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much at home with his hounds and his
    horses and his shooting companions. According to Letty, Basil Ware had followed the path of many a
    younger son. Alone and impoverished, he had gone off to America to make his fortune. He had returned
    to England early last year when he
    had learned that his aunt was dying and that he was her sole surviving heir. Upon taking up his
    inheritance, Basil had moved into the glittering circles of the ton with ease and a charming grace that had
    made him extremely popular. Is there anything of interest in the papers?" Basil asked as he sauntered into
    the room. I confess I haven't kept up with events in London during the past few days. Been a trifle busy
    what with entertaining my guests." I saw no news of any great import." Emma got to her feet and
    smoothed her dull brown skirts. She was about to excuse herself when a large, hulking figure garbed in
    Lady Ames's distinctive blue and silver livery appeared in the door way. Swan, Miranda's personal
    footman, bore no resemblance to his graceful namesake. His neck was so thick that it was almost
    nonexistent. The planes of his face were flat and broad. The fabric of his expensive livery was stretched
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    very snugly across the bulging muscles of his chest and thighs. His hands and feet made Emma think of a
    bear she had once seen at a fair. No wonder Chilton Crane had scrambled out of Miranda's bed
    chamber last night after she had threatened to summon her footman, Emma thought. Still, there was an
    honest, earnest expression in Swan's eyes that Emma found reassuring. Swan was no brute. He simply
    had the misfortune to look like one. From what she had observed, he was devoted to his mistress. Beg
    pardon, sir," Swan said in a voice that bore a striking resemblance to a rusty razor. I have a message for
    you from my mistress. Lady Ames asked me to tell you that she will be happy to entertain your lady
    guests while you're off at the races with the gentlemen." Excellent. I shan't have to worry about the ladies
    growing bored while I'm away with the men, eh?" Swan cleared his throat. I also have a message for you,
    Miss Greyson." Me?" Emma was dumbfounded. From Lady Ames?"
    Yes, ma'am. She instructed me to invite you to join her and the other ladies in the amusements she has
    planned this afternoon. She said she did not want you to wander off by yourself the way you did
    yesterday." Quite right," Basil declared jovially. As Lady Mayfield's companion, you're a guest here,
    same as the others, Miss Greyson. By all means, join Miranda and the ladies today." It was the very last
    thing she wished to do, but she could not think of a polite way to refuse. Thank you, Mister Ware." She
    summoned a small smile for Swan. Please tell Lady Ames that I am very grateful for her consideration."
    My mistress is the kindest and most thoughtful of ladies." There was something close to reverence in
    Swan's harsh voice. I am honored to serve her." Oh dear, Emma thought. The poor man is in love with
    her.
    CHAPTER FIVE The tea was an unusual blend, Miranda had explained. It was mixed to her order by a
    merchant located just off Bond Street. She had brought enough with her to Ware Castle to allow the
    others to sample it. I could hardly leave the tea to dear Basil, now could I?" Miranda had said when the
    first cups were poured for the ladies. Men know nothing about that sort of thing." Very slowly Emma put
    down her cup. She dared not move quickly. The sudden sensation of dizziness made her slightly
    nauseated. She would be mortified if she became ill right here in front of the fine ladies gathered in the
    circle around her. Fortunately, none of the others noticed her predicament. They were all engrossed with
    the new entertainment Miranda had suggested. A guessing game of some sort. Miranda glittered in her
    role as hostess for the afternoon. Her glossy black hair was upswept in the newest