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"I will enjoy h when you are dead," she retorted

Her stepfather viscount threw his head back and laughed

"This is a palace," Angelica whispered, her eyes wide behind her reed, searching the rooewick

"You are wealthier than esting aso ostentatious?"

"Perhaps it is not the most practical--"

He lifted a hand to cut her off "Coin can be put to much worthier uses What use have I for bal rooelica sighed and shook her head "You should try to enjoy life more You work too much"

"That is why I ae of the roo is for you, but we are wasting too her the risk of discovery"

They were attracting attention he did not want There was no help for it Angelica was lovely, and he hadHe had hoped the lack would facilitate Sedgewick finding hinized hiaze continued to roam across the room, Christopher noted those who shielded their identities with dominos and wished he had done the same Of course, what he truly wished for was to be elsewhere Anywhere but here, but most especial y with Maria

He paused a ht by Lord Welton and the feidly, her chin lifted high Whatever they were discussing, it was not pleasing to her

Philip was actively searching the viscount’s past, but such inquiries took time Christopher could be supremely patient when necessary However, this tiency to know all that he could about his current parah he is soaze followed his

"Welton is self-centered in all things, love I’ve spoken with Bernadette She will see to it that Welton takes his darker urges away froave her leave to be done with hied "I am not a purveyor of flesh, as you well knoill ask for favors, but I will not force them If Beth is unhappy, I would not want her to remain that way" He looked back at the man in question and then pausedwith awareness

The wonition She was of falossy, upswept hair and deter made his heart rate pick up

"Bloody hel ," hewith Maria He was, however, a ain, his pace as rapid as the crush would all ow He ceased looking for Sedgewick, instead focusing on finding the best viewing angle to confir the wo her toward…

Christopher looked ahead of thehtly and found a ton A es for both his title and lauded fine features

By God, was it Maria’s intent to speak with hiton was a perennial bachelor, but Maria could teer, with e to such a wohthis pace further, Christopher was nearly plunging through the thick crowd, Angelica bringing up the rear and clinging desperately to his hand He was alh to attempt a proper identification when his path was suddenly blocked

"Move," he growled, craning his neck to keep Welton in view

"In a rush?" Sedgewick drawled

Christopher cursed under his breath, watching Eddington lift the wo her away

Leaving Christopher and his desperate curiosity behind

"Lady Winter," Eddington murmured, his dark eyes locked to Maria’s as he kissed the back of her hand "A pleasure"

She ton"

"How is it that we have not ht after,you scarcely any time to waste on one such as me"

"Time with a woman so lovely could never be a waste" He studied her careful y "If you would indulge me a moment, I wish to speak with you in private"

Maria shook her head "I cannot think of anything ould say to each other that could not be said here"

"You think I mean to ravish you?" he asked with a half s "What if I pro"

He leaned closer and his voice lowered to a whisper "The agency has become quite interested in you, Lady Winter" His face was i than the weather

Maria’s gaze narrowed

"Would you consent to speak privately with me now?" he asked