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She said nothing

"I can assist you in return for the service you provide to hs "I knohere your sister is Youabout St John that will help me catch him This can be a ainstuntoward happens to her, you will pay dearly I promise you that"

"Maria" It was the first occasion the earl had ever used her first name and the familiarity shook her, as he most likely intended "Your position is untenable You know this I can achieveyou Acceptabout this is fair, "

"Your trust is safer with me than it is with St John"

"You do not know hiued "I am not the only one who knohere Lady A "Ply your wiles on soul ible than I"

"By what ate Welton because of his connection to you St John’sinquiries of their own They discovered your sister The pursuing agents si back on the last few days with exa eyes

"Damn you" The earl’s hands fisted at his knees "I believed you would be a match for St John, but he has deceived you as Well"

"I aoaded that you can toss out such an accusation and I will accept it on its face My doubt in your claim does not mean that St

John has my sympathies or loyalty, only that between the two of you, I see a great deal of similarity In this case, is there a lesser of two evils?"

"Be reasonable," he cajoled "I strive for the good of England St John strives for his own selfish welfare Surely that gives e?"

Her mouth curved disdainful y

"Maria Surely there is some tidbit you can pass on to al activities or will provide soht have seen visiting St John, someone he has talked about? Think careful y Your sister’s fate lies in the balance"

Weary of it all and heartsick, she knew she had to bring this triangle to its conclusion She could not go on like this It was too draining, and she needed what little energy she had re Amelia safely ho," she whispered "He has soods stored nearby"

"He will take you there?"

She nodded "I pity you if you arrest hi The people will riot"

"Leave that concern to me," he said, with obvious excitement "You just lead the way"

Christopher cursed under his breath "You are certain that hat he said? That he ordered the capture of A low, but I heard it clear They are awaiting word now Eddington didn’t say asher sister, not nabbing ’er"

"We can only hope that Walter, Sam, and the others were able to fend them off," Philip said

"Hope is too fickle to base assuued "To be safe, we ton was successful"

"So hoill you proceed?" Philip’s gaze was sy the back of his neck, Christopher settled his hip ainst the front of his desk "I will offer ton in trade"

"By God, no!" Tim roared "She means to betray you"

"What choice does she have?" Christopher countered

"Eddington is an agent," Philip said "I doubt he would hurt the girl"

"I have irl to Welton and I think he will , if Maria does not provide the assistance he has demanded of her" Christopher looked at Ti"

"You would sacrifice yourself for her benefit, when she will not do the sae

Christopher offered a slight sreater weight he gave to Maria’s happiness than to his own? Yes, he could confront her with his knowledge of Eddington, but where would that leave the he had thrown her to the wolves, leaving her at the eished to harm her

"Philip and my solicitor are aware of the steps I have set in place to see to the welfare of all of you, should soht about that!" Tiued "’Tis your welfare that concerns rateful"

"No" Tim shook his head "Yer daft Lost yer ht to see the day"