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She tensed; fearful he entlemanly, but she had to find out “Please tell me”

“During long periods of war, a ation… it is not healthy to the mind I had lovers I didn’t seek the coentleman of class They dressed in finery, and spoke with educated voices, but they knew their purpose—that I didn’t seek love, purely companionship in the bed”

Alice rested a hand on his s heart clearly felt under her palm “Mistresses”

“Not many, one stayed by me for a year A Spaniard I am not a perfect man However, I didn’t want to father unwanted children It is necessary to protect the woman too”

Alice didn’t want to picture in her head her husband engaged in sex with other wohts and focused on his handso herself he had chosen her and had shown no interest in other women

“It is the past,” she confirmed

“Yes I have you now My wife, ill respect me and serve me with her beauty and exquisite body”

Alice lapped up his compliment and pushed aside any doubts she harboured Tomorrow, Caroline Fanshaould visit and Alice was keen to for friendship

Alice greeted Caroline on the porch of Westfell Hall, surrounded by busts on colu their heads before rising and offering each other smiles

Having been relieved of her hat and spencer jacket, Caroline gazed about the hallway

“Tea will be taken in the drawing room,” announced Alice “But perhaps you would like me to show you around” She held out an arm and started to walk to the main salon

“Oh, there is no need,” said Caroline “I am very familiar with Westfell”

Alice halted “You have visited before?”

Her guest sees “Many a tih not for some years Colonel Seymour has been absent forspell It looks splendid again, just as I remember it”