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She was sorry as soon as she said it, because he looked hurt

“As a hty voice he used when she annoyed him “Someone you know”

“Don’t tell uess This is fun Who could it be…?” She tried several na iame to a abrupt halt “Tellto do so”

He smiled “Francesca”

Aed it, her voice came out as a squeak “Francesca? She’s your niece!”

He wasn’t in the least concerned “No, she isn’t,” he said, coolly rational “She is no blood relation There is no impediment

at all, Amy”

“But, Williaue in a way thatat her as if she were nothing more than a hysterical woman

He began to list the benefits “I a influence I ae house and plenty of money I can care for her in a properMarrying me is the sensible option What on earth would Francesca do if she returned to Yorkshire? Stride about the e will be the perfect solution to both our problems”

Amy took a breath “William, I don’t think Francesca sees her current situation as a proble in London”

“Well, perhaps she is already aware of s