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Elizabeth edged a little closer, trying to make out Lady D's words so that she could interrupt at the least disruptful moment It wasn't very difficult to follow the conversation; it waselse, with Lady Danbury as the star player

She was just about to step forward and try to catch Lady Danbury's attention when she felt so around, she found herself face-to-face with the most beautiful man she'd ever seen Golden hair, cerulean eyes--"handsoed an adjective to describe hiel

"More punch, if you please," he said, handing her his cup

"Oh, no, I'm sorry, you don't understand I--"

"Now" He smacked her on the rump

Elizabeth felt her color rise, and she thrust his punch glass back at him "You are mistaken If you'll excuse erously, and Elizabeth felt a wary shiver scoot down her spine This wasn't a h one had to think that even the lass of punch

With a little shrug, she dismissed the incident from her mind and made her way to Lady Danbury, who looked up at her in surprise "Elizabeth!" she exclai here?"

Elizabeth schooled her features into what she hoped was a winsoetic sort of smile After all, she had an audience "I'm terribly sorry to disturb you, Lady Danbury"

"Nonsense What is theso dreadful" She stole a glance at the gentle was rather like Jae, but his eyes sos Dark things It was there in his eyes, when he thought she wasn't watching hi about Ja at hily handsome And he definitely didn't stoop

He just wasn't Jaave her head a mental shake "I fear I've leftback at Lady Danbury "Have you seen it? I do require it before Monday"

Lady D shook her head as she sank her hand into Malcolm's copious ecru fur and rubbed his belly "I cannot say that I have Are you certain you brought it? I've never known you to bring that sort of thing before"

"I' why the truth felt so much like a lie

"I wish I could help you," Lady Danbury said, "but I do have guests Perhaps you would like to conduct a search on your own There cannot be more than five or six rooms where you are likely to find it And the servants know you have free rein of the house"

Elizabeth straightened and nodded She'd been dis next to Lady Danbury jumped forward "I'd be happy to assist"

"But you can't leave," one of the ladies whined

Elizabeth watched the tableau with interest It was clear why the ladies had been so interested in re at Lady D's side

"Dunford," Lady Danbury barked, "I was just telling you about my audience with the Russian countess"

"Oh, I've rin

Elizabeth's mouth fell open She'd never met anyone who couldn't be cowed into subood God, she'd never seen anything like it This man had clearly broken ood treasure hunt"

Lady Danbury frowned "I suppose I had better introduce you, then Mr Dunford, this is my companion, Miss Hotchkiss And these two ladies are Miss and Mrs Corbishley"