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secrets. I trust that I may depend upon you to
    uphold your end of the bargain." You have my word on it, sir. Now, if you will excuse me, I should return
    to the house. No offense, but I really cannot afford to be seen with you or any other gentleman out here
    alone in the gardens." Yes, of course. The virtue problem." Emma sighed. It is a great nuisance having to
    worry about one's
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    reputation all the time, but it is a vital asset in my line of work." His hand closed gently but quite firmly
    around her arm as she started to slip past him. If you don't mind, I have one more question." She glanced
    at him. What is that, sir?" What will you do if Chilton Crane remembers who you are?" She shuddered. I
    do not think he will. I wore a wig and did not have any spectacles when I worked at Ralston Manor."
    But if he does recall your face?" She straightened her shoulders. I shall think of something. I always do."
    His smile was quick and, for the first time, quite genuine, she thought. I can well believe it," he said.
    Something tells me that in spite of your present financial situation, you are never entirely without
    resources, Miss Greyson. Run along. I shall keep your secrets for you." And I shall keep yours. Good
    night, Mister Stokes. Good luck to you in your search for your friend's missing possession." Thank you,
    Miss Greyson," he said with unexpected formality. Good fortune to you in your efforts to recoup your
    lost investment." She searched his face in the shadows. A strange man and, quite likely, a dangerous one
    under certain circumstances, she decided. But her intuition told her that she could rely on his word of
    honor tonight. She only wished she could depend upon her intuition.
    CHAPTER FOUR devil take it, where's my tonic, Emma? I have the most rotten headache this
    morning." Letitia, Lady Mayfield, propped herself up against the pillows and glowered at the tray of
    chocolate the maid had just deposited in front of her. A bit too much of Ware's French cham pagne, I
    expect. I shall be more cautious tonight." Unlikely, Emma thought as she picked up the tonic bottle and
    carried it to the bed. Letty was anything but cautious around cham pagne. Here it is, Letty." Letty's
    slightly rheumy gaze fell on the bottle in Emma's hand. She seized it with alacrity. Thank God. Don't
    know what I'd do without my tonic. Works wonders." Emma suspected that the stuff contained a stiff
    dose of gin mixed with several other vile ingredients, but she refrained from mentioning the fact. She had
    grown rather fond of her latest employer during the past few weeks. She had even begun to view Lady
    Mayfield as some thing of an inspiration. Letty, too, had once had nothing. She had started life as Letty
    Piggins, the daughter of an impover ished Yorkshire farmer. She was fond of saying that years ago, when
    she had arrived in London as a young woman, her only assets had been her virginity and a magnificent
    bosom. I invested my assets wisely, my gel, and look where I am today. Let my story be a lesson to
    you." From what Emma could gather, Letty, with assets framed to their best advantage in a low-cut
    gown, had caught the eye of elderly Lord Mayfield. They had been married by special license. Mayfield
    had
    died three months later, leaving his young wife with a title and a fortune. But Emma's admiration for her
    new employer was not due to Letty's having managed to snag a wealthy husband. It was the fact that she
    had spent the past three decades continuing to invest wisely, this time with money rather than her physical
    attributes. Letty had more than tripled the inheritance that Mayfield had left to her. Definitely an
    inspiration, Emma thought. Letty poured a large dose of the tonic into a mug and downed it swiftly. She
    burped genteelly and then sighed with satisfaction. That should do the trick. T hank you, my dear." She
    handed the bottle back to Emma. Mind