Justin eyed him. "No," he answered shortly, and thrust out a booted foot. Donovan didn't blink an eye at the shortness of his master's tone. Straddling the proffered leg and grasping the boot with both hands, he willingly presented his ample backside for Justin to push against with his other foot. Justin did, but the boot was wet and it was quite a while longer before it came free. When finally the process was complete, Donovan ventured to reopen the conversation.

"My lord!" he began impressively, looking back over his shoulder at Justin, whose eyes were glinting in a manner, not calculated to encourage any confidences. "My lord, I should like to explain."

"Is there an explanation, Donovan? I should be pleased to think so."

"Oh, aye, my lord, that there is! You see, it being Missy's birthday and all…"

"Missy's birthday?" Justin echoed, not impressed with this argument. "Who's Missy? One of the kitchen maids?"

Donovan looked around at him again, surprise written all over his face. "Oh, no, my lord! Miss Megan! Your ward," he added in scandalized accents, as if Justin could possibly have forgotten the girl's existence. "We were wishful to celebrate her birthday! It isn't every day that a body has one, you know, my lord. Poor little soul, without no mother or papa to care! Not that you don't, my lord," Donovan added hastily, darting a look at Justin. "But with you being a gentleman and all, and busy, it is understandable that you don't make much fuss over birthdays and such!"

Justin eyed his agitated butler coldly. "For your information, Donovan, my ward, Miss Megan, received a very handsome present from me on the occasion of her birthday-which was some three months ago. If she told you today was her birthday, then you have been hoodwinked."

Donovan was looking wide-eyed. "You don't say, my lord! Why…"

"Yes, Donovan, I do say, and I promise you I shall have plenty to say to Miss Megan on that subject-and several others-later. Now, I would appreciate it if you would light the fire, see to my things, and leave me in peace. Oh, and bring up whatever food Mrs. Donovan has famished! You and I will discuss this entire matter at greater length in the morning." Justin added this last as Donovan began to look relieved at his master’s comparatively mild tone.