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“Unfortunately,” Deveraux continued, thoroughly disgusted, “that is not practical. Lady Lucille’s betrothal ball is two days hence, and the first guests are due to arrive this afternoon.

What I can do is promise you if there is the slightest whisper of insult to Miss Leonard or Miss Sprockett, the perpetrator shall immediately be turned out without a character and possibly subject to prosecution. ”

“But, sir,” protested one of the young grooms. He glanced around at his fellows for support. He saw a few encouraging faces so he plunged on. “We is only thinking of the family. It’s her that’s caused the problems. We don’t want you takin’ in by no hussy.”

“Hussy! You impudent maw-worm!” Deveraux grabbed him by his leather vest and swung him into the center of the hall.

“How dare you question my judgment! If you wish to retain your position, then you’d best be happy shoveling horse manure, for that will be your duty for the next week.

You’ll shovel it from one pile to another and back again, endlessly.

Maybe that will teach you to listen to filth!

” roared Deveraux, dropping the man. He fell in a sprawl at Deveraux’s feet.

Quickly he grabbed up his fallen cap and scuttled to the side of the room.

“Aren’t there any among you who are smart enough to realize that I might possess information you lack? Do you think I tell you everything? I know Miss Leonard is innocent!” He glared at every face in turn, his eyes thin slits of glittering ice.

“And I will tell you something else I know,” he said with dangerous quiet.

“One of you is not. So, I put it to you to look carefully at your fellows. Someone is responsible for starting the rumors regarding Miss Leonard. Someone is responsible for twisting the facts. And more than likely, that someone is an accessory to Lady Christiana’s kidnapping.

I give warning now that when I discover who that person is, he may regret he ever heard of the Earl of Nevin. ”

He turned his back on them and approached his family, guiding them into the parlor. Leona looked up at him, worry clouding her autumn-colored eyes. He smiled at her, and a tentative smile answered his.

“Purboy,” Lady Nevin ordered with all the calm dignity of her years as Countess, “we’ll have refreshments in the drawing room.”

“Well, I don’t ever want to see Miss Benedict again!” declared Chrissy after listening to her elders discussing the contretemps. "Tell her to go away, Uncle Nigel.”

“Chrissy, that’s unfair,” protested Leona over the dismayed voices of Chrissy’s family.

The mutinous child pouted. “She was mean to you.”

“Honey, she wasn’t mean to me,” Leona soothed, moving to sit next to Chrissy on the couch. “She was trying to protect you in the only way she thought she could. Miss Benedict loves you, as do all the servants here.”

“You are very generous, Leona,” said Lady Nevin, a sad smile on her face.

“She has a warm and forgiving heart. I pray she never loses it,” said Deveraux softly.

Leona looked up at him leaning against the carved marble mantelpiece.

Her breath stuck strangely in her chest as memories of his kisses poured through her mind.

A slight smile kicked up the corners of his mouth as if he could read her thoughts.

She felt a warm blush rise up her neck. She turned away, flustered.

“I have an idea, Chrissy. Why don’t you and Miss Benedict talk about it. I’ll wager she’s feeling pretty badly now. She probably expects you to dislike her and order her to go away. She might even be crying.”

Chrissy tilted her head in thought, then nodded. “She does cry at the silliest things.”

“She most likely needs cheering up, not more scolds.”

“And that is what your father would wish you to do, non?” Lady Nevin added.

At the mention of her father, Chrissy looked stricken. “Papa is always kind,” she whispered.

“Oui. He would not wish Miss Benedict needlessly hurt.”

Chrissy fidgeted in her seat, her face reflecting indecision and shyness.

“May I come with you?” offered Maria. “Maybe I can help get you talking together. Remember, I was a governess once. I know how she feels.”

“You do? Oh, would you?”

The hopeful expression that lit Chrissy’s face was nearly comical. Leona struggled against laughter. When she looked at the others, it appeared they also struggled against mirth.

In answer, Maria smiled and held out her hand. Eagerly Chrissy took it, and the two of them left the drawing room.

“And if you ladies will excuse me, I’ll go to my room to clean up. We had a rather, ah, interesting morning in the village,” Mr. Fitzhugh said, glancing down wryly at his dusty clothes.

Leona noted his soiled clothing with surprise. She’d not noticed it before, nor the wild disarray of his hair so out of character for Mr. Fitzhugh. Then again, she hadn’t had eyes for anyone save Nigel since he walked into the library.

It was then she remembered Deveraux’s hand. “What did you do to your hand? Is it cut badly?”

