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style. The vivid blue of
    her gown matched her eyes. She was not exceptionally beautiful, Emma thought, but she seemed to
    sparkle. Somehow, regardless of whatever was going on around her, Miranda managed to be the center
    of attention. Her faithful footman, Swan, watched her with an adoration that Emma found painful to
    behold. Who can tell me what card I have turned facedown on the table?" Miranda asked brightly.
    Suzanne? Will you try?" An ace of clubs?" Suzanne, Lady Tredmere, hazarded. No." Miranda looked
    expectantly at the next lady in the circle. Your turn, Stella."
    Let me think." The tall, blonde woman pretended to deliberate for a few seconds. Then she laughed. I
    haven't the vaguest notion, Miranda. A three of diamonds, perhaps?" I fear not." Miranda's smile had a
    fixed intensity. Who will be next? What about you, Letty?" I have never been much good at this sort of
    thing," Letty said. I take an interest in cards only when there's money at stake." Give it a try," Miranda
    urged. Letty sipped tea and eyed the card. Oh, very well. Let me think a moment." Emma took a deep,
    shaky breath and tried to collect herself. What was wrong with her? She enjoyed excellent health. In fact,
    she had felt perfectly fine only a moment ago. Although she had not been eager to join the ladies when
    they went outside for the archery contest, Miranda had insisted and she had done her best to be polite.
    She had dutifully participated in the charades that had followed the archery, and now she was attempting
    to engage in the silly card game. Surprisingly, Miranda had been almost cordial to Emma today. A bit
    condescending, perhaps, but not unfriendly. She had been especially eager for her to take part in the card
    game. King of hearts," Letty proclaimed. Wrong. Miss Greyson?" Miranda turned to Emma. It's your
    turn to guess." I'm sorry I Emma broke off, trying to concentrate on not embarrassing herself or Letty.
    What was it?" That's what I am asking you, Miss Greyson," Miranda said, a trace of impatience in her
    voice. I assumed you wished to play the game." Yes, of course." Emma swallowed heavily against the
    rising nausea and stared at the card on the table. All she had to do was name a card, any card. Miranda's
    game was not one that required skill. Chance alone was involved. Certainly no one expected her to come
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    up with the correct answer. She looked up from the card, straight into Miranda's ice blue eyes. And
    suddenly she knew what card lay facedown on the table. An ace of hearts," she murmured politely.
    A flicker of what could have been surprise or even excitement flashed in Miranda's gaze. She reached
    out and turned over the card. You are correct, Miss Greyson. The ace of hearts it is." A lucky guess,"
    Emma said weakly Let's try it again." Miranda picked up the deck of cards and quickly began to
    reshuffle it. Swan, please pour more of my special tea for everyone." Yes, ma'am." Swan, who as usual
    was stationed close to Miranda, picked up the large silver pot. Cynthia Dallencamp eyed the footman
    with an expression of avid sexual interest as he dutifully refilled her cup. Wherever did you get Swan,
    Miranda?" she asked as if the footman were invisible. He really is the most amusing creature. I do like
    size in a man, don't you?" Swan flinched but he gamely went on to the next cup. In spite of her own
    problems, Emma felt very sorry for him. He came to work for me at the start of the Season." Miranda
    quirked a black brow. I assure you, he is extremely useful to have around the house." Indeed," Cynthia
    murmured. Would you consider lending him to me for a day or so? Just long enough for me to determine
    if everything about him is as large as one would hope. I vow, it is so very difficult to find a man who is big
    enough to give one satisfactory service in every respect." Several of the ladies dissolved into laughter at
    the blatant sexual