"Well, I suppose a little breaking and entering is nothing compared to the risk of being arrested for poisoning Lord Fairburn," Lucinda said. Her voice was a trifle thin and a bit higher than usual but otherwise gratifyingly cool.

"That's the spirit, Miss Bromley," he said. "Look for the silver lining, I always say."

"Something tells me you've never said that before in your entire life, Mr. Jones."

"Those of us blessed with a cheerful and positive temperament always say that sort of nonsense." He could not see her eyes because of the veil but he could feel her watching him in that knowing way of hers.

"You are aroused, aren't you?" she said.

He felt as though he had just slammed into a brick wall. The breath was knocked out of his lungs. Good Lord. He had been aware from the outset of their association that she was an unusual female. Nevertheless, even for her, it was a very direct question.

"What?" he said when nothing more clever came to mind.

"Your psychical senses," she explained calmly. "They are aroused. I can feel the energy that is swirling around you."

"My senses. Right. Aroused. That is one word for it." He concentrated on a survey of the room. "Not the one I generally use, but accurate enough. In its own way."

"What word do you prefer?"

"Elevated. Heightened. Open. Hot."