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He sobered instantly "I’m so sorry, Lady Rudland I did not see you there"

"It was quite a scream," she said dryly Harry had only seen her up to now from across a room, but up close he could see that she did indeed look quite like her daughter Her hair had some silver in it, and there were faint lines on her face, but the features were remarkably similar If Lady Rudland was any indication, Olivia’s beauty would not dim

"Mother," Olivia said, "this is Sir Harry Valentine He has let the house to the south"

"Yes, I’d heard," Lady Rudland said "I am pleased to finallyin her voice I know you have been cavorting with hter? Or perhaps: Don’t think ill ever let you near her again

Or

"What happened to Sebastian?" Harry asked

"He dislocated his shoulder," Olivia explained "Vladimir fixed it"

Harry didn’t knohether to be worried or impressed "Vladimir?"

"Da," Vladimir said proudly

"It was…really…quite…" Olivia searched for words "Reht have described it differently," Sebastian put in

"You were very brave," she said, giving him a motherly nod

"He has done thisto Vladi on the floor, and said, "You will need-" He made a motion with his hand, then looked at Olivia "It is for the pain"

"Laudanum?"

"Yes That is it"

"I have some at home," Harry confirmed He put his hand on Sebastian’s shoulder

"Aaaaaah!"

"Oh, sorry Meant to grab your other shoulder" Harry looked up at the rest of the roo at hi You know, pat on the shoulder and all that"

"Perhaps we should take Seb back," Edward suggested

Harry nodded, helping his cousin to his feet "You’ll stay with us for a few days?"

Sebastian nodded gratefully As he headed for the door, he turned to Vladimir and said, "Spasibo"