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“I’ra told hiain drawn ahead of her maid “I just don’t find the threat as credible as you do Sapphira believes I’htskirt that I’ll be helpless to resist the persuasion of the first handsoue who shows“—despite…what just occurred, neither ence are that deficient”

“I know they are not,” Will reassured her “Lady Lynton obviously assumes you possess no more character or honor than she does”

“Perhaps But since we’ve both agreed that I will not be led astray, I’er Once Sapphira discovers that I cannot be persuaded, she entleman’ to forcibly seduce me But with Mrs Randall or Lizzie or a servant alithin calling distance whenever I stir from the house and a full staff nearby when I a h to seek o so far as to hire some miscreant to attempt it”

“Probably not,” Will allowed “But a sufficiently ht be able to overpower you before you could summon assistance”

“If in future I ah never to walk more than a few paces ahead of nities,” she said, softening the words by flashing him a swift, rew up around actresses Though the world may doubt their honor, many are quite virtuous and have learned how to protect themselves, skills they passed on to e any unwanted attentions”

“Even against a taller, more powerful man?”

“A taller, more powerful man would not expect me to kno to resist hi the staff here would not allow such a thing to happen under their very noses, nor have I any intention of driving with or strolling about with men I cannot trust, I doubt I shall have need of my skill There, have I reassured you?”

“Somewhat But do allow me to make you a list of men hom you must never, ever ride or drive I will not feel easy until I’ve done all I can to ensure your safety”

Her expression softened “I truly am touched by your concern”

“Youthat word at the last instant for the “precious” he’d been about to utter “I only wish I could do more I’d warn Lynton, but his dislike for rettably, I cannot…restrain Lady Lynton in the manner I should prefer”

Will didn’t realize he’d instinctively tensed his hands into fists until Allegra began to gently straighten each clenched finger Further conversation was ilorious sensation of her fingers stroking his

He barely suppressed a sigh of disappointment when, her task concluded, she lowered her ar,” she advised

When her words finally penetrated, Will shook his head in amazement “How can you view her interference so calle her”

Allegra smiled ruefully “What would you haveher to treat me more charitably? I’d rather starve in the street”

“How about you rush into her cha her froentlelove and demand that she name her seconds”

“How unfortunate that upon his return, Rob refused to continue the fencing lessons he’d begun with o!” she said with a chuckle “But little as I like it, Sapphira is Uncle Robert’sand mistress of the house in which I dwell I could hardly do anything significant enough to quell her without Rob finding out, and though she deserves no consideration, I’d rather not expose her machinations and create a dispute within the family”

“Perhaps I could entice her to a rendezvous on the pretext of discussing her scheested

Allegra shook her head “That wouldn’t wash Sapphira would simply put it about that you lured her there on soining you would offer insult to a lady in her position Youher reputation, but ’tis more likely she would discredit you instead”

Will shrugged “I expect I could bear the scandal”

“But you mustn’t!” she replied, concern in her voice “’Twould bean heiress Pro of the sort”