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chair across from her.
    He sat and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “I know it’s an excuse, but lots of lads sow wild oats.”
    “Lots of them lose money gambling or get robbed in the streets,” Laura said. “I think your friends are a bad influence, but you are responsible for the bad choices you’ve made. Now you will suffer the consequences.”
    “Give me another chance,” he said, looking at the carpet.
    She released a long sigh. “If something bad were to happen to you, I would never forgive myself.”
    He looked up. “Haven’t you ever made a mistake? Didn’t Grandfather give you another chance?”
    “Yes, but some mistakes can ruin your life,” she said. “And that is the path you’re on.”
    “Please,” he said.
    Prior to their journey to London, Justin had rarely ever misbehaved. He’d always been a sunny boy and eager to please. His reports from school had always been excellent. But she had to remain firm.
    “I know you’re angry, but I swear I won’t do it again,” he said.
    She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but it’s for your own good.”
    “What can I do to persuade you?” he said. “I’ll do anything if you’ll give me a second chance.”
    Perhaps she would give him one more chance, but there would be strict conditions. “If you wish to remain in London, you will have to prove you are trustworthy. That means you will stop running wild.”
    “I promise I will,” he said.
    She wanted to believe him, but she mustn’t make this easy on him. “You will not escape punishment, Justin. You will have to stay home for the entire week.”
    “What?” He looked horrified.
    “That’s not all,” she said. “You will employ your time reading.” She walked over to the bookshelves and returned. “Read this.”
    “ Pilgrim’s Progress ? You mean to torture me.”
    “You will also write a report of the book so that I will know you read it.”
    “Laura, please don’t,” he said.
    “It’s either that or we return home.” She clasped her hands. “Make your choice.”
    “I’ll take my punishment,” he grumbled.
    “Listen well. I managed to thwart your uncle yesterday, but he won’t hesitate to take you if he hears you have disobeyed again. He is your legal guardian, and there is nothing I can do to stop him if he decides to take you away.” She’d barely managed to fob him off and knew there would be no second chances.
    “He doesn’t care about me,” Justin said. “I cannot wait until I’m twenty-one and free of him.”
    “You will be in four years,” she said, “but meanwhile, you must not do anything that will draw his attention. Until you reach your majority, he has power over you. Don’t do something foolhardy that will make these four years unbearable.”
    “I understand.”
    “You can have fun and be responsible, too,” she said. “Isn’t that preferable to being under your uncle’s thumb?”
    He nodded. “Sorry, Laura.”
    She wished he would call her Mama , but three months ago, he’d insisted upon using her Christian name. Laura knew that it was a show of independence and told herself it was a small thing, but it stung a little all the same.
    They had come this far today, and in the end, he’d listened to reason. God knew there were far worse things.
    “May I be excused?” he said.
    She hesitated a moment. The urge to tell him she loved him burned inside her, but he would likely find it embarrassing. “Yes, you don’t look as if you feel well.”
    He shrugged one shoulder, a gesture so characteristic of him.
    “I’ll have a tray sent up to you.”
    As he treaded out the door, she hoped she’d not made a mistake. He’d accepted his punishment, but his lies made it very difficult to believe him. He would have to earn her trust, and she would have to be vigilant.

Chapter Three
     
    B ell arrived late at White’s club and found his friends sharing a bottle of brandy. Harry signaled the waiter, who brought a snifter for Bell and