"Last season Penelope was persuaded that a live bird would make an altogether unique accessory." Was she bamming him? "A bird." "A swan, in fact." She looked quite grave. If, in fact, she was playing some type of silly game with him, she hid it well. But then one such as she had innumerable occasions to learn to hide her thoughts and feelings. It was almost a requirement, in fact. "I never noticed Lady Penelope with a swan." She glanced swiftly up at him, and he saw the corner of her lips curve. Just slightly, and then it was gone. "Yes, well, it was only for a week. As it turns out, swans hiss--and bite." "Lady Penelope was bitten by a swan?" "No. Actually, I was." His brows knit at that bit of information, imagining that fair skin darkening with a bruise. He didn't like the image. How often was Miss Greaves hurt whilst carrying out her duties as companion to Lady Penelope?"