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encounter with the lovely Miss Hopkins . The girl had spunk, he ’d grant her that . But from the look of things in the kitchen, she’d already convinced Mrs. Olsen to cater to her every whim .
    All Miss Hopkins had to do, it seemed, was flash that s weet smile of hers, crook her dainty little finger, and everyone was eager to do her bidding .
    He remember ed the way her golden hair was arranged in a loose pile atop her head, soft tendrils escaping to tease the flesh of her slender neck. There’d been an enchanting sparkle of defiance in her blue eyes, a subtle floral fragrance drifting in the air around her. It made him want to get closer , to hover near her like a hummingbird drawn to sugar water.
    She possessed such an air of innocence, it was difficult to believe her to be the cold, calculating woman who’d deceived so many .
    Something puzzled Ian, however. He’d been surprised by the modesty of her gown . It was not the type he would have expected her to be wearing . It had a plain design and upon closer inspection, appeared faded and worn . It was the same one s he’d been wearing yesterday , he realized . In fact, her father’s home had been stark ly furnished and in obvious need of repairs . Ian found it odd that a wealthy family with a daughter reputed to be doted on and pampered would wear such a plain gown, live in such meager surroundings.
    Well, the manner in which Miss Hopkins lived was no concern of his .
    It was the grief and subsequent death she and her devious father had caused that was the point of all this . His friend – hell , Ian could have just as easily called him brother, they’d been that close.
    That friend was dead.
    Ian was convinced Miss Hopkins and her father, t he Baron of Eberly , were the ones responsible . They would pay, those two . The baron’s markers would be called in , and his pampered daughter ruined in the eyes of society forever.
     
    ANGELA ENTERED THE parlor, greeting the woman she assumed was the head housekeeper . “Good morning , a re you Emma?” she inquired politely.
    The tall, thin woman approached , a smile lighting her face. She took Angela’s hands into her own , h er brown eyes friendly as she spoke in a soothing voice . “Yes, I’m the head housekeeper . It’s so good to meet you, my dear . We’ve all heard so much about you already from your maid, Rosemary , s uch a sweet girl.”
    “Rosemary ? S h -she told you about me?” Angela experienced a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach.
    “Yes, indeed . She told us how you always tried so hard to make your own servants comfortable, and how you often helped with some of the work , in times of need.”
    “Oh , that .”
    “Now, the master has given me instructions on what he wants you to do today, but considering your condition, I believe some light chores would be more in order.”
    “M-my condition?” What has Rosemary been telling these people?
    “Why, your injuries, dear girl, from your tumble down the stairs . Rosemary told us how you tried so valiantly to save that poor little kitten.”
    “Kitten?” Angela asked weakly . Then she realized what Rosemary had attempted to do. “Oh ! Yes, the kitten ! ” Cautiously , she said, “ I did manage to save it after all, as it turns out . ” She hoped to high heaven she did save the imaginary kitten , or Rosemary was in big trouble .
    “ Oh, you did indeed, ” Emma confirmed brightly . “Are you up to a little dusting ? Rosemary has told us about your sore shoulder. I f you think it would be too taxing, I can find something less strenuous for you to do .”
    Sore shoulder ? Rosemary ha d been very busy this morning , bless her heart . “No, that will be fine, Emma . If you w ou ld tell me what needs dusting , I’ll get started on it right away.”
    Angela had always helped with the chores at home. T hey were woefully understaffed due to their lack of sufficient finances . She’d felt responsible for the added burden heaped upon the