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She didn't wait for his reply, however, just turned on her heel and li a cane

Blake watched her as she disappeared into the house, his cheeks unable to quit the sraced his face for ale It had been so custoe, and they had always joked that they should e Ravenscroft He had almost been a real person in Blake's mind, with his raven curls and Marabelle's pale blue eyes

But there would be no George Ravenscroft "I'm sorry, Marabelle," he whispered He had failed her in so h he had tried to be faithful to her ed that, either

And today--today his indiscretion had moved beyond the mere needs of his body He had enjoyed himself with Caroline, truly reveled in the sheer pleasure of her company Guilt pierced his heart

"I'ain

But as he strolled back to the house, he heard himself say, "Trent Ravenscroft"

He shook his head, but the thought wouldn't go away

Chapter 10

ue in the sound of a vowel produced by partial assin (ex &uue has taken place, esp in Ger what I no about Mr Ravenscroft, I really must thank my maker that I was not born German, with an umlaut in my name

--From the personal dictionary of Caroline Trent

By mid-afternoon Caroline had coain disappeared, presuate Oliver and his treasonous activities And two, she was in love with Blake Ravenscroft

Well, that wasn't exactly true To be ht be in love with Blake Ravenscroft She had a little trouble believing it herself, but there didn't seees in her personality and de without first thinking about her words, but today she see out utter nonsense Furthermore, she had completely lost her usually hearty appetite Not tolike the veriest fool

And if that weren't enough proof, she caught herself whispering, "Caroline Ravenscroft Caroline Ravenscroft, mother of Trent Ravenscroft Caroline Ravenscroft, wife of--Oh, stop!"

Even she could lose patience with herself

But if Blake returned any of her feelings, he gave no indication He certainly wasn't prancing about the house like a lovesick fool, shouting out odes to her beauty, grace, and wit And she rather doubted he was sitting behind his desk in his study, idly doodling the words, "Mr and Mrs Blake Ravenscroft"

And if he were, there was really no reason to think that she ht be the "Mrs Blake Ravenscroft" in question Heaven kne many women back in London fancied themselves in love with him And what if he fancied hiht, that

Of course, one couldn't entirely discount the kisses He had definitely enjoyed their kisses But men were different from women Caroline had led a reasonably sheltered life, but that pertinent fact had ht want to kiss a wo behind it