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Elizabeth blinked in confusion "Had you asked me a question?''

"Where were you? Why did you not attend?"

"I I" Elizabeth floundered for words She certainly couldn't tell the truth--that she'd been out being seduced by her nephew

"Well?"

Knock knock knock

Elizabeth shot out of the room like a bullet "Must answer the door," she called out over her shoulder

"You'll not escape me, Lizzie Hotchkiss!" she heard Lady Danbury yell She also thought she heard Caroline mutter the word "traitor" under her breath, but by then Elizabeth was already consu on the other side of the heavy oak door

She took a deep breath If he was there, there was nothing she could do about it She swung open the door

"Oh, good day, Mr Ravenscroft" Nohy did she feel so disappointed?

"Miss Hotchkiss" He nodded "Isroom with Lady Danbury"

Blake winced "Perhaps I'll come back later"

"Blake?" they heard Caroline call out--in a rather desperate sort of a voice "Is that you?''

Elizabeth nudged Blake in the ar rooht-year-old boy about to be scolded for a prank involving a frog and a pillowcase

"Blake" Caroline's voice practically sang with relief

"Lady Danbury," he murmured

"Blake Ravenscroft!" Lady Danbury exclaiht years old"

"I've been hiding"

"He"

"And how are you faring these days?" Blake inquired

"Don't try to change the subject," Lady D warned

Caroline turned to Elizabeth and whispered, "Is there a subject?"

Lady Danbury narrowed her eyes and shook her finger at Blake "I still haven't finished talking to you about the ti in poor Miss Bowater's pillowcase"

"She was a terrible governess," Blake replied, "and besides, it was all James's idea"