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convenient, especially if she’s skilled at estate management.”
    His sister laughed. “Surely you have other requirements!”
    â€œReasonably attractive but not beautiful, because beauties require too much attention,” Daniel said promptly. “Mature and not addicted to London frivolity.”
    Laurel managed to avoid laughing again, barely. “That’s a start, I suppose. We’ll have to have a ball to introduce you to society.”
    Kirkland entered the room. “A ball in his honor will send Daniel flying back to Bristol in a heartbeat. Better to start with something less grand, like a musicale.”
    â€œYou’re right, of course,” Laurel agreed. “But I do advise attending Lady Childe’s rout three days from now. You won’t enjoy it much, but you’ll meet many people quickly so you’ll start to receive invitations. Then you can choose events you like better.”
    â€œLet’s hold a dinner party for the Westerfield Academy old boys who are in town,” Kirkland suggested. “Some have wives who might have suitable friends.”
    â€œA fine idea.” Laurel moved to Kirkland’s side like a swallow returning to its nest.
    â€œI’ll enjoy seeing some of my other schoolmates.” Daniel glanced away because viewing the deep tenderness between them seemed an invasion of privacy. He was no longer Laurel’s best friend. Kirkland was, which was right and proper.
    With sharp yearning, Daniel wanted that kind of closeness. He’d had it with Rose. After she died at age twenty, a few months before they’d planned to wed, his heart had closed down. He’d never looked for a potential wife, and he’d ignored the advances of women who thought a doctor would make a good husband. Or a good lover.
    He hadn’t recognized the extent to which Laurel had filled the empty places in his life until she reconciled with Kirkland and was no longer available for companionship. They’d been partners in their work and household for a decade, but no longer. Laurel had moved forward into her life, and he must do the same.
    But he didn’t know a blessed thing about courting a potential mate. Rose had grown up on the neighboring estate and they’d first met in the nursery. He couldn’t remember a time when he hadn’t known her, so no courtship had been required. Surely it would be possible to find a kind, sensible woman who would make his life easier?
    Yes, such a marriage was possible. But given his ignorance about courtship, he’d better pray for good luck in his search.

Chapter 5
    T he Duchess of Ashton and Lady Julia Randall not only renewed their invitation to visit, but said they had a matter they’d like to discuss with Lady Kelham. Jessie wrote a grateful acceptance note, adding that she had something she wished to discuss with them also. When she sent the letter off, she prayed the two women would be as warm and understanding in person as they were on paper.
    â€œLady Kelham,” the butler announced as he ushered Jessie into the small salon where she had been invited to join the duchess and Lady Julia after she’d settled Beth and her servants, and had a chance to freshen up. A good thing she’d had a guide, or she might have become lost in the vast sprawl of Ashton House.
    She tried not to show her nervousness as she entered the room. So much depended on these women and whether they would help her!
    Both were petite, though one was dark haired and had calm, wise eyes and the other was a vivacious blond beauty. Jessie was good at pretending confidence, so she stepped inside with a smile. “It’s so lovely to finally meet you both face-to-face!” Her gaze moved to the blond woman. “You are surely the Golden Duchess.”
    â€œThat’s not a difficult guess since Julia is dark,” the blonde said with a laugh as she rose to her feet and extended one hand.