Saturday afternoon arrived sooner than I wished. I hadn't worked out any idea what James wanted. I eyed him with mistrust as we took a four-wheeler to the Rouillard townhouse. He seemed completely at ease as he chatted to Mother about some happening at his office that morning.

Once we arrived, Miss Rouillard welcomed my parents graciously. My stepfather immediately set himself to charm her and her parents. AS I watched him, I suspected by the time we left, James would have gained a new patron for his wine business.

Was that the only reason he had come? It seemed such an insignificant thing, surely there was more to it.

"Miss Sutherland!" Miss Carter appeared in front of me with a bright smile. "I am delighted to see you. What has you looking so serious today? Mind you don't let Liz catch you looking so stern. She is convinced these charitable events of hers are enjoyable affairs for everyone invited."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mother frown at Miss Carter's enthusiastic speech. "Miss Evangeline Carter, may I present you to my mother, Mrs. James Windibank,." I introduced. "Mother, this is my new friend, Miss Carter, who I've told you about."

"Delighted to meet you!" Miss Carter said, extending her hand.

Mother gave a nod of acknowledgment but said nothing. Miss Carter shifted her hand to catch my arm. "I'm sure you won't mind me taking Miss Sutherland off with me for a bit," my friend said. "I'll return her unharmed, I promise."

And just like that, I was drawn away from Mother before she could utter a word of protest. "You poor thing," Miss Carter said, keeping her arm looped around mine. "Whatever did you do to require a chaperone?"

"Disagreed with my stepfather," I said in answer. "You can see him charming Miss Rouillard now."

Miss Carter wrinkled her nose. "I thought he was being a bit too charming," she said. "Is he trying to distract her into forgetting that he has entered her home without an invitation?"

"With my stepfather, who knows?"

"Well, we shall have to find other ways of entertaining you without giving your stepfather time to interfere."

Surprised, I studied her. Her tone was sincere but why the interest in me? She let out a laugh. "I have puzzled you, have I not? Am I overwhelming you with my exuberance and wild ways?"

"Yes," I said honestly. "Though I wouldn't say you were wild."

"Oh, I'm not really, but Liz and many other ladies of my acquaintance seem to think I need to cultivate demureness," Miss Carter said, nodding towards our mutual acquaintance. "I simply enjoy life, and I want those around me to have the same enjoyment. As soon as we met, I could see that you are trying to do so but it is not so easy for you. I hope you don't mind me saying so."

"N-no," I stammered, even more astonished by her words. "I didn't think I was so easy to read."
"Your eyes are quite expressive, even when they are hidden by spectacles."
Though I wished to have Miss Carter explain herself further, James approached us then. "Mary, introduce me to your friend," he said, his tone tinged with disapproval.

"Miss Evangeline Carter, my stepfather, James Windibank," I said with little enthusiasm. "James, Miss Carter."

James took Miss Carter's hand and brought it up to his lips. "I am so pleased to meet you, Mr. Windibank," the lady said with a tight smile. "I'm even more pleased that you allowed Miss Sutherland to come today."

My stepfather paused. "Of course I allowed her to come," he said, glancing at me. "What has she been saying about me?"

"Oh, nothing of consequence."

For a moment, James' face darkened. I couldn't tell whether it was the words themselves or if he didn't believe Miss Carter's answer that annoyed him. "Well, then," he said. "I hope she hasn't been unsociable."

"Not at all. Miss Sutherland is the dearest person, I know," Miss Carter said with a broad smile. "In fact, I almost wish to kidnap her so she can tell me all about typing. She has graciously agreed to meet me often just for that purpose."

"Has she?" James' tone became neutral. "Her mother and I are very protective of our Mary, Miss Carter. We don't—"

"And who wouldn't be?" Miss Carter interrupted with a laugh. "Now that I have met her, I know I would be bereft without her company. But I assure you, Mr.—Winthrop, was it? No, Windibank, my apologies—Miss Sutherland shall come to no harm in my company."

I didn't think there had ever been a time when James had met a woman he could not charm. As Miss Carter smiled at him, he seemed to be at a loss for words. He finally gave a bow and walked away.

"Yes, I think I do not like him," Miss Carter said, her tone thoughtful. "I distinctly felt as though he were trying to imply negative things about you."

She didn't know the half of it. "I haven't seen the items up for auction," I said, changing the subject.

"Then, my dear Miss Sutherland, allow me to show them to you."

