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She was saved froreeted her and then introduced the two ladies

"A ward?" Lady Wolcott trilled "How char? Henry wanted to echo But she kept her mouth shut

"How utterly do Dunford's arestively, in Henry's opinion

"I don't know if I would call it 'domestic,'" Dunford replied politely, "but it certainly has been a new experience"

"Oh, I'm sure" Lady Wolcott wet her lips "It's not at all in your usual style You are usually given to more athletic--and ht it a wonder she didn't start hissing Her hand quite involuntarily clenched, for claws she really wanted to rake across the elder lady's face

"Rest assured, Lady Wolcott," Dunford replied, "I auardian to be "

"Character-building? Pish How dull You'll soon grow bored Come and call when you do I'hed Normally he'd have been tempted to take Sarah-Jane up on her rather blatant offer, but with Henry in tow he suddenly felt the need to take the h road "Tellthese days?"

"Doddering away in Dorset As usual He's really of no concern here in London" She gave Dunford one last seductive smile, nodded sleekly at Henry, and was on her way

"Is that how I aly

"Absolutely not"

"Then--"

"Just be yourself," he said curtly "Just be yourself, and stay away from--"

"I know I know Stay away from married ood as to let me know if you think of someone else I must add to the list"

Dunford scowled

Henry smiled all the way home

Chapter 13

One week later Henry was ready to be presented to society Caroline had decided that her charge would make her bow at the annual Lindworthy bash It was always a huge affair, Caroline had explained, so if Henry was a s success, everyone would know about it

"But what if I aiven her a smile that said she did not think that was much of a worry and said, "Then you shall be able to lose yourself in the crowd"

Fairly reasonable logic, Henry had thought

Belle caht of the ball to help her dress They had chosen a gown of white silk shot through with silver thread "You are very lucky, you know," she said as she and aladies just out are supposed to hite, but many look hideous in the color"