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understand Mr. Sherbourne found her right in the middle of the labyrinth, not long after he arrived back from London.”
    “That’s terrible.” Jocelyn recalled the faces of the servants when they’d greeted her earlier, the unease she’d credited to her arrival. “Have they discovered the culprit?” It was odd Leo hadn’t mentioned the murder. He’d said the maze was a challenging one—Jocelyn broke off, her skin prickling with apprehension. The culprit was familiar with the puzzle.
    “No,” Tilly said. “I intend to lock the doors and windows firmly against intruders each night. I shan’t take any risks.”
    Suddenly the garden didn’t seem welcoming or charming.
    “I’m sure everyone is taking precautions already. The poor girl.” Tearing her mind from the unfortunate maid and the disquiet that had seized her, Jocelyn said, “Please let me know if you have problems with the staff. Don’t try to deal with them yourself.”
    “I will.” Sincerity blazed on Tilly’s wrinkled face. “But I’m sure things will fall into place as they’re meant to.”
    Jocelyn smiled absently while her mind danced around the strange facts she’d uncovered since arriving at Merrivale. One detail wouldn’t let go. How exactly had Leo’s first wife died?
    After spending a delightful hour exploring the extensive gardens, they made their way back inside. Tilly and Elizabeth decided to retire to her mother’s suite, leaving Jocelyn to her own devices.
    Cassandra. Despite Mr. Sherbourne promising she’d see her new daughter the following day, she was dying to get a glimpse of her. All these years she’d assumed she’d never have a child, and now excitement put a spring in her step.
    Someone to love.
    Recalling her husband’s words about the nursery’s location, Jocelyn headed in the same direction as her mother and Tilly. Tapestries lined the walls of the passage. She paused to study one showing the Trojan wooden horse, the colors vibrant and eye-catching, the stitching abrasive beneath her fingertips.
    “Did you want something, Mrs. Sherbourne?”
    Jocelyn whirled around, her heart banging against her ribs. She pressed her right hand to her breast. “Oh, you startled me.”
    A pretty dark-haired maid stood behind her, a polishing cloth and a feather duster in her hands. “I’m sorry. I wondered if you were lost.”
    Jocelyn shook her head. The maid’s accent was broad, but not as thick as some of the other staff she’d met earlier. “Edna, isn’t it? I’m looking for the nursery.”
    “It’s Ella, Mrs. Sherbourne.” Her manner was hesitant as if she feared Jocelyn might sprout a new personality complete with horns. Ella swallowed rapidly. “The nursery is at the end of the passage.”
    “Thank you, Ella.”
    Ella nodded, risking a glance at her. “Was there anything else, Mrs. Sherbourne?”
    “No that’s all.” Jocelyn maintained her pleasant manner, despite the curiosity nudging her to ask questions. Gossiping with servants wasn’t something a lady of the manor would do.
    Ella scuttled away, leaving Jocelyn frowning after her thoughtfully. When the maid disappeared Jocelyn continued to the end of the passage. Aware of passing time, she opened the door and came to an abrupt halt.
    The woman sitting by the window was stunning, the late afternoon sun falling on her face and highlighting her dark, exotic beauty. Her deep brown eyes were almond in shape and fringed with long lashes, and they widened fractionally at Jocelyn’s arrival. A pale face with an olive cast held a wide, sensual mouth. Her faint smile lifted the corners of her lips in mockery and more. This was a smile of smugness.
    She set aside her needlework and stood, revealing her crimson overskirt with matching red and white petticoats, spread wide with side hoops. A white tucker protected her modesty, yet did nothing to detract from her buxom curves. She was a woman who would attract men, and her manner hinted she’d already made the