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“Yes, he is married She is dull” Aphrodite pulled a face “It means he does not have to exert hih, for she seems to be fond of him and he of her On the few occasions he comes to London she does not accoh she likes to pretend I don’t exist”

“But you and he are no longer lovers?”

Aphrodite blinked “No,” she said, and glanced sideways, to where Dobson was standing by the door “No, we have not been lovers for reat help to me in business matters”

Marietta nodded as if it was all clear to her, but she was feeling rather vulnerable Adaine the close after all this tiers

“What is his full name?” she said

“Sir Adah he is wealthy, he is no Fraser”

Fraser, Vivianna’s father, had been very wealthy indeed

“I wasn’t counting on a wealthy father,” Marietta said autoley,” she repeated, and smiled “I like his name, Mama I hope I shall like him”

“I hope so, too, Marietta But there is so more you should know, mon petit puce Your father has other children Five of theant eyebrows “So you will never inherit, although…” But she shook her head “Well, I will let him tell you about that”

“Five children?” she whispered uncertainly “Brothers and sisters?”

“Oui”

Marietta felt a stirring of excitement She would like to h it did not sound as if her father’s ould be very likely to welcome her into their family And truthfully, Marietta could not blame her

The carriage arrived soon after, and Marietta settled herself for the journey back to her sister’s house

She didn’t expect too many aard questions—fortunately Vivianna’s tih she knew she did not look her best Max was right, learning about desire was very fatiguing

A sed at herherself and close her eyes and let the memories fill her head Her body was still a bit sore this ain she would feel a slight tingle, as if herMax, too