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staff as necessary to pack Miss Trent for her move.”
                  “Her move?”
                  “She will be leaving her uncle’s house today.”
                  The housekeeper looked scandalized.
                  “She is to stay with my sister until the wedding.”
                  The housekeeper smiled, “I will go to her immediately, sir.”
                  “One more thing,” he stopped her. “She will be bringing her lady’s maid and two kitchen staff with her.”
                  The lady cocked her head, “The O’toole girls, my lord?”
                  “Yes,” he was not surprised the woman had surmised what was happening. “They are to leave in the carriage with her. Not a one of them must be left behind.”
                  The lady’s smile grew, “Very good, sir.”
                  Jililan was looking for a way to wear her hair that would cover the bruise on her neck as well as the one on her cheek. There was certainly nothing to be done about the one on her eye. Thankfully, that one was the oldest and would fade soon.
                  A knock sounded on her door as she drew the hair back down over her shoulder.
                  “Come in.”
                  “Miss Trent,” the housekeeper had three maids with her, “I am to help you pack.”
                  “Pack?” she didn’t understand what Mrs. Kern was talking about, but three men came in carrying trunks.
                  The woman directed them to set the cases down in the middle of the floor.
                  “Where am I going?” she rose and crossed the room.
                  “You will be visiting Sir Anthony and Lady Amelia.”
                  Jillian raised her eyebrows, “Has my uncle decided to send me away?”
                  “No, the duke wants you to meet his family before the wedding.”
                  “So there is to be a wedding after all,” she dropped to the bed.
                  Mrs. Kern smiled, “Of course.”
                  Jillian licked her lips and glanced over at Erin who had taken the lead in packing, “And Erin?”
                  Mrs. Kern mimicked the soft tone, “She and her sisters have found themselves new positions at Blackbourne.”
                  “He did this,” she breathed.
                  “He must love you very much,” the older woman patted her hand. “What I can’t figure is when you met him. I am sure he has never come here before.”
                  Erin was sent from Jillian’s room to fetch her sisters and do her own packing.
                  The housekeeper left as well to see to the normal workings of the house.
                  She arrived as the maids were finishing all the packing.
                  “His grace has sent a wagon for the luggage and a carriage for you and for your maids.”
                  Jillian looked around her, “My mother’s things.”
                  “Will be sent shortly,” the housekeeper assured her.
                  Jillian smiled and started for the front door.
                  “Jillian,” her uncle’s voice stopped her, “I must speak with you in the study before you leave.”
                  She swallowed her fear and walked after him. He was closing the door behind her when a hand shot up to prevent the action.
                  Horace glared at the owner of the hand – a stranger, “Who are you, and what do you think you are doing in here?”
                  “I am Gage Easton,” he moved further into the doorway. “I have been instructed to bring Miss Trent safely to her new