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As an apology it was rather poor, see to imply that it was Grace’s own behaviour that had caused Lucian to behave in the way that he had But it was an apology nonetheless…

‘Apology accepted’ She nodded graciously

Dark eyes narrowed on her suspiciously ‘That is very—generous of you…’

Grace gave a disenerous person’

Lucian’s lips twitched on the edge of a s his shoulders But not all He was still too aware of Grace’s loveliness, her near-nakedness beneath her velvet robe, to be able to relax completely ‘The Duke tells me that there was some sort of upset between you and Francis when you returned fro…?’

Grace’s chin rose challengingly ‘He annoyed me’

Lucian gave a tight s, perhaps…?’

She nodded abruptly ‘Perhaps’

Lucian gave an understanding nod of his head ‘If, as we think, Francis is the one responsible for the ru our betrothal—’

‘He is!’

‘He has admitted as much?’

Her ood as, yes’

‘Then you have every right to be annoyed with him’

Her eyes flashed ‘How kind of you to give me permission to be so, My Lord!’