Martin at midday. Serena climbed down from the curricle and approached the solid stone house called Patchem's Cottage with all the enthusiasm of one approaching the gallows. Why was she even agreeing to this? Because, coward that she was, she was terrified of all the alternatives. Lord Middlethorpe knocked on the black-lacquered door, and a middle-aged maid opened it. Her homely face immediately brightened. "Why, my lord! Come you in!" In moments, an older lady was out in the small hall. This one was scrawny, vigorous, and bright-eyed. "Francis. What a lovely surprise!" Then she saw Serena and her brows raised. "In trouble again, are you?" She shook her head as she ushered them into her parlor, commanding, "Tea, Kitty." The maid hurried off, and Serena entered the small room warily. Arabella Hurstman was not the stiff-lipped spinster Serena had expected, but an ageless, vital woman. That did not make her less terrifying. "Sit down," Arabella said brusquely to Serena, pointing at a chair close to the fire.
