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seemed particularly prone to adventure.
    Jackson’s aunt and uncle, Lord and Lady Briston, departed earlier today as well. They were to accompany Jackson’s cousin, Lady Hargate, and her fiancé, Mr. Russell, to New York to meet the American’s family. Another of Jackson’s cousins, Mrs. Elliott, and her husband had left London yesterday for a long-delayed honeymoon. Which meant, of Jackson’s newfound family, the only close relative remaining in London was the fascinating Beryl, Lady Dunwell.
    If things hadn’t been so hectic this morning, when Jackson had briefly met Miss West, he might well have reconsidered this choice for Lucy’s companion. While Jackson had arranged for the hiring of Miss West, he had never met her in person. It was clear from the look on his face that he was expecting a much older lady with a dour manner and stern disposition and not a tall, slender blonde with striking blue eyes and an elegant manner. It was obvious as well that he thought she was entirely too pretty to be a companion. But she had come with excellent references from Lady Stillwell, the wife of Mr. Elliott’s cousin. Regardless of how she came to be hired, Lucy had been adamant that her companion would be her responsibility, not Jackson’s, and she would provide the woman’s salary. She had no intention of being accompanied by a spy paid for by the man she was no longer going to marry. He had reluctantly agreed, but then Lucy had given him no choice.
    â€œNow then.” Lucy cast Miss West her brightest smile. “Where do you suggest we begin?”
    â€œBegin?” Caution sounded in Miss West’s voice. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
    â€œIt’s simply that I’ve never had a companion before.” She leaned close in a confidential manner. “Frankly, I’ve never really been let out of anyone’s sight before. Not that my behavior has warranted watching, mind you.” She straightened. “Which means I have no idea what we do now.”
    â€œOh dear. This is awkward, Miss Merryweather.” Miss West placed her cup on the table and folded her hands in her lap. “You see, I’ve never been a companion before.”
    Lucy stared for a moment, then grinned. “Then this is perfect. Absolutely perfect.”
    Miss West’s brow rose. “Is it?”
    â€œOh, without question. You have no particular expectations and neither do I. I feared Jackson, Mr. Channing, would engage someone more in the manner of a watchdog than a companion, which wouldn’t have suited my purposes at all. I should have been forced to discharge you as soon as I was confident he was safely out of the country. Now we can forge our relationship as we see fit. Without definition or any particular rules.”
    â€œCan we?” Miss West said cautiously.
    â€œWe most certainly can.” Lucy beamed. “And to start with, I insist you call me Lucy. We shall be spending a great deal of time together and I see no reason why we should waste any of it with Miss Merryweather this and Miss Merryweather that. It is a mouthful, you know. And I will call you Clara, if that’s acceptable to you.”
    Clara nodded, something of a stunned look on her face.
    â€œWonderful. We will be great friends. Indeed, it will be just like having a sister. We do somewhat resemble each other. Why, our hair and eyes are very nearly the same color, although you are so delightfully tall and I am well”—she wrinkled her nose—“not. Although I did always hope to be tall and elegant. But when you are short and blond, you are usually described as pert or cute. People tend to look at you in the same way they look at a puppy, amusing, perhaps, but not a creature you would expect much of.” She shrugged. “Anyway, where was I?”
    â€œI’m not sure.” Clara eyed Lucy cautiously.
    â€œAh yes. I was saying we’ll definitely be