She felt his absence acutely, and Thornbrook Park wasn’t the same without him. At dinner, she informed Sophia that she would be headed to London, to Averford House, sooner than planned. “I wish you all the best, my dear,” Sophia said. “I hope you find what you need.” In the morning, she overslept and arrived in London later in the day than she’d planned. By the time she got to Averford House, she heard from Sutton that Marcus had already come and gone. “Do you know where I can find him? Or when he might be back?” “I believe he was spending the day with the Coopers, but I don’t have their address. Brandon was with him.” “Good.” She nodded. “His mother will be happy to see him.” Not in the mood to shop or walk around London, she settled in the library with a book, hoping Marcus would return home soon. Hours later, Sutton found her still with the book to share the news that they had a guest, a friend who had been with Marcus, Mr.
