Page 87 (1/2)

“It will be your last assignation, olden mask and a red cloak with fur at the he a black cloak and a silver mask You will h the Dark Walk Very roift to you”

It did please her “And what are the rules this time?” she asked curiously

Aphrodite laughed “Why have rules? You could not obey them last time, so I will not bother with them this time You can set your own rules, Marietta Be happy; there, that is my rule for you this time—you must simply be happy”

I will be happy, Marietta told herself And yet…Now there was a new doubt to ruffle her cal Aphrodite’s Club? Hefor her reputation and her scandalous parentage, but could he also turn a blind eye to her being the proprietor of a bordello?

I won’t tell him After all, it won’t be for years and years and years

And yet in not telling hi him

Max s hi him of his rendezvous with Marietta at Vauxhall Gardens

He would s, but the thought of being ht a warmth to his heart that he had never felt before There would still be passion and desire, but there would also be trust and love, and the joy of spending his life with the woman he wanted above all others

“Max?”

Startled he turned, the note fluttering fro him, his mouth pinched and unhappy

“I have heard that you are to be adopted by the duke”

“I have declined, cousin,” Max said cautiously

Harold shrugged, as if he didn’t believe it “I alad for you, of course I am, but I cannot help but wonder whether he means to restore you to your previous position Susannah thinks he will Where does that leave us, Max? I feel as if I am in limbo”

“I have no intention of acce

pting—”