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eyes worried Emma. In keeping with her employment agreement with Edison, she had
    promised to participate in Miranda's games. But enough was enough, at least for now. It was time to
    lose. Besides, she did not think it would be a good idea for Miranda to grow too confident of the effects
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    of her nasty brew. One more round and then I believe I shall go up to my room," Emma said. Displeasure
    lit Miranda's expression for an instant, but it was quickly suppressed. Very well, Miss Greyson, one more
    round." Miranda selected three cards seemingly at random from the pack, studied them for a moment,
    and put them facedown on the table. Go ahead. See if you can guess the cards." Emma touched the first
    card. Through the gently whirling mist that filled her brain she could see a four of clubs as clearly as a
    sunrise. A king of hearts, I believe," she said blandly. Miranda frowned and turned over the card. You
    guessed wrong, Miss Greyson. Swan, pour Miss Greyson another cup of tea." Swan started forward
    with the pot. No, thank you," Emma said. I don't want any more tea."
    Rubbish. Of course you do." Miranda gave the footman an angry, impatient look. I told you to pour Miss
    Greyson some more tea. Do it now, Swan." Swan flashed Emma a pleading glance. She did not need any
    of the tea or her own intuition to realize that the poor man was caught in a difficult situation. She gave him
    an understanding smile. Why not? I believe I will take some more tea, after all. Thank you, Swan."
    Gratitude flashed in his eyes. The teapot in his hand trembled slightly as he poured the tea. When he
    finished and stepped back, Emma reached for the cup. She pretended to lose her grip on the delicate
    handle. The cup slipped from her fingers and fell to the carpet. Oh dear," Emma murmured. Now look
    what I've done." Miranda looked ready to explode. Fetch the maid, Swan." Yes, madam." Swan fled
    toward the hall. I believe I splashed some tea on my gown." Emma rose. Please excuse me, Lady Ames.
    As it happens, I am ready to retire for the evening anyway." There was a hard glint in Miranda's eyes.
    But, Miss Greyson, the night is young." As you know, I do not go out into Society very often. I am not
    accustomed to its hours." Emma gave her a sugary smile. I doubt that anyone will notice my absence."
    You are wrong, Miss Greyson. I will notice." Miranda leaned forward slightly. A hot intensity radiated
    from her. I wish to play another game." A familiar electricity sparked through Emma. She felt the hair on
    the nape of her neck stir. A prickly sensation made her palms tingle. I am afraid, she thought, stunned by
    the sharp premonition of danger. Mortally afraid. For no obvious reason. Damn the woman. I will not let
    her do this to me. Miranda watched her the way a cat watches a mouse. Another frisson of fear and
    warning sizzled through Emma. What is wrong with me? It is not as though she is holding a gun to my
    head. With a fierce effort of will, Emma collected her nerves and the skirts
    of her uninspired gray gown. Good night, Lady Ames. I have had enough of cards for this evening." She
    did not dare glance back over her shoulder to see how Miranda had taken the dismissal. She forced
    herself to walk sedately away from the card table. En route to the staircase she paused near the open
    door of the ballroom to check on her other employer. A large number of people had gathered inside the
    spacious chamber. In addition to Ware's houseguests, many members of the local gentry had been invited
    tonight. Chilton Crane had not come downstairs all day, much to Emma's relief. He had sent word to his
    host that he was nursing a headache. She glanced around and saw Letty standing with a small group on
    the other side of the room. She was attired in a heavily flounced satin gown that was cut so low at the
    neckline that it barely contained her breasts. There was yet another glass of