Nelson Lewis, a footman in the Sheridan household, lingered in the doorway to the servants' quarters, straining to pick up any bits of conversation from the three ladies still standing in the hall.

"Emily, why did you stop pestering once he admitted Rosalind was wonderful?" Lady Sheridan asked.

The Duchess of Essex played with the pearls around her neck. "I don't believe Ashton has ever said that about any woman. I believe he has stronger feelings for her than he ...