Louisa Stanley dropped her vanity case and opened her arms to greet her. ‘Bella,’ she said. ‘I’m so glad I’m here. The coach was stifling and I had to sit opposite the same gouty reverend the whole way here.’ Bella grimaced sympathetically. ‘Oh dear,’ she said, then clasped Louisa in a bear hug. It was two years since they’d last seen each other and Bella had been looking forward to having her friend to stay for the winter. Louisa gasped, and her warm breath buffeted Bella’s cheek. ‘No exciting adventures with ghosts or highwaymen to share, then?’ Bella’s gaze flickered eagerly over her friend’s pale face but Louisa shook her head. ‘Um, no. Afraid not.’ Unchecked by the admission, Bella’s smile grew wider as Louisa’s trunk was lifted from the carriage. ‘Never mind. You’re here now and I’ve loads to tell you. Lauwine is occupied again. Can you believe it?’ She gave a small laugh. ‘Viscount Marlinscar has taken residence and, oh, God–’ Her voice dropped to a whisper.
