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Ava was Lord Rafferty’s only daughter and quite excited to have a new mother soon

“As if we could,” Jessica exclai time at your future home I’ve visited Gable Park so rarely”

Rebecca hooked her ar to the Stapleton butler as she passed “Well, that will not be the case after I wed, I hope”

“No,” Jessica promised

“Of course, ill visit” Nohen Fanny came to the country, she’d have to extend her stays by almost teeks in order to visit three homes instead of just her father’s

Rebecca clie first with an audible huff and iown’s bodice, and not for the first time this week, either Her clothes had apparently and suddenly beco Fanny observed her sister discre

etly, seeking ht be in the fahly strung, Rebecca had cast up her accounts that very , her e to Rafferty couldn’t come a moment too soon

Jessica settled into the seat beside Fanny “When can we expect to meet your beau?”

“He is not really est sister

Rebecca huffed “Fanny didn’t want Lord Letterford to think he stood a chance, so what does she do but hire a paid companion to come between them”

“He’s an actor,” Fanny corrected “And a very good actor”

Rebecca’s nose wrinkled with distaste as she mouthed “actor” as if the profession was offensive “An unknown Could you not have found someone more believable? Someone feted and familiar with our circle would have been my preference”

Fanny thought she’d been rather clever She’d hired a talented man to pretend to be her most ardent admirer, and therefore, always by her side—between her and any fortune hunter’s intent on wooing her Of course, no one would believe for a e to soht believe she’d engage in a bit of scandal with one…therefore scaring off her most ardent suitors

“I think it is a brilliant idea,” Jessica enthused “Lord Letterford is always asking Giddy if he’s seen or heard that you would be visiting us soon I don’t want him for a brother”

Fanny shook her head “My opinion of hiain, I will refuse again”

“I think he ested

Fanny caught Rebecca’s eye “Is there anything left fortakes place?”

“I shouldn’t think so We just need the last guests to arrive,” Rebecca replied with a heavy sigh “Most have colers Your beau, for example, since you insist he be placed beside you at nearly every meal”

Fanny inclined her head “Mr Dawes arrives today”

Complete with a neardrobe Fanny had paid for topoint The young e would make a perfect companion for all the dinners and balls and such ae of Rebecca and Lord Rafferty Father had been adamant that no expense be spared—most likely because he’d been allowed to do so little for Rebecca’s first celebration

The trip froood long while, and Fanny talked with her sisters about everything and nothing, the way they had as girls

By the ti the need to speak with other people Her sisters took too much of an interest in her un the pressure to conform

Thankfully, Lord Rafferty and his daughter aiting for their arrival The pair swept open the carriage door and hustled the blushing bride-to-be out They exchanged greetings and then Rafferty drew Rebecca aside When she heard kissing behind her, Fanny didn’t bother to turn and chide the pair for their behavior They were always locked at the lips of late, as they should be in her opinion