Summer. The same time the rumors about Ophelia's supposed sneaking about had started circulating, which, she had realized eventually, must have correlated with Nicky's return to England. Could it be a coincidence that he was back in the country at the same time that her wayward sister was? Surely not. Ophelia hadn't had any contact with him since he'd sent the letter informing them of Nicky's "death" (or rather, her family hadn't; she hadn't ever really been in contact with him at all except through either her sister or father) and she had never imagined he might have more to say on the subject, but the timing now was suspicious. He must know that Nicky was in the British Isles, or else why come here? Not just to the country but here, specifically, to her parlor? Had he been following Nicky's life all these years, stalking her and hunting her down like a hunter pursuing prey? Did he know about the child?

"I confess I am," Ophelia answered, and honestly, too. She had been too distracted with Nicky to even spare a thought for Mr. de Vries, so his presence here came as quite a surprise. She was lying, however, when she continued warmly, "Albeit pleasantly so."

Could he tell she was lying? She was afraid so; her tone had been too hollow on those last three words and would surely ring false. Or was she only being paranoid?