"Absolutely not." His growl was unmistakable. "I will hear no arguments on the subject. My God, Aunt Mildred, the woman is dangerous. How can I allow a complete stranger to sit at my table with neighbors and friends? It would be like leading the s*******r to the lambs."
"Keep your voice down." She turned to see his outburst hadn't woken the woman. "She needs rest." She peered out the door, summoning the footman. "When this woman awakens, please let me know." He nodded, and she dismissed him with a wave. Returning to the bedside, she looked onto the woman's face, and smiled. There was something there speaking to her, something she couldn't quite name. But she knew this woman would bring a bit of radiance to a very dull place. Her smile widened.
"We will discuss this matter later. In the
