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swoon?”
    Euphoria made her giddy. She looked up at him and smiled. “I pray not. I’m just more overwhelmed by the moment.”
    â€œOf course you are, but take heart, Virginia. We’re in uncharted waters too.”
    Her name rolled off his tongue like a lullaby. Never again would anyone call her Duchess. Henceforth she’d sleep in a bed and wear soft clothes. She’d read any newspaper she chose, and books. She’d acquire enough books to make a fine library. She could travel at will, go in any shop. She was free.
    â€œGood,” he said. “I can see you’ve cornered the gist of it.”
    She wanted to ask him how soon they would set sail but decided against it. Another, more personal question begged to be asked. “Would you have known me? Do I look the same?”
    He grew pensive, but his gaze never left her. “You’re very beautiful, but all of the MacKenzie women are.”
    â€œI was not seeking flattery.”
    â€œVery well. You’re much taller than I expected. Sarah will rejoice at that.”
    â€œSarah?”
    â€œOne of your sisters, and speaking of that, if I don’t take you in to see Agnes, she’ll have you redefining the word overwhelming. Trust me, you wouldn’t wish that event on your meanest enemy.”
    Take heart, she told herself. She took his arm first. He had skillfully skirted the question about differences in her appearance, but she had plenty of time to glean the answer. She had a lifetime. “I’m ready.”
    As they walked toward the front of the house, he said, “Do you still favor lemon tarts?”
    No chance of finding exotic sweets on the menu in the servant’s hamlet. The idea of catering to a bond servant’s whim was laughable, but she must respond reasonably. Another excuse presented itself. She held up a stained hand, hoping he would accept a lie. “The spring berries here are delicious and bountiful this year.”
    He examined the fingers on her left hand. “In that respect, you haven’t changed. You always were one for doing a job yourself rather than ordering the servants about.”
    Thank the saints, he didn’t know the irony of that statement, and if Virginia had her way, he never would. She had a right to her pride and her privacy. Sparing her family and Cameron the truth about ten years of servitude and eight years of hell must surely be the kinder method. She gladly chose that path. She put behind her the cruelty of the Morelands and prepared to start her new life.
    But at the thought of coming face-to-face with Agnes, her courage waned.

Chapter
4

    Cameron stopped before they reached the open door to the parlor. “Stay here.” Taking hold of her hand, he moved an arm’s length away and peered into the room.
    Virginia gladly accepted the delay; her stomach was flip-flopping. Ten years of wishes were about to come true, and as was the case in all of the most important moments in her life, Cameron held her hand.
    To the occupants of the room, he said, “In her own words, Virginia MacKenzie is somewhat overwhelmed. Go gently with her, Agnes.”
    The heat of embarrassment rushed through Virginia, but with it came the joyous familiarity of days gone by. He had always played the cavalier. The difference lay in manly allure, which he now possessed in abundance.
    â€œOh, bell heather, bring my sister in.”
    The cheerful impatience in Agnes’s voice drew Virginia. Cameron’s strong presence gave her courage. Somehow she’d repay them for the deception, but until she could find a place for herself in the world of the free, she must act the stranger.
    Shrouding her heart, she stepped into the room.
    Agnes hurried forward. Her dress wasn’t merely yellow. On a background of buttercup wool floated a sea of tiny golden thistles embroidered in silk thread. The modest panniers allowed the fabric to drape rather than hang. Her brown eyes