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know most of his correspondents or the context of most of his business documents.”
    â€œI probably do. You’re pressed into service, too, Major.”
    â€œWillingly, ma’am.”
    She looked between the two of them and settled her gaze on Simon. “Would it be inappropriate for Major Beaumont to call me Jane, and for me to use his first name? I’m afraid I can’t start calling you Mr. St. Bride, Simon.”
    â€œI would be honored and delighted,” Hal said, “as long as your tyrannical husband does not object.”
    â€œI’ll give you tyrannical. . . .” But Simon smiled at Jane, grateful for her practical good sense and the way she’d lightened the mood without being flippant.
    â€œHal plans to travel back with us,” he said.
    â€œOh, excellent news.”
    Simon wondered if her sincerity rose from the samecause as his. He probably should have another forthright talk with her about the marriage bed.
    Whatever her nervousness about that, here, with the three of them together, she seemed comfortable. She sat beside Simon and went through the letters, sorting them into acquaintances and friends, giving him details about people he didn’t know. Together, they composed an announcement and she offered to write them all.
    â€œThat would be an imposition,” he said.
    â€œI’ll be glad to do it. I’ve been acting as Uncle Isaiah’s secretary since Salter left.”
    Simon had been aware that she’d assisted in some way, but not so formally. “Dare I hope that you understand some of his business?”
    Her eyes flickered as if she was choosing a response, but then she said, “All of it. With his health, and his hands often unsteady . . . He wouldn’t allow me to put things in order here, but I kept his books and wrote most of his letters.”
    She soon revealed a depth of understanding that suggested she’d been doing most of the work. He caught himself wondering why she hadn’t insisted on better business decisions but then knew he was ridiculous. She was eighteen years old. Was she to argue with and overrule a man nearly three times her age who had far more experience of the world?
    They paused for refreshments at noon. Before Simon could return to work, a uniformed aide arrived commanding his presence at the lieutenant governor’s residence.
    â€œDamn,” Simon said once the man was safely waiting in the hall. “I should have gone without being summoned. Hal, you’ll stay here?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œWill there be difficulties?” Jane asked, looking pale. “Over the duel?”
    â€œNo, don’t worry. He’ll be annoyed, but I’ve beenannoying him for months. This might work out well, in fact. He won’t want the duel to resume.”
    The brief walk to the lieutenant governor’s house was constantly interrupted by people wanting to express sorrow at Isaiah’s death. Simon wondered if it was his imagination that saw blame in many eyes. He certainly blamed himself. His rash duel had led to Isaiah’s death.
    Gore, the man responsible for the whole of Upper Canada, was as annoyed as expected. “Messy business, sir. Very messy. I’ll see if I can bring about a resolution, but it’s dashed difficult when you questioned the man’s integrity!”
    â€œBetter than dragging a lady’s name in the dirt, sir. McArthur’s comments about Miss Otterburn and her uncle were completely unwarranted.”
    Gore turned redder. “Yes, yes, but couldn’t you have insulted his hat or something? I’ll see what I can do to smooth his feathers.”
    Simon thought McArthur should be plucked not soothed, but he controlled himself. “I’d be grateful, sir. I have a wife entirely dependent on me now.”
    â€œAye, and that’s another thing. Would have been wiser to be more open about your understanding, St.