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blamed their dire straits upon Harriet’s parents.
    In truth, Harriet felt that distinction fell upon her eldest cousin, Reginald. Being seven years her senior, Harriet saw little of her elder cousin.
    Reginald looked much like his father. A stout fellow with flabby, reddened cheeks, a large belly and a disagreeable attitude, he held little affection for either his father or mother. He only seemed to make an appearance at Beebe Manor when the need for money arose…which, according to the servants’ whispers, was often indeed due to Reginald’s vice for horses, cards, and women. Giving way to speculation of his appearance last night…
    Harriet paused only a moment before she opened her grandmother’s door. Harriet found her as she did most mornings.
    Rosemar Burke sat with her blanket wrapped tightly around her legs in a chair facing the open window. Slumped slightly, the woman stared blankly in front of her.
    Her thin gray hair was combed back under a lace cap. No evidence of the beauty she once held was apparent. Dressed in a black gown, a cameo pin was attached to a white lace collar at her throat. The cameo had been the last gift Harriet’s grandfather had given his wife. Despite her state of mind, most days Harriet’s grandmother found comfort in the small piece of jewelry.
    Harriet gave Mrs. Arabrams, her grandmother’s loyal maid, a pleasant smile. “How is she this morning?”
    “She’s been restless, Miss Harriet. Asked for you, she has.”
    Harriet looked questionably at Mrs. Arabrams. Her grandmother hadn’t said anyone’s name in over a year. Harriet moved forward to face her grandmother. Kneeling down, Harriet grasped her grandmother’s hand in a loving manner.
    “Grandmother, you wanted to see me?” Harriet asked, not expecting an answer.
    For a moment, Grandmother sat without responding. Then she turned her head and looked straight at her granddaughter. Studying her for a time, she uttered in a low voice, “Harriet. Harriet, I’ve been worried…”
    Her voice faded without finishing her thought.
    “I am fine, Grandmother,” Harriet said in a reassuring manner. “Remember, I’m to be married to Lieutenant Arthur Carlisle. You’ve met him. I introduced you to him before he departed for the war.”
    Grandmother tilted her head when suddenly her expression altered. Her once dim eyes ignited. Her aged hand gripped tightly to Harriet to the point where the strength of the grip startled Harriet.
    “Harriet needs to leave this place. They are after her. Tell her. Go.”
    “Grandmother, I’m fine…”
    Harriet darted a look at Mrs. Abrahams. She sensed the maid’s growing anxiety about her grandmother.
    “I don’t know what to do with her, Miss Harriet. She’s been like this all morning. Keeps saying they are plotting against you.”
    “Nonsense, Grandmother .” Harriet tried to soothe the disturbed lady. “Calm yourself. Nothing is going to happen. I promise.”
    “Perhaps I should give her some laudanum to calm her,” Mrs. Abrahams said. Not waiting for permission, she stepped toward a table holding a tray of water and the bottle of the medicine.
    “But, of course,” Harriet said. She released her grandmother’s hand and began to rise. “I have never seen her like this…”
    “Harriet!” Grandmother called. “Oh dear Lord, protect my child!”
    Harriet dropped to her knees. In a gentle fashion, she reached up and softly said, “I am here. Don’t worry…”
    Grandmother grasped hold of Harriet’s hand. She paused and stared down at Harriet’s hand. The ring sparkled in the morning light. A confused look swept across Grandmother’s face. She looked up at Harriet. “Georgiana?”

Chapter Three
     
    “I believe I liked the green the best.”
    Harriet ceased stirring her tea. “The green one?” she asked. The truth was she hadn’t been listening to the conversation.
    “Silly, we were talking about the green taffeta gown,” Bessie said, with inflection of