Page 49 (1/2)

LONDON, 1713

THE OAF HAD finally left—but not without a parting gift The thought of Montgoht a fierce grin to Sabrina’s lips She rather hoped he discovered it on his way ho to picture hie with the slithering reptile loose about his feet

With delight, she i out onto the street, his conveyance continuing on its journey without hie, noisome puddle Face-first

She sh as she crept into Maest and smallest, her job was to listen in on her parents’ conversation and report back to her sisters It was especially ioh she had expressed strong wishes to the contrary

She could not agree with Eugenia more The man was simply horrid

Sabrina reflected upon hisirritation After her first few atte her the Red Pestilence He had done it again today as he was leaving—and worse, he’d yanked one of her loose curls as he’d said it Even now her cheeks burned The thought of hi It could not be countenanced Thus, her slippery little present

Last week, she had put ink in his tea The result had been spectacular—and Papa had been livid At least this tiomery would bear witness to her japery

She shrank back as Mama sailed into the roo in favor of Montgomery

“Elizabeth, you know he’s the best possible e, they already know each other and are on friendly terms, and he’s—”

“She’s in love with Afton,” answered Mama

Papa let out an exasperated sigh “She’s young She can learn to love Montgomery”

“You know it doesn’t work that way, Harry”

Her quiet reply was followed by silence Sabrina peeked through the crack, just as Papa moved to stand behind her mother and place his hands on her shoulders

“I know, ned “Very well I shall allow her to choose between theomery would provide a better life for her, but if it is her wish, I will give Afton ”

Mahted smile “I knew you’d see reason”

“Reason has nothing to do with it,” answered Papa with a chuckle “I simply know better than to cross you when you’ve set your s a certain way Now, I have a surprise for you”

Sabrina watched as he produced a gilt box and held it out to her mother, who took it and opened the lid “It’s lovely, Harry Thank you” Her voice sounded strange