turned back to Laurel. “This is my younger sister, Paige. Allowed to dine ‘en famille’ at long last.” He laughed down at his sister. “A grown up miss as you see.”
    Paige, a young girl of twelve with her brother’s dark hair and brown eyes, sniffed and rustled her sprig muslin skirts, but she grinned up at Laurel. Pleased to discover a friendly face, Laurel returned her smile.
    “I believe I’ve introduced you to everyone except perhaps Sir George Dunaway, a friend and neighbor.” He indicated a gentleman of average height with a distinguished appearance and a handsome head of wavy coin gold hair.
    “George, may I present Lady Laurel Laningham, my ward’s mother.”
    George bowed and gathered her hand in one of his. “Charmed, I’m sure. A mother you say?” He grinned down at her and kissed the back of her hand. “She seems far too young.”
    With an appreciative smile, Laurel withdrew her hand. “Thank you kind sir.”
    A commotion at the door drew everyone’s attention and Lady Rhonda Laningham swept into the opening. Her eyes sparkled and her lips lifted in a contrite smile. “I apologize for my tardy arrival but the trip here was atrocious.”
    “Ah, Rhonda. Here at last and welcome.” Adron gathered her into his arms, kissing her cheek.
    “I believe you are known to everyone.” He switched his gaze to Laurel seemingly to emphasize his alliance with his cousin.
    Laurel’s spirit sank. She’d left Landings to escape her sister-in-law for a brief while, but like ants at a picnic, she’d arrived to plague Laurel’s existence again.
    Rhonda sauntered over. “My dear sister, I was unaware you intended to leave until after your departure,” she criticized in a languid tone. “I couldn’t imagine what had happened.” She blinked and placed her hand on her chest. “I was all aflutter not knowing where you were, so I immediately set out to ask my cousin for advice. What if the magistrate had called with more questions—he is a special friend of yours I know—but I would have had no idea what to tell him.” Rhonda blinked again and trained her accusatory stare on Laurel.
    Laurel’s stomach roiled and her face heated with a blush, but she returned the stare in good measure. She could well imagine her sister-in-law’s joy if she’d been found guilty of murdering Robert with an overdose of laudanum. “Your concern is so sweet. I beg pardon for putting you to so much unnecessary trouble, but there are no lingering questions. All issues have been settled months ago.”
    With that, the conversation became general and to Laurel, everlasting. Finally, the butler announced dinner and she exhaled with relief, smiling gratefully at George when he offered his arm. She found herself seated by his side at a long table. The sparkle of crystal stemware and cut glass vases of fragrant white roses reflected in the polished surface of the tabletop. In an otherwise hostile environment, the soft glow of candlelight washed the walls, offering a pleasant setting that soothed Laurel’s frayed nerves.
    The aroma of rich soups spiced the air as servants placed tureens at each corner of the table followed by removes of roasted vegetables and lobster patties. The fare was tasteless in Laurel’s mouth, but she forced down a few bites. Almost ill with exhaustion, her stomach revolted when the main course of mutton with dumplings arrived and a remove of eel was placed by her elbow. The only thing that saved her from disgrace was the stern look in Lord Gladrey’s eyes and a quick sip of tea
    Laurel swallowed hard and her fingers trembled on her fork. Where was her backbone? Simply because his every stare caused her discomfort was no reason to crumble. Straightening her spine, she elevated her chin. She