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come to the stables when she had the chance and pet and spoil the horses.
     
    She slipped into the parlor and glanced at the clock. It was nearing one o’clock. Lady Charlesworth would be waking and expecting her to attend to her needs. She scurried up the stairs, meaning to make straight for her mistress’ chambers.
     
    She was so intent upon her mission that she barely glanced up to see a man coming towards her down the stairs. However, there was no mistaking his identity when he drew alongside her.
     
    “ Ah, the young maid who has bewitched my mother; I have just been up talking to her. It seems she was going to replace you, but has now found you such engaging company that she has had second thoughts.”
     
    He stood so near Katharine that she could feel the heat of his body. His eyes, as blue as wild chicory, studied her with unrestrained curiosity while a half-smile played upon his lips.
     
    Her pulse leapt, beating so rapidly in her throat that she was sure he must notice.
     
    She calmed her senses and said, “I am complimented that Lady Charlesworth chooses to overlook my inadequacies.”
     
    From his view of her, Philip could see few inadequacies indeed. He refrained from any comment, merely quirked his brow and studied her, “You will find that my mother will overlook many shortfalls if she finds you amusing. That is indeed her dearest joy, to be amused.”
     
    “ I shall try to remember that and make myself as witty and entertaining as her ladyship could possibly wish.”
     
    “ I have no doubt you shall succeed. You are both well-spoken and forthright. I am sure Mother will find that refreshing.”
     
    Katharine met his eyes and saw the perplexity, as though he were searching for an answer to a long-ago memory. Obviously he did not remember the copper-haired young miss who had visited him, for he had waged no protest when his deceased bride had proved a comely blond.
     
    He lingered, blocking her from continuing up the stairs.
     
    “ Yes, I can see why you intrigue my mother. You intrigue me, also. I would like to know more about you. Who were your parents and where did you grow up?”
     
    Katharine decided it would be best to conclude the interview. “And I shall be glad to answer. Only now, I must see to the needs of Lady Charlesworth. I am sure her patience, great as it must be, will not stretch to allow tardiness.”
     
    Philip nodded agreeably as he stepped aside to let her pass. “Anther time, then.”
     
    He watched her ascend the stairs, still bothered by something he could not identify. She intrigued him and he did not know why. It was not only because she was attractive, though she was indeed pleasant to behold. He had never taken more than a passing fancy to the other young maids.
     
    Katharine continued her journey to Lady Charlesworth’schambers. She paused at the doorway to steady her breathing. She did not want to answer rouse questions as to the reason for her discomposure.
     
    She found Lady Charlesworth just arising. “My but I have slept soundly. Come here quickly and help me ready for luncheon. I do want to see my husband and son before they rush off again. I have little to do these long afternoons except for napping and reading Lord Byron.”
     
    She pointed to a book of collected poems that lay next to her pillow. Without thinking, Katharine quoted the first stanza of her favorite, “Oh, Snatched Away in Beauty’s Bloom.”
     
    Lady Charlesworth stared at her in surprise. “You are versed in poetry?”
     
    Katharine felt mild irritation that the lady would be so astounded. “Indeed. I have read a great many poems and memorized more than a few.”
     
    “ How delightful.I must confess to my surprise at finding a young maid with a serious penchant for poetry. I shall convince my son to read aloud tonight. He does quite often when I ask him, you know. He is quite good at reading aloud. You may bring some of my mending down and listen, if you would