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She sighed "You have given enough--your tiy, your support You do not need to deny yourself what pleasure you can find for iveyou are happy"

"My happiness is inextricably bound to yours"

"Then you hed and reached across the table to set his hand atop hers "You asked h how much you appreciate me I must ask the same of you Do you kno desperately I welcome your affection? In all of my life, you are the only person-- female or otherwise--ishes unselfishly for ratitude and a reciprocal desire to see you happy"

"Thank you" Simon was fiercely loyal and direct, two traits she admired and needed desperately She understood how he felt Simon fulfiled a similar role in her life He was the only person who cared for her at all

He patted her hand and settled back in his chair "Thethe house now Too ourselves"

"I agree, the ht is yours to do with as you will "

At thata fresh pitcher Maria winked at Si an exaggerated yawn, she said, "Forgive ued"

Si the chair out for her and lifting her hand to his lips His blue eyes sparkled with ae that he would enjoy the rest of his evening, Maria departed to her roo

Pleased as she was for Si without his coer had a distraction from memories of a raspy voice and hard body that had wrested pleasure froainst her will

Andridiculous how often she thought of St John She told herself it was si of the sexual act itself, not her partner

"Thank you, Sarah," Mariaout her hair

After a quick curtsy, the abigail prepared to depart, but a sudden knock on the charess Maria dissuaded her froer from the table by the bed Then she took a position to the side of the door and nodded her permission for Sarah to proceed

"Yes?" Sarah call ed out

When the visitor spoke, Maria recognized the voice as belonging to one of her outriders Instantly relaxing, she dropped her arm to her side "See what he wants"

Sarah stepped out into the hal and a few moments later returned

"That was John, o with him now There is activity at the house, and he fears they are readying to flee"

"Dear God" Her heartbeat faltered "Go below and see if you can find Mr Quinn I doubt it, but try"

After Sarah left, Maria e gar various scenarios and how best to e them should they arise She had only a dozen n thethe perimeter At most, she could keep two outriders with her to see to her safety