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Quickly returning her attention to the book, Hyacinth read, “‘But there are deceivers, darling Priscilla, and there are e of you without a trueof the hearts’”

“It’s true,” Lady Danbury said

Hyacinth looked up, and it was immediately apparent that Lady Danbury had not realized that she’d spoken aloud

“Well, it is,” Lady D said defensively, when she realized that Hyacinth was looking at her

Not wishing to embarrass the countess any further, Hyacinth turned back to the book without speaking Clearing her throat, she continued: “ ‘You will need to trust your instincts, dearest Priscilla, but I will give you one piece of advice Hold it to your heart and remember it always, for I vow it is true’ ”

Hyacinth turned the page, a little embarrassed to realize that she was as captured by the book as she’d ever been

“Priscilla leaned forward, touching her mother’s pale cheek ‘What is it, Mama?’she asked

“‘If you want to know if a gentleman loves you,’ her mother said, ‘there is only one true way to be sure’ ”

Lady Danbury leaned forward Even Hyacinth leaned forward, and she was holding the book

“‘It’s in his kiss,’ her mother whispered ‘It’s all there, in his kiss’ ”

Hyacinth’s lips parted, and one hand co it

“Well,” Lady Danbury declared “That wasn’t what I was expecting”

It’s in his kiss Could it be true?

“I would think,” Lady D continued officiously, “that it’s in his actions or his deeds, but I suppose that wouldn’t have sounded roh for Miss Butterworth”

“And the Mad Baron,” Hyacinth murmured