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although I cannot say it is any less humbling to lose to a callow youth than to a man who has passed from this earth altogether. I knew that Sir Miles had been ill, of course, but I am sorry to say that I paid it too scant attention.”
    His wistful tones caused Sylvia agonies of guilt. “Milord, do not blame yourself. My uncle’s health was never of the best, but this was something of a shock to us all.” The sound of footsteps treading heavily up the stairs reminded her of her danger. Aunt Ruby would be angry, so very angry if she heard the whole of her niece’s deceit. “I know that it was wrong to deceive you, milord, but I beg you, do not hold it against my brother and do not tell my Aunt Ruby, I pray you. She and Will do not get on well and I fear if she hears of this she will cause him no end of trouble. Please, milord.”
    “He did me no real harm. If you feel so strongly, I shall say nothing,” David agreed, moved by the sincerity of her plea. So, the stone angel does have a heart after all , he thought as he fumbled for his glasses once more to better view the effect of emotion on that marble face.
    Just as he found the proper pocket, the door flew open. When he saw the sight framed by the doorway, he wished that he had never taken the spectacles from his pocket.
    “Milord! We did not expect callers when we are so soon come to town,” Ruby Gabriel said coyly.
    David would not have believed that a woman who looked to be well over fifty could simper so, but simper she did, pulling a young chit in tow. Like a ship of line, floating amidst an ocean of unbecoming ruffles and furbelows, the woman plunged forward into the sea of introductions and neatly maneuvered her daughter to the side of the prize. To her credit, the girl seemed rather reluctant to be put forward, but her mother was a force too strong to resist.
    “My daughter, Caroline Gabriel, milord,” Mrs. Gabriel declared.
    As she advanced, David edged back slowly until his knees met the edge of a chair. Masterfully cornered, David bowed and planned his defensive position.
     “Delighted, Miss Gabriel,” he said.
    “Would you take some refreshment, milord?” Mrs. Gabriel said in tones more commanding than inquisitive.
     David knew that if he seated himself, he was lost. A change of tactic was definitely in order, a strategic retreat. “I am sorry, Mrs. Gabriel-” but he was forestalled in mid-sentence by a look from Miss Sylvia Gabriel, the green eyes eloquent, pleading.
    “Niece, why have you not yet seen to our guest? ” the termagant aunt demanded, directing the girl a fulminating look that could not be misinterpreted. If he departed suddenly, the stone angel was in the broth, there was no mistaking, and David felt his annoyance melt into pity. It would cost him little to remain for a brief visit and do the pretty. If that would stay the shrew’s anger then he would do it, he resolved
    “Miss Gabriel has been a most gracious hostess,” David interjected. “I believe your staff is preparing even now.”
    “Make certain that they don’t dawdle,” Mrs. Gabriel directed
    Sylvia Gabriel left the room, casting a grateful glance behind her.
    “I do hope that you will forgive my foolish niece for presenting my son,” Mrs. Gabriel said with a frown. When Boniface had informed her of the visitor, Mrs. Gabriel had consulted with her abigail, who was a veritable walking Debretts, and determined that David Rutherford was of that rarest breed- plump-pocketed gentry. It would not do at all if Sylvia were to steal a march on her cousin. Men were easily manipulated creatures, who tended to choose their mates with their eyes rather than with their minds. That was not to be borne.
    She eyed their visitor’s decidedly casual mode of dress, deciding that there was naught that a determined wife and a skilled tailor might not fix to bring him up to snuff. “The simpleton girl should have realized that Lord Donhill would not seek an interview with a nine