Miss Rouillard invited me to several charity auctions and benefits over the next few months, but I couldn't say that we became close friends. Perhaps if I had given more money, she would have been inclined to do more than tolerate me. Still, each occasion allowed me to escape my mother and stepfather for a few hours, which I was more than grateful for.

Miss Carter, on the other hand, quickly became a friend. She invited me to spend a few hours shopping, to take tea with her after I completed work, and to the theater. The first two were easy enough, for I could meet her after I finished typing. However, James refused to grant me permission for the evening out.

Shopping was an interesting experience. I'd always allowed myself to be guided by the shopgirls' opinions and suggestions. Miss Carter, however, had her own opinions and frequently contradicted the shop employees.

But I couldn't deny her advice had merit. The jewel colors she recommended added color to my complexion, and ready-made gowns fit me better than I had expected. The material was fine; even my fingers could feel the difference between them and the material my own wardrobe was made of.

Each shopping expedition we made, Miss Carter took us in search of some new item for a complete wardrobe. After nearly a month, she insisted I call her by her Christian name. Indeed, it felt as though we had known each other much longer.

Although I was unable to join her in the evening, my new friend made a point of introducing me to her beau Mr. Alfred Weare at one of Miss Rouillard's gatherings. He was no taller than I, had the start of a mustache on his upper lip, and kindness in his eyes.

"Alfred is the dearest man," Evangeline said, smiling as she spoke the young man's name. We had met for afternoon tea after I completed my work. "He wholeheartedly supports my activities, which is of the utmost importance. And he so charming. My parents approve of him, so we are all happy."

She looked so happy, I couldn't help but feel a bit envious. "I...have had a romance of my own," I found myself saying before I could think better of it. Finally! To speak of Hosmer with someone who would not tell me he hadn't existed! "But I have not seen him in so long."

Evangeline leaned forward, her eyes brightening with interest. "Oh? How exciting! You must tell me everything."

The story left my lips in a rush, so happy was I to tell it. I explained how I had met Hosmer at a gasfitters ball, and then met him in secret to avoid my stepfather's displeasure. By the time I ended with Hosmer leaving me after extracting my promise to be true, my friend was frowning.

"Oh, Mary," she said, her tone sad. "How long has it been?"

"Almost a year." It was hard to believe so much time had passed with no word from him. What had become of him? Was he still alive?

She shook her head. "Well, we must introduce you to someone nice, so you can have a proper romance."

Had she not heard the promise I had made? "Oh, no," I said in protest. "I gave my word I would be true to Hosmer."

"Yes, I heard you," Evangeline said, her tone slightly impatient. "But you knew him such a short time and met him in person a handful of times before you agreed to marry him. Clearly, he knew something would take him away since he made you promise to remain faithful. In my opinion, he had no right to exact such a promise after such a brief acquaintance."

"My mother said it was right."

"And your mother is a sterling example of faithfulness," Evangeline said, her tone sarcastic. She shook her head. "I'm sorry. I should not have said that. I'm sure your mother is a fine lady. Still, it is cruel of any man to expect a young lady to remain faithful after such a long absence."

"Surely you have read Persuasion!" I objected.

"I have. What of it?"

"Miss Anne Elliot makes the statement that a woman will 'love longest, when existence or when hope is gone,'" I said, quoting the line from memory. "It is a romantic idea, is it not?"

"True, and if you had spent more than a few hours in this man's company, I might be inclined to agree with you." Evangeline heaved a sigh. "I feel you do yourself a disservice in clinging to a man who has not explained why he has gone away or even sent word that he still lives!"

Her words made sense, though I didn't like to hear it. "Am I to forget him then? After I gave my word that I would not?"

"Dear Mary, you have said it has been a year," Evangeline said, her tone becoming kind. "If he intended to return, he would have done so. You may have intended to marry him, but you did nothing to send him away. His failure to return or send word is on him. Anyone would agree you are free to look elsewhere."

I breathed out slowly. "Perhaps." If I did move past Hosmer, James would not be able to hold it over me. And, if I were fortunate, I would meet someone who would take me away from my mother's house.

Now that was a tempting thought.

"Perhaps nothing. Trust me, Mary. You have had this hanging over you too long as it is. Surely, your mother and stepfather, for all their faults, would not think you fickle."

