rs and

f morning that usually promised peace-but for Emmanu

ousehold staff's routines, and noting Alfred's usual departure ti

Alfred at the front doo

confirmed the final terms, and the press wants

ompetitive." Alfred adjusted his c

the new house assistant? I b

. "Gloria handled that.

cautiously. "Young. Sharp. Just

"Are you suggesting I shoul

here was a flicker of unease.

th the ease of someone who had lived in luxury all her life. A

met for the

ut charged. Emmanuella dip

evenin

ed by the softness of her vo

ything has been to you

ou are, darling. Emmanuella has been amazing already.

so politely near the fireplace. Something about her unsettled him-not in an obvious

tossed and turned. Vague dreams chased him-image

oor before a small candle. She chanted softly in a langu

stepped forward, his f

iel

. "Now all you have

, now glowing faintly unde

"Even if I have to burn