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“What is going on, Francesca? You are shouting Mrs March? I demand an explanation”

The housekeeper drew a breath, preparing to lay her grievances before him, but Francesca was too quick for her

“Aphrodite is ill, Uncle,” she said in a quiet and reasonable voice “I need to go to her at once I asked for the carriage to be brought around but Mrs March refuses to allow it”

“She’s planning some mischief, that’s what it is,” Mrs March insisted, a hint of a whine in her voice “I don’t trust her, sir”

“It isn’t your place to make those decisions,” Francesca ree

“My place is to see that you don’t take advantage of your uncle! Who knohat she’s up to now, sir You don’t knohat—”

Williae around,” he said abruptly, cutting through his housekeeper’s complaints

Mrs March’s mouth opened and closed

“Do it,” he said, sharply

There was no arguing with that tone, and she turned aith an angry rustle of silk skirts, her shoes tapping, her feelings clear for all to see Mrs March didn’t like losing, she wasn’t used to it, and Francesca had a feeling she was the sort ould take pleasure froe

“Thank you, Uncle Williaht Perhaps she could even grow to like him

“I never liked the bitch” His voice was emotionless “But she is your mother”

Francesca took a step toward hi if she had misheard, but he’d already turned and walked back into the library and closed the door Such cruelty, such heartlessness, at a time when most people would expect some tact and kindness But this was Uncle Williaossip Aphrodite and her daughters had attached to his faht bitterly It would be one less scandal for him to worry about

“Miss Francesca, the carriage will be here in a moment”

She’d forgotten about Lil “We’ll go and wait outside,” she said, forcing away the tears and lifting her chin “I need to breathe fresh air”