Kate quelled before the man’s wrath. She dipped as much as her bulk allowed. “Yes, m’lord.” As the door closed, Sybill glanced up from her book. The soft patter of rain exhausted the wind’s force against the windows. She sat on a settee amid a mound of cushions. With her feet drawn up beneath her silken wrap, she was an appealing sight until her expression altered into a malicious grin. “What’s wrong, Owen? Your spy becoming more of a problem than she is worth?” She laughed. “It certainly did not take you long to buy Kate’s affections.” With a snarl, he turned on her. His gentle Sybill had become a shrew. “I did not have to buy her affections, as you so coarsely put it, wife. You are normally so quick-witted, I am surprised you have not guessed the truth. Did you not notice the coincidence that your father took her into his employ after my last visit to London?” “You ordered Father to hire Kate?” She sat straighter. This explained many things, such as why Alfred Hampton had not dismissed a servant he clearly disliked.
