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Mrs Seht have been disbelief She was looking out of the ith a frown that wrinkled her brow

‘Mrs Seht—’

‘Was quite innocent on your side Yes, I know’ The housekeeper turned and smiled

‘On both sides’

‘He’s a man, and I doubt he’s been an innocent for many years, Miss Ellery No, don’t bristle up, he’s no predator on decent girls, he won’t be after seducing you Or worse But, like I say, he’s a man, you are a woes If he didn’t take an interest I’d be worried about his health’

A half delighted, half shocked snort of laughter escaped Tess ‘You know Lord Weybourn very well?’

‘Since ere both six years old My father was the Earl of Moreland’s estate h’ The froas back

‘You worry about hi with his family?’

Mrs Semple’s mouth twisted into a wry smile ‘That’s his story to tell you But I will tell you so you somewhere that wasn’t safe for you You’ll hurt his pride, if nothing else, if youhim back for a few bits and pieces and a decent wardrobe of clothes’

‘He wasn’t to know there would be any problem,’ Tess protested ‘And he certainly wasn’t to blame’

‘If he had taken you to the canal boat in time, then none of this would have happened, and I know you should have insisted and so on and so forth, but Alex Tempest has an over-developed sense of responsibility for all that care-nothing air he pretends to have So are you going toto s your pride and enjoy some decent clothes?’