e. Towering pillars made a formal entryway, and clipped bushes shaped like chess pieces circled the

it chilly. She held her overnight bag to her breast, the leath

home for the for

eautiful smile

away, she glimpsed the mansion's back, tiered grounds, a private tennis court, and be

eliers streaming with prisms of light, and red-and-gold Persian rugs

d elegant. He brought a silver tray with a welcome

ore agreeing. The letter had

o

liking. If you require any help,

her. Inside, a beautiful pearl necklace was wrapped in w

his small item looked like

u to your suite," Ja

mily photographs of stern ancestors clothed in fine silks and velvets

doors opened into the master wing. Jame

ay, Mrs

beneath an ivory rug. The French windows looked out into a shaded patio. A

added. "Beyond the next set of door

eys. The music drew to her, a siren'

replied as if reading her thoughts. "If you wish to play, y

a letter. Even music, her soul, needed

. "Thank y

ad. "Shall I sho

was covered in smooth grey silk, and floor-to-ceiling windows watche

ing at a long-ago show sat on the mahogany desk

s mumbled gently, but Rose knew Harris

rned to face him. "W

It's seven o'clock. Dinner will

. "Thank y

ent away, his footsteps hardl

her bags and continued to the window. The breeze bro

od tall, with silver-streaked hair and hawk-like features. He wore

ed, offering his hand.

d felt the firm grip of

iew home procedures. Then I will introduc

s. Everything in th

cour

op was at the kitchen. An army of cooks and waitresses worked lik

g, a burning fireplace, and a study desk. The air smelled like polished wood a

ests you?" D

a smile.

o borrow any books, simply sign them out h

thrill of finding a book has

nished but now empty. Drummond stressed that weekend gues

at a door with a met

commented, dropping his voice. "Access

ind the door lay the perso

nstruments, even fresh linens, my office is behind the kitchen through

ed. "Tha

and gazed at her image. The pearl necklace hung on her collarbone, shining lightl

coats in gentle hues awaited, dove-grey, white, and slate blue. Noth

She pulled her coat from her bag and put it

soft amber mirrored on the gilt wallpap

r best things, put her instrument out where she could see it.

on the door

ng girl, pale and gentle-ey

ly while curtsying. "I thought y

ed briefly be

ur name"?

maid respond,

, Emily."

a tiny table near the window before

hrough her, offering brief relief. She placed it down and strol

ng a diamond necklace, a tight dress, and a bold smile. Inside, sh

his face and know he was actually free. Her offering had been made

atching the waves beyond the fence.

e stunned her. She fumbled i

nd on the other

e questione

y whispered. "Som

t pounds. "

woman just arrived in a black car." She asked for y

ught. "A friend

it looks like a paper envelope and says it's importan

mage in the glass, wi

r voice louder than her fee

anced at the blank chaise lo

s someone, someth

grabbed the pearl necklace, clasping it in

m into the hallway. The house seemed strangely

ce doors were closed. She rushed down t

aused, her image in the brass kn

ing breath and pu

fr

pressed back into a tight bun. She carried a paper envelope that had been s

met Rose's. Her lips

r tone steady and confident. "I

brother's distinctive seal, which he hadn't used since childhood. What impo