“It means neat and tidy,” said Philomena, “and you have made this room very spick and span indeed. I am pleased with you and so is your father, no doubt.”

John looked up at Hugh and beamed, pink with delight. “I am a good boy, today, Papa.”

Hugh strode across and picked up his son. “Miss Philomena thought you might like a special story tonight. I know a very scary tale, full of monsters and dragons.”

John wriggled with pleasure. “Lots of dragons, Papa, please, and swords. I won’t be frightened with you and Miss ’Mena here.”

As Hugh wove the story, he watched Philomena from the corner of his eye. She busied herself with folding John’s clothes. Perhaps she had forgiven him for his conduct in the wood, although his recollection made Hugh writhe. He would never make such a mistake again.

Philomena’s arrival at the Hall with such big eyes, so sharp a tongue and a cheerful, ready laugh had shaken the foundations of Hugh’s life, just when he had thought them secure. He had no idea who or what the strange female could be. She had arrived on a stormy night like a stray child of the wind and proceeded to entrance the master of Thatcham Hall. She had grasped his heart in her small, strong hands and would not let go.

Hugh had fought his own desires, taking refuge in rank and position, but the newcomer matched him, word for word. A spark of joy had found its way back into Hugh’s soul.

Philomena was happy to stroll companionably beside the owner of the Hall, berate him for his wealth and disobey his express commands. Every time Hugh saw her, all control over his feelings slipped away.

Philomena’s dimples were fascinating. Her mouth was too wide and wickedly inviting, and those unruly dark curls bobbed too jauntily. Her face had begun to haunt Hugh at the most inappropriate moments. This morning, his agent had had to speak three times before his master answered. At the man’s puzzled frown, Hugh had pulled himself together, but he could not banish that dear face from his thoughts. He wanted Philomena to stay, despite the differences of fortune, position and breeding that lay between them. Could she possibly feel the same way?

Tonight, Hugh had felt almost sure she cared for him in return. Such warmth shone from her eyes. His heart soared when she smiled. Perhaps, it was not cold and dead, after all. Philomena had managed to break through the armour of icy steel that frustration and guilt had wrapped around him.