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young woman. From her vantage point Diana noticed Nigel attempt to force his hand between Theresa’s thighs as his sons’ attention was diverted. Diana quickly resumed her search through the books on the shelves. There was no time to lose. She had to find the information she needed as quickly as possible.
    When she saw Nigel stand and begin to stagger drunkenly back towards the house, she hurriedly replaced the books she had been reviewing and made her way to his private quarters. She was busy making his bed by the time he arrived.
    â€˜Well, madam,’ Nigel said mockingly as he lurched into his bedroom, his spirits buoyed by the copious quantity of wine he had consumed at lunch. ‘How’s the escort agency coming along?’
    â€˜Awaiting Your Lordship’s pleasure,’ Diana said, trying hard not to show the disdain she felt.
    â€˜I think I’ll enjoy the company of Theresa tonight.’ The words were menacing, the emphasis on the word ‘enjoy’ clearly intended to add to Diana’s discomfort. She could sense his pleasure at being able to dig in the knife by ordering her daughter.
    â€˜Suit yourself,’ she said, shrugging her shoulders. He couldn’t hide his disappointment at her reaction, then she quickly added, ‘It’ll serve you right if she gives you the clap.’
    â€˜What?’
    â€˜Didn’t you know your son Miles gave her a dose before he died?’
    She had gone too far. Nigel’s fist knocked her off her feet.
    â€˜You’re lying!’ he screamed down at her.
    Diana struggled to her knees and shrugged again. She was lying, but she knew Nigel couldn’t be sure. He turned and walked away. ‘What time shall I send Theresa up?’ she called after him.
    He hesitated for a moment, then without turning replied, ‘Send one of Virginia’s twins instead.’
    â€˜No! Not them, I hadn’t…’ Diana’s voice trailed off.
    â€˜No, send them both — eight-thirty sharp.’
    Diana was still picking herself off the floor as Nigel’s three sons walked past the door and looked in.
    â€˜Walk into a door?’ sniggered Damian, seeing her wipe the blood from the corner of her mouth.
    â€˜Yes, Sir Damian.’
    Jasper had noticed his father’s clumsy attempts to fondle Theresa over lunch. ‘I suppose His Lordship has made his choice — Theresa, of course?’
    â€˜He’s made his choice, Sir Jasper, but it’s not Theresa.’
    â€˜I’ll have her then,’ Greg said quickly. Diana knew Greg had envied Miles. She guessed the young man, still smarting from the fact his father had denied him his dead twin’s room, was determined that he would at least inherit Miles’s woman.
    â€˜Of course, Sir Greg. What time shall I send her up? Nine o’clock?’
    â€˜Eight,’ Greg replied eagerly.
    Diana was pleased with herself. Not only had she protected her daughter from Nigel, but Theresa had ended up with the least troublesome of the three Chatfield brothers. With any luck Theresa would be safely tucked up in her own bed by eight-thirty. She felt sickened, though, that Nigel had demanded the young twins.
    â€˜And tell me, madam, who do you recommend for my delight?’ beamed Jasper. He could have chosen one of the women himself, but it was much better sport to put Diana on the spot.
    â€˜For you, Sir Jasper? How about the delectable Jennifer?’
    â€˜What, that old boot!’
    â€˜A very apt metaphor, Sir Jasper. A woman is, after all, like a pair of boots. An old pair is far more comfortable than a new pair being broken in. From what I’ve heard, Jennifer will be able to show you things about the art of lovemaking that you’ve never dreamt of.’
    â€˜Many a fine tune played on an old fiddle,’ Damian quipped.
    â€˜Jennifer has forgotten more about sex than you’ve ever known,’ Diana added, noticing a bulge