One

      Perched high on the Berkshire downs, five miles north of Lambourn, Standish Court rose out of the mist before the eyes of Alexander Devize. He had not seen his home in over three years and the sight of the large, spreading redbrick building, built around a graveled courtyard, caused a sudden tightening in his stomach. When he left home three years ago, his father had been alive and in charge. Now Alex was the Earl of Standish and he wasn’t quite sure he was ready to assume the huge responsibilities that came with his new position. The change from the chaos of the battlefield to the settled sprawling acres of Standish Court would take some getting used to.

      He left his phaeton at the bottom of the shallow set of stairs that led to the front door and walked slowly upward. He raised the knocker and banged it three times.

      The door was opened promptly by a burly young footman who looked at him politely. “Yes, sir. May I help you?”

      Alex had opened his mouth to identify himself when an elderly voice from behind the footman said, “You stupid dolt. That’s his lordship!”

      Henrys, who had been butler to the Devizes for as long as Alex could remember, pushed the large footman out of his way and said in a quavering voice, “My lord, my lord, how wonderful it is to see you home!”

      Alex took the old man’s hand. “It’s grand to be here, Henrys. I hope I don’t give