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“Oh, yes! I’ fiancée of yours”

He turned, but not quickly enough to avoid another whack of her fan The whalebone cracked against his ar with just that sound as they snapped apart

Darling fiancée indeed He’d thought her darling enough until a few ht her deent

“Derowled as he moved out of the crowded hall and closer to the front door He’d made it past the densest of the crowd, but he wasn’t free yet Mr Brandiss hi farewell to the first of his guests to leave

He’d not be as easy to fool as the rest of these people, and he was the last ht now Martin Brandiss was shrewd, sh perhaps not where his daughter was involved

He edged past the cluster of Brandiss and his guests without notice, but there was no way to escape coreatcoat and hat, had to wait for his coachman to be summoned Lancaster hardly even winced when he felt a hand slap his shoulder

“Off so early, sir?”

Lancaster made himself chuckle as he turned to shake his future father-in-law’s hand “I’ve an appointhtful evening Your wife is an estimable hostess”

“Never worry She insisted that I She’ll make a fine viscountess”

“I’ve no doubt” She’d ene would play the part of Lady Lancaster with aplomb

A sudden idea sparked If she backed out, he would have no choice The decision would be beyond his control The wedding could not go forward “Mr Brandi

ss, are you certain she is eager for this match?”

Brandiss’s bushy white brows slowly lowered until Lancaster could hardly see his eyes “What do you mean?”

“I ed to look hter has been quiet these past weeks Since the betrothal dinner”

“Iirl,” Brandiss answered, his voice hardening to steel “She is happy with this betrothal, milord She knows her duty”

Her duty Yes, she had screa about duty while her lover tried to shut her up

Duty Despite the circu more

Instead of shouting at theclose to happy, Lancaster inclined his head “Of course Please convey hter As always, it’s been a pleasure”