Reminded of my stepfather's threats, I hesitated. "In reality, James and my mother do hold it against me. They accuse me of having made up Hosmer Angel, and if I behave in a way James disapproves of, he threatens to send me to...to an asylum to recover 'my health.'"

Evangeline gave a start. "You cannot be serious!"

"I am. It is only my association with Miss Rouillard that keeps me safe. My stepfather is anxious to climb the social ladder."

"But... did you not say your mother approved of this Mr. Angel?"

"Yes, and that is what frustrates me so. She encouraged me to accept Hosmer's attention and assured me my promise was perfectly normal. Yet, after Hosmer vanished, she would not hear his name and agreed with every word James said."

Reaching out, Evangeline caught my hand and squeezed it. "You poor thing!"

"It has been a relief to tell you. I've been so afraid once others heard my story, they would side with James. I've had enough moments of questioning my own memories to feel up to defending them from people's questions."

"I have no reason not to believe you. Have you really not told any else this past year?"

"Well...I did go to a consulting detective, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, in the hopes he would be able to find Hosmer. However, my stepfather found out I had done so and forbad me from contacting Mr. Holmes again."

"Mr. Sherlock Holmes? My friend, you could not have chosen a better person to entrust the case to! I've read of Mr. Holmes' skills in The Strand. Did he never try to contact you with what he discovered?"

Sighing, I shook my head. "If he did, such a message was intercepted by James or Mother."

"And if he did not make more of an effort to contact you—and trust me, he is not one to let anything deter him—we must assume that he did not find anything of any worth," Evangeline said thoughtfully. "Well, what I recommend is that you put the whole thing behind you."

"I gave my word," I said weakly.

"Yes, you did," Evangeline agreed, her tone soothing. "And you've waited an admirable length of time for him to return. What more could any reasonable man expect from you? And don't try to argue using Jane Austen because this is a very different situation than what was presented in Persuasion."

I sipped my tea to give myself a moment to think. In the last few months, I'd only thought about Hosmer a few times. It was reasonable to decide I had waited long enough.

"I think you are right," I said slowly. "But...if he were to come and had a good explanation, surely I could forgive him then?"

Evangeline tapped her chin. "I suppose, though I have my doubts as to what would be a good explanation for a long absence," she said with a decisive nod. "And, of course, I would caution you to take your time to get to know him again and not rush to the altar with him as soon as he appears."

"Naturally." Relieved, I sat back. "You cannot imagine how much of a comfort it has been to speak of it without fearing I would be judged insane."

"It is so odd your stepfather would make such a suggestion," Evangeline said, a thoughtful frown settling on her forehead. "What could he possibly have to gain from locking you away?"

Hesitating, I ran the tip of my finger along the side of my teacup. "No doubt he hopes to keep control of my inheritance."

My friend's eyes widened. "Mary! Are you serious?"

"You knew I had inherited some money from my uncle."

"Yes, of course, but how can your stepfather have anything to say about it now?" Evangeline narrowed her eyes. "Mary, what did you do?"

"Well, I wanted to help with the household expenses, and it wasn't like I was using my inheritance," I said defensively. "In any event, I've remedied the situation and made my solicitor aware of a stipulation to my stepfather having access to the interest of my inheritance. If I am not under his roof, he cannot touch a single pound."

"That, at least, is something." Evangeline shook her head. "I can see that you have been sorely taken advantage of in your life. No wonder you resisted Liz's request for monetary donations."

Guiltily, I dropped my gaze. "I did give an anonymous donation to the orphanage," I admitted. "I did wish to help."

"But not be pulled around like a puppet, of course," Evangeline said quickly. "There's no need to apologize to me, Mary. I quite understand your feelings. And I thank you for confiding in me. I find I understand you better now, and like you all the more than I had."

Her honesty made me blush. My tea had grown cold but I finished it anyway. "Well, I should return home. My stepfather questions me when I have been away longer than usual."

"I wish you did not have to return to such an environment," Evangeline said as she rose from her chair. "Have you no other family you could visit? No one to protect you from Mr. Windibank?"

"I'm afraid I do not."

"Then, Alfred and myself will do so," Evangeline said boldly. "We shall drop by your home to check on you randomly through the week. We will invite you to the opera or to concerts. Your stepfather will have to realize he cannot hurt you when you have friends looking out for you."

How could I not be touched by such loyalty? "Thank you," was all I could say.

"We'll see you safely through this trial," Evangeline said, looping her arm around mine. "You'll see."