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for Doña Amparo. Her Grace takes very seriously the welfare of her subjects, and she was most distressed learn of Doña Magdalena’s unhappiness concerning the ill health of her mother. Without hesitation, and indeed I speak from firsthand knowledge for I was present at the meeting between her Majesty and Geoffrey Christian, her Grace gladly granted him leave to travel to Hispaniola,” Basil Whitelaw said with all of the smoothness of a born diplomat, which meant he only told Don Rodrigo what he needed to know and did not go on to mention the names of the other two gentlemen present at the meeting. “I am here, at her Grace’s request, personally to lend support to Doña Magdalena and her family, and, on behalf of Queen Elizabeth, I hereby offer my services to you and your family should the occasion arise.
    “Ple ase understand, D on Rodrigo, that I do this not only because my queen has requested it, but because Doña Magdalena has become a dear friend of my family.”
    “Lady Elspeth, Sir Basil’s wife, has become my dearest friend, Padre . They have welcomed me into their home and given me their friendship when I had no friends,” Doña Magdalena said.
    Sir Basil smiled. “It has always been our privilege. However, Doña Magdalena no longer is friendless. She has become one of Her Majesty’s favorites at court. In fact, your daughter, Don Rodrigo, had the very great honor of being hostess to Queen Elizabeth and her court when they visited Highcross Court last year. Seldom have I seen or enjoyed such entertainment as was provided for Her Grace’s pleasure. Several times I heard Her Majesty compliment Doña Magdalena on her gracious hospitality, declaring never had she eaten so well. She especially enjoyed the spicy sauces that Doña Magdalena seems to prepare with such excellence. You can be very proud of Doña Magdalena, Don Rodrigo,” Sir Basil said, surprised by his own loquacity but thinking i t was about time the imperious D on heard a few truths about the honor his daughter had brought to his own family’s name as well as to Geoffrey Christian’s.
    But Don Rodrigo surprised Sir Basil with his answer. “I would have expected nothing less from a daughter of mine. She is a Montevares, Sir Basil. She knows her duty. Now, I have been neglectful of my duties as host. You must be fatigues from your journey. Ana will show you to your rooms,” Don Rodrigo said, indicating the maid who had quietly entered the hall and now stood awaiting her master’s orders, her head bowed. “Magdalena, I will take you to see your mother now. Ana, take the gentlemen and Francisca to the rooms that have been prepared for their visit. I will have some refreshment sent up,” he added. The maid, however, remained unmoving, and he had to repeat his order more sharply, “Ana!” he said again.
    Finally, she curtsied and risked a quick glance at the two strangers. Her eyes were filled with fear, for she had never met Englishmen. She had heard that they were devils spawned of a heathen land, and here was her dear, sweet Magdalena married to one of the most notorious. Still even Ana had to admit that Magdalena had never looked more beautiful. Bewitchment. That was what had happened. Her poor Magdalena had been bewitched and her soul was no longer her own, Ana thought, crossing herself before she moved any closer to Geoffrey Christian. He did seem harmless enough, though, as he lifted his daughter into his arms, tickling her beneath the chin in response to the secret she whispered in his ear.
    “You have servants who will need quarter?” Don Rodrigo inquired.
    Geoffrey Christian grinned. “We thought the smaller the party, the better. They are quite English and not fond of traveling far from home. My steward is acting as valet de chambre for both Sir Basil and myself. And I lend assistance to milady when the need arises. Lily, of course, is no longer in need of her nursemaid. Are you, heartling?”
    “I’m a young lady now,”