“Cut? What cut? Let me see,” demanded Lady Nevin rising from her chair.

“It is nothing, Maman. Merely a scrape.”

“And a graze may not get infected? Give me your hand.” She took his hand in hers, clucking her tongue over the dirty handkerchief bound about it.

“ Imbecile ! Look at this dirt! Lucy, tell Purboy to fetch a basin of water and my basket.” She glanced over at her daughter.

“And afterward, you go upstairs to change. Remember, we are to have guests soon.”

“Perhaps I should go as well?—”

“Is Miss Leonard squeamish?” Deveraux asked with a teasing smile.

“No, it’s just. . .”

“Please stay,” he asked her seriously.

Leona blushed and agreed.

Lady Nevin looked from one to the other, well pleased with what she saw. “Come, ici. Sit on the couch that I might tend you better.” She led him over to sit next to Leona. Deveraux laughed.

“Maman, you are not at all subtle.”

She shrugged. “Subtle, bah! It is the mistake of the young. When one gets old, one no longer has the time for subtleties. There you are, Purboy. Bring those here, s'il vous plait. ” From outside the Castle came the sounds of a carriage approaching.

Deveraux cocked his head, listening. The Sharplys! How could he have forgotten they were due to arrive today! Too late, he understood how his invitation to them would appear to Leona. “Damnation!” he swore, yanking his hand out of the basin of water. “I didn’t expect them so soon.”

“Nigel! Put your hand back in the water. Purboy will show them in.”

His eyes anxiously sought Leona’s. “I didn’t mean—I meant to explain?—”

“Wonderful place. Wonderful atmosphere,” said a new voice from the entrance hall.

It was for Leona an all too familiar voice. Her eyes widened as the color drained from her face.

“This way, you say? Lead on, my man!” said the voice with loud heartiness. “Come along, my dear. Seems like that hoyden sister of yours has done well for herself, very well indeed.”

Leona closed her eyes and cringed. She missed seeing the anguished look Deveraux sent her along with the dull red that crept up his neck.

“Mr. and Mrs. Sharply,” announced the butler from the doorway.

Leona rose slowly, a sick feeling of betrayal gnawing at her heart. She cast one glance filled with anger, loathing, and pain at Deveraux before she crossed to her sister to enfold her in a stiff embrace.

“Rosalie! What a delightful surprise!” Her smile was strained.

“And how about a hug for your ol’ brother-in-law, you sly puss,” George Sharply said heartily. He grabbed her, nearly throwing her off balance as he took his hug.

Deveraux’s face darkened, and he moved to rise, but his mother held his hand firmly, keeping him seated.

“Bring your family to meet us, Leona. You forgive that we do not rise? As you see, my careless son has hurt his hand, and I must dress it.”

Leona brought them forward and made the introductions stonily.

“But you must be tired from your long journey, non? I confess we did not expect to see you for some time yet. Leona, ring for Madame Henry to show our guests to their room,” Lady Nevin said courteously yet dismissively.

George Sharply looked like he would have denied fatigue and settled down to join them, but his wife pulled on his arm, timidly agreeing with Lady Nevin that they could do with a chance to rest and freshen up.

After the door closed behind them, Lady Nevin released Nigel’s hand and sat back in her chair.

"Maintenant. What is going on? Leona, you are not pleased with my son’s little surprise?”

“No, no, I am not!” Leona declared, whirling around to face Deveraux.

He rose to his feet.

“Of all the arrogant, high-handed things you have said or done in our brief acquaintance, Mr. Deveraux, this is by far the worst! You know how I feel about that-that idiot! How could you?” The last was almost a wail.

Deveraux crossed to Leona, grasping her shoulders. He could feel the anger and chagrin pulsing through her. He had to explain, had to make her understand—but how?

“I thought—I thought—Damn. How did this get so complicated? Leona, I didn’t understand before?—”

She laughed shrilly, her eyes glistening.

“No. All you understand is what you think is right! You have no concern for others. It must always be your way! I thought you listened when I told you of Sharply, how he was, how he tries to usurp me. You seemed to understand. How could I have been so wrong, so blind! Let go of me!” she cried, twisting out of his grip.

Her entire body was trembling. She stepped backward toward the door.

“You have never respected me or my judgment. Everything I do is wrong in your eyes. You are continually trying to change me into some weak, helpless bit of fluff. Well, I won’t change, for this is me!”

“Leona, please listen. I know I was wrong. I didn’t understand until this morning?—”