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Her pride urged her to leave, but the burning love in her soul for Gabriel assured her it was neces

sary for her to stay, though her presence was painfully unwelcome

A shuffle sounded, and she glanced up to see the countess entering, lines of strain around her mouth

Pried to her feet “Is he…is he well, your ladyship?”

“That is not your concern, Miss Markham”

“My lady?” Pri in alarm “I am most anxious to know if he is well”

It was then she saw the countess's eyes were red-ri for his life because of you," she whispered, raw and furiously

Priot help as soon—”

The countess waved her hands “In choosing you, he almost lost his life Gabriel is the son of an earl He deserves better, Miss Markham I hate even to say it, but this terrible moment can be seen as a fortunate turn of events My son is still free of you I io It will take weeks for hi his blood, and when he is well, I assure you he will marry Lady Beatrice if you are not here”

Ice slid through Primrose's veins, and she stared at the countess mutely

“I have no doubt he only offered for you, Miss Markha him your virtue like a harlot Of course, he would have tried to do the honorable thing, even if in his heart he wanted to marry Lady Beatrice”

Primrose felt sick inside

The countess squared her shoulders, walked over and stiffly handed her an envelope “Take it, and leave,” the countess said

Primrose wasn't sure why she took it, shock perhaps With tre the bank draft for five hundred pounds A bubble of confusing eh, I…is this for medical expenses—”

A harsh bark of laughter cut her off The countess sobered immediately “Do not be naïve The money is a…sort of thank you for what you have done forain”