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David and Mrs. Greene could depart, however, David’s mother contacted him concerning some pressing legal matters which required his attention in town.  Mr. Wovington had been retained as the family lawyer and would be present at the meeting.  Victoria’s presence was also requested.  There were some family jewels which David’s mother wished to give to Victoria for Christmas, and she wanted her daughter-in-law to examine the pieces while there was still time to redo the settings.
    “But David, I do not understand why I must attend to this now,” Victoria said.  “Jemma will be leaving shortly, and I should be assisting her with her packing.”
    “Victoria, you know my mother, and she will not be comfortable until you have seen the jewellery.  She does not want to guess at the sizing or your preferences on resetting the pieces, and she has just over two weeks to have the pieces altered before Christmas.  It will be easier for all of us if this matter is settled forthwith and her mind is set at ease.  You will only be away from Mrs. Greene for one day, and the maids will see to the packing.  Please, darling, take my advice and indulge Mother in this.”
    Victoria sighed and smiled ruefully at him.  “As you wish, darling.  You are right, your mother will be unhappy if this is not seen to right away, and I would like everyone to be happy on our first Christmas together.”
    All of the arrangements were made.  David and Victoria were to drive to his mother’s house in the chaise, while Jemma would arrive on the following day in the carriage.  David and Jemma would then continue on to Bath while Victoria returned to Eston House in the chaise. 
    On the first day of their visit, David and his mother spent their time discussing legal matters with Wovington while Victoria had a lively visit with her sister-in-law and her four young children.  Grace, David’s older sister and only sibling, was in confinement with her fifth child and welcomed the chance to spend some time alone with her new sister.  This was difficult, however, with Michael, the youngest child, clinging to his mother’s skirts, and the other children running in and out of the room.  Victoria was soon popular with her nieces and nephews, and obliged them with an energetic game of tag in the garden.  She returned early the following morning at the command of the eldest girl, who wanted her aunt to witness her dancing lesson.  Victoria arrived back at her mother-in-law’s residence just in time to greet Jemma in the late morning.  Afterward, Mother Ladbrook, Wovington, Jemma, David and Victoria sat down to share a meal together.
    The travel plans were reviewed during the luncheon.  “It is unfortunate that you have to make such an early start tomorrow, David,” Victoria said, stifling a yawn. 
    “Yes, but if we leave first thing in the morning and do not breakfast until we stop to rest the horses, we will make a considerable start on the day,” David said.  “I fear, however, that we will disturb your sleep in the morning with our goodbyes.”   He brushed a stray curl away from her face with tender fingers.
    “Do not worry about that,” Victoria responded.  “I intend to say goodbye to both of you before you leave in the morning.  I will miss you both very much, and I want to spend every last minute I can with you.”  She smiled and took hold of both David and Jemma’s hands.
    When they had finished their meal, Jemma asked Victoria for a few private moments to discuss something of consequence.  They went upstairs to Victoria’s room and settled themselves comfortably around a pretty little table before the fire.  Jemma wasted no time in getting to the point.
    “Victoria, something has occurred at Eston House that requires your immediate attention.  Your maid was tearful when she came into my room this morning, so I asked her what was troubling her.  It seems that Mrs. Hunt found the kitchen maid with one of your