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“With any other gentleman it would be unexceptional, but Tavener—! And he took you to view the Elgin , which is alue’s flirt!”

“How dare you!” Allegra cried, anger evaporating her satisfaction at his concern Not even from Rob—especially not froned “I am not a ‘flirt,’ I am a lady!” she said hotly “You, of all people, should know that”

Rob esture “Yes, yes I do, so don’t unleash your famous temper on me That’s precisely my point You and I know you’re a lady, but society o well, my dear, if the world sees you always in Tavener’s company”

Though Allegra had to allow the truth of that, as her anger dissipated, disappoint appearances than jealous of her spending tientleman of whom you approve invites me to drive?” she asked

“Of course not You may pay calls and shop—”

“I own owns now than I could ever wear out and I’ve already paid calls on every society lady Mrs Randall reco those tedious activities “Am I to be restricted to no more lively entertainment than that?”

Suddenly realizing that thisto advance her desires, she rushed on, “I haven’t a horse, so I can’t ride with you, but an before you left for the army? I should love to learn more!”

Rob laughed “Heavens, no! ’Twould not be suitable Besides, the last thing I want is to equip you with a sword so you ht try to skeweryour behavior!”

“Chess, then You used to enjoy our games”

“Playing chess withyou to the wider world”

A dis herself to articulate it, she said softly, “Do…do you not want to spend time with me? If ’tis that, you need only say so and I’ll not—”

“No, of course it isn’t that,” Rob interrupted, looking harried “It’s just—you’re not a child anyra! Despite our faether alone Besides, how can I make the ton aware of what a jewel has come into their midst if I bury you here at Lynton House?”

As a reaffirht have wished Still, he was acknowledging he knew she had grown up…and would not the fact that he considered it improper for them to spend ti temptation he needed to avoid?

Unlike a certain other gentleht in temptation

Heartened by that conclusion, she replied, “Might you drive me in the park, then? Just once or twice, until other suitable gentle in his curricle wouldn’t have quite the inti match at Lynton House, but it would allow her to converse with hiether, surely he’d realize how much he prized her company

Rob frowned thoughtfully “Yes, I suppose that would be possible I’ed for tomorrow afternoon, I believe Should you like to drive in the park then?”

“Above all things!” She gave him a radiant smile

“Very good We shall start there Youevents at which you will be able to entle Tavener, and I’entleman to wed”

Recognizing disra rose “I’ll leave you to your work, then”

Rob sighed “There’s a shortage ofthe sheep on the Curain to order—but I don’t mean to prose on about matters in which a lady could have little interest and even less understanding”

“Ah, but you are wrong!” Allegra protested “Though we moved about quite often, I’ve always been interested in far I’m sure I would understand, if you explain it”