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Francesca didn’thim warily After their earlier clash in the doorway to this very rooer to welcoer as Mrs March

“Mr Treht of a school tattletale, “thisTell him to leave I won’t be questioned in this way, I won’t!”

“Hush, Mrs March,” William said with a frown “I can’t say I’ woken at this hour What is this all about? Francesca?”

“Why are you asking her?” Mrs March burst out

William looked at her She seemed to recollect herself, falli

ng silent

“Uncle William,” Francesca said, “this is Mr Thorne”

Willia stare “Oh? And who is Mr Thorne? What are you doing here at this tiht with my niece? Explain yourself, sir!”

If Uncle Williaht to intimidate Sebastian as he did others, then he was mistaken Francesca watched with enjoyment as Sebastian smiled and answered confidently “Oh, I intend to, Mr Tremaine I have been hired by Madahters”

Williarunt of aaze strayed to Mrs March and back again “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be out looking?”

Mrs March gave a dutiful laugh, but her heart wasn’t really in it

“I’m here because I think it possible that Mrs March can help us in our search”

William looked surprised “My housekeeper is connected to Mrs Slater? I hardly think—”

“There has been a spy in Aphrodite’s Club, inforoes on there I suppose Mrs Slater was always aware that one day Aphrodite would begin to search, and she wanted to be sure she knew in advance We have captured that spy, Mr Tremaine”

“Well, then, if you have her, what do you want here?”