On the day of the surgery, Julian still hadn’t returned.

The old patriarch of the Hale family was outraged. Determined to demonstrate his respect for Francesca, he showed up at the hospital personally, bringing Jonathan and the Jeffrey couple in tow.

Hospital arrivals always demanded delicate arrangements, and fortunately, Lady Hale’s fleet-footed maid navigated the social labyrinth with flawless grace, attending to every detail with precision.

Sir ...