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Sam shivered

What if Linda took the path of Sam’s mother?

Sam shook her head and forced theto be fine"

Suddenly, Samantha wasn’t so sure

Albany Hall unfolded in front of Samantha’s eyes as the car drove up the secluded path to a circular drive

"Oh, my word," she hissed under her breath Blake’s childhood hos jutted out from a central structure Samantha counted three stories, but wouldn’t doubt if there was ato Blake, there were thirty-five roo servant’s quarters Blake spoke of a ballroom and conservatory, a library withrooms aptly named by the color of the décor "The blue roo out of the limousine and into Blake’s world felt a bit like Cinderella at the ball Only the clock ticking would run for a year Sahts, but she pictured the pulass slipper and regrets

"Ready?" Blake asked before leading her inside

If Gwen Harrison had any doubts as to Sa it She latched onto Sam’s arm the minute Blake escorted her into the , beautiful, bubbly and no doubt very spoiled Linda greeted her with an easy smile and introduced Samantha to Blake’s uncle, two cousins, who both eyed her with speculation, and an aunt on Linda’s side

The servants stood ready to take her bags, bring her tea, and fade into the background

"You can’t kno pleased I ae around here," Gwen told Salish accent, Gwen reveled in it

"You’ve never lacked for cohter

"Coree, Samantha? I’ve never had a sister to confide in" Gwen flashed a beautiful white sh she had a sister, Jordan wasn’t healthy enough to have a relationship with her like the one Gwen suggested

It was as if Sah Blake But again, that year time bomb on their relationship loomed "I suppose," Samantha said

"I have tea prepared in the red room, Blake Why don’t we sit in there so we can hear all about your ind courtship and ed to slide beside Samantha and take her arm The heat of hihts He leaned next to her ear and whispered, "How are you doing?"

Sa them, his eyes narrow, his lips pulled down She lifted Blake’s hand and kissed his knuckles The light in her husband’s face forced so of their future away "Fine," she mouthed the word and Blake squeezed her hand

Linda ushered therey, and white wallpapered walls The print was actually subtle despite the color Floral paintings and silk drapes gave the rooe bouquet of fresh flowers sat on a mantel above a stone fireplace

On the coffee table sat a spread of sweet cakes and finger sandwiches, which thethe tea

"Have you been to Europe before?" Linda asked as she poured dark tea into tiny cups