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under control. After Lord Cockburn's visit, she had-waited for him to return month after month. When it finally dawned on her that he was not coming back, her defenses stiffened to protect herself from vulnerability. She swore an oath to herself that one day she would settle the score with him. How cruel to raise up someone's hopes, then dash them down so thoughtlessly. Well, she was a child no longer. She was almost seventeen, and the thought of revenge warmed her heart. When Mrs. Graham led her into her sitting room and she came face-to-face with Maxwell Abrahams, she was taken completely off her guard. "Oh, I thought you were Lord Cockburn."
    Mrs. Graham's eyes darted to Maxwell Abrahams, and she saw that he had caught the significance of the child's remark:
    Though Abrahams's sexual preference lay in another direction, he was nevertheless a collector of objets d'art and appreciated beautiful things for their own sake.
    "This gentleman is Mr. Maxwell Abrahams"— she turned to him—"and this is Tabby Lamont. Exactly as I promised, is she not?"
    "She is everything and more, my dear Mrs. Graham. I have come as a supplicant, my dear Miss Lamont. Would you indulge an old gentleman's fancy by dining at my home this evening?"
    Tabby, never having received an invitation to dine out before, quickly said yes before he changed his mind.
    Mrs. Graham stepped between them. "Wait outside," she ordered Tabby. When she was alone with Abrahams, she said, "I cannot allow her to leave with you. I'd never get her back."
    "God rot you, woman. If it's money you want, I'll pay you now."
    "Not just money, dear sir, not just money. A written offer of marriage, showing your intentions are honorable, would relieve me of responsibility should there be questions and inquiries about this... maiden." She emphasized the last word. "Her moral welfare is in my hands, and I am accountable, orphan though she may be."
    He could see that he was going to have to capitulate to gain his desires, at least for the present. However, Mrs. Graham could present problems for him, and problems had to be dealt with.
     
    "I have a very important piece of business to transact in Edinburgh Saturday, and I need the help of a ravishing female," announced Paris.
    "Then by a process of elimination, it will have to be me," Damascus piped up.
    "Rubbish!" snorted Shannon. "I've heard so much of it from you lately, I'm becoming a connoisseur of rubbish."
    Paris turned from the two girls who were arguing and said, "Venetia, you are the perfect choice to accompany me to a society wedding."
    She eyed him cautiously. "After the fling, beware the sting. Just how dangerous is this piece of business?"
    "Oh, if it's dangerous, I'll do it, Paris, please," begged Alexandria, ever the tomboy.
    "I know you would, sweetheart, but you are too young. Venetia, you must know I would never jeopardize your safety. 'Tis a simple matter, really. You will attend the reception with me. It's being held at one of the banqueting halls at Holyrood Palace. You must leave the moment the bride leaves, no matter how much you are enjoying yourself. I'll have six of my men accompany you. Make your way quietly to a big house on Princes Street close to the castle. When I quit this house, it will be your signal to ride like the wind with as much clatter as you can muster down the Royal Mile out of Castle Hill, past St. Giles Church and into the Canongate. By this time, you will have been very likely stopped by a troop of soldiers. Here comes the part you will love. You must play the role of the outraged beauty having her whereabouts questioned by common soldiers. Give them the dressing-down they deserve, tell them you are simply on your way to your uncle's town house for the night and be sure to let them know that Uncle Magnus is an Earl of the Realm."
    "I'm to act as decoy while you get away." Venetia nodded as she memorized the instructions.
    "Why couldn't I do-it?" pouted Damascus, putting her chin in the