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another—especially by an angel like my wife.”
    Colin considered whether he had the ability to take on two seasoned soldiers in one attempt and sadly doubted it.
    Lady Maude shook her head. “She is normally such a sensible girl. I have no idea what has gotten into her.”
    “Do you think I should still see Mr. Potter tomorrow?” Lieutenant Leyton asked. “I could just drop him a hint that Rose’s circumstances have changed and leave things to fate.”
    “I don’t see why not, my dear. She does deserve a husband after waiting so patiently for all these years.”
    Colin carefully set down his wine glass. “She deserves far more than that.”
    Lieutenant Leyton turned toward him. “I beg your pardon?”
    “Miss Leyton has been sorely wronged. The best person to help her out of her dilemma is the incoming duke. Surely you must agree with that?”
    “Whether I agree or not is immaterial,” the lieutenant snapped. “By what right do you insinuate yourself into a matter that concerns my family?”
    Colin shrugged. “As a concerned observer and acquaintance of Miss Leyton, who appears to need a champion.”
    “You consider my sister your friend?” Lieutenant Leyton scowled. “You are employed by the duke. When have you crossed her path?”
    The condescension and suspicion in the lieutenant’s tone stung, but Colin persevered. “Miss Leyton has been gracious enough to help familiarize me with some matters concerning the estate. I have nothing but the utmost respect for her.”
    “That is true, my dear David.” Aunt Maude spoke up for the first time. “Mr. Ford’s behavior has been above reproach.”
    “But he still has no right to interfere in family matters,” Lieutenant Leyton grumbled.
    “He is merely eating his dinner, David. I doubt he expected to become embroiled in a situation such as this,”
    Colin recognized his cue to withdraw. “I do beg your pardon. I will leave you in peace to converse with Lady Maude. Good night, everyone.”
    He stomped back toward the estate office. Miss Leyton’s brother and ex-betrothed were a pair of asses. How dare they treat Miss Leyton as if she were incapable of making a decision of her own! She was an intelligent, likeable woman who deserved the best.
    But why were they so keen to get her married off? His steps slowed. He had to suspect they didn’t want the new duke hearing about what had happened to a member of his family or taking a legal position on the matter. A betrothal was a contract just like any other, and Henry Woodford had broken it.

Chapter Four
    Rose walked confidently into the land agent’s office without knocking and waited until Mr. Ford looked up.
    “Good afternoon.”
    He blinked at her. “Are you certain you should be here?”
    Her smile faltered. “You are sending me away?”
    He put his pen down. “Your brother made it very clear that he resented my involvement in your affairs.”
    She took a seat in front of his desk and folded her hands in her lap. “He said something similar to me at breakfast.” She looked up to meet his concerned gaze. “Thank you for standing up for me.”
    He shoved his curls away from his forehead. “Someone had to.”
    His kindness made her heart ache. “That is so sweet of you.”
    His mouth kicked up at one corner. “I wasn’t feeling particularly sweet, Miss Leyton. Your brother and his companion are…” He blew out a breath. “None of my concern. I do apologize.”
    She regarded him steadily for a long moment, but he said no more. She suspected that if she didn’t start a new topic of conversation he’d be expecting her to leave. Luckily, she had come prepared.
    “I had a letter this morning from an old maidservant of mine who married and moved to Southampton.”
    “Indeed?”
    “She mentioned that she saw Mr. Morehouse hanging around the docks, looking to book passage on a ship.”
    “Our Mr. Morehouse?”
    “Yes. She remembered him from when she worked here.”
    “Did she speak to