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outspoken,” he said. “And you don’t know me, certainly not well enough to ask such pointed questions about something that is none of your concern. Your set may enjoy gossiping about such a horrific tragedy, but I do not. I’ll take you home now and I’ll thank you to keep your questions about my personal life to yourself.”

F IVE

    O LIVIA’S CHEEKS WERE still burning when Harrison stopped the motorcar on the road at the bottom of the hill to the lighthouse. He couldn’t let her out fast enough. The surf roared off to their left. Her questions must seem to be extremely rude to him, but she refused to let his opinion matter to her. Not until she was sure of his innocence or guilt. An apology was necessary to smooth things over, but it would pain her to make it.
    “Thank you for the day,” she said when he opened the door for her. “I beg your pardon for my rudeness. It was quite unconscionable. I can only plead fatigue has addled my brain.”
    A muscle in his jaw twitched, and pain twisted his mouth. “I accept your apology, Lady Devonworth.” He escorted her up the steep steps to the lighthouse. “I’ll leave you here, if I may?”
    “Of course,” she said. She watched him retreat to his auto. He got in front with Thurman. Something like remorse stirred in her, but she ignored it. He deserved every bit of discomfort she might bring him. She would not regret anything she said. She pushed open the door.
    She met Will in the yard. He wore a distracted expression. “Is there something wrong?” she asked.
    “I fear we have a major gale heading our way.”
    She glanced at the sky, clearing now. “How can you tell? It looks fine.”
    “The calm before the storm. The barometric pressure is very low. I must prepare. You’ll find Katie inside.” He hurried toward the foghorn.
    Olivia stepped into the foyer. “Hello?” she called.
    “In here, Olivia.” Katie’s voice floated down the hall. She stepped into view through the doorway and met Olivia before she reached it. “My best friend, Addie, is here.”
    “You told her about me?”
    Katie shook her head. “I’ve told her nothing, though it pained me to be secretive with her. I assure you anything you wish to discuss is safe with her though. She is most trustworthy.”
    “Thank you for keeping my secret.” Olivia followed Katie into the parlor, where she saw another young woman seated on the sofa. The woman’s dark auburn hair was on top of her head, and she wore the latest style of hobble skirt. Olivia hated the style. It was difficult to walk with the hem so tight around the ankles.
    “Lady Devonworth, this is Addie North, my best friend,” Katie said. “Addie, L-Lady Devonworth from New York.” Her bright smile faded as she stumbled over Olivia’s title.
    Olivia exchanged a glance with Katie. She didn’t want her to feel constrained by the lack of candor. “I appreciate the way Katie has helped me, Addie. If I may call you Addie?”
    “Of course,” the young woman said, glancing at Katie with a question in her eyes. Katie looked away.
    Olivia liked the looks of this young woman, and she needed friends right now. She felt so alone. And frightened. She glanced at Katie and gave a slight nod before seating herself in the armchair by the fireplace. “Katie has quickly become a friend when I was in dire need of one,” she said. “She assures me you are trustworthy.”
    “Any friend of Katie’s is someone I would defend with my last breath,” Addie said. “I hope you will rest in the care we can give you. Katie told me of your near drowning. I hope you’re feeling quite recovered.”
    “I am, thank you.” Olivia studied the woman’s earnest expression. “My name is Olivia Stewart,” she said. “Lady Devonworth is a title I seldom use, but I would plead for your discretion. Let me tell you what has happened.” She plunged into the fearful circumstances that had ended with her arrival at the lighthouse. “Someone did his best to