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all akin to the unpleasant sensation that had gripped her when Draycott had taken hold of her ankle. This shiver was one of excitement.
    “I don’t believe I know anyone named Chillhurst,” Olympia managed to say smoothly.
    “Your uncle, Artemis Wingfield, sent me.”
    “Uncle Artemis?” Relief rushed through her. “You met him somewhere on his travels? Is he well?”
    “Quite well, Miss Wingfield. I encountered him on the coast of France.”
    “This is wonderful.” Olympia gave him a delighted smile. “I cannot wait to hear all the news. Uncle Artemis always has such interesting adventures. How I envy him. You must dine with us this evening, Mr.
    Chillhurst, and tell us everything.”
    “Are you all right, Miss Wingfield?”

    “I beg your pardon?” Olympia stared at him in confusion. “Of course I’m all right. Why shouldn’t I be all right? My health is excellent. Always has been. Thank you for inquiring, Mr. Chillhurst.”
    The black brow over Chillhurst’s good eye rose. “I was referring to your recent experience at the hands of this person on the floor.”
    “Oh, I see.” Olympia abruptly recalled Draycott’s presence. “Good heavens, I almost forgot about him.”
    She saw Draycott’s eyes flicker and wondered what to do next. She was not particularly skilled at handling difficult social situations. Aunt Sophy and Aunt Ida had never concerned themselves with teaching her such niceties.
    “This is Mr. Draycott,” Olympia said. “He’s a neighbor of ours. Known him for years.”
    “Has he always made a habit of assaulting ladies in their own homes?” Chillhurst said dryly.
    “What? Oh, no.” Olympia flushed. “At least, I do not believe so. He appears to have fainted. Do you think I should call my housekeeper and have her fetch the vinaigrette?”
    “Do not concern yourself. He’ll awaken soon enough.”
    “Will he? I have not had much experience with the effects of pugilism. My nephews are great admirers of the sport, however.” Olympia gave him an inquiring look. “You appear to be very well versed in it. Have you studied at one of the London academies?”
    “No.”
    “I thought perhaps you had. Well, never mind.” She looked down at Draycott again. “He was certainly making a nuisance of himself. I do hope he has learned his lesson. I must say, if he continues to act in such a manner in the future I will no longer allow him to make use of my library.”
    Chillhurst looked at her as if she were slightly mad. “Miss Wingfield, allow me to point out that he should not be permitted to enter your home again under any circumstances. Furthermore, a woman of your years ought to know better than to receive gentlemen callers alone in her library.”
    “Do not be ridiculous. I am five-and-twenty, sir. I have little to fear from gentlemen callers. In any event, I am a woman of the world and I am not easily overset by unusual or extraordinary circumstances.”
    “Is that a fact, Miss Wingfield?”
    “Certainly. I expect poor Mr. Draycott was simply overcome with the sort of intellectual passion that is frequently engendered by a keen interest in ancient legends. All that business about lost treasures and such has a very inflammatory effect on the senses in some people.”
    Chillhurst stared at her. “Does it have an inflammatory effect on your senses, Miss Wingfield?”
    “Yes, indeed.” Olympia broke off, aware that Draycott was stirring. “Look, he’s opening his eyes. Do you suppose he’ll have a headache because of that dreadful blow you gave him?”
    “With any luck, yes,” Chillhurst muttered.
    “Bloody hell.” Draycott mumbled. “What happened?” He gazed blearily up at Chillhurst for a moment.

    Then his eyes widened in astonishment. “Who the devil are you, sir?”
    Chillhurst looked down at him. “A friend of the family.”
    “What the hell do you mean by attacking me?” Draycott demanded. He gingerly touched his jaw. “I’ll have the magistrate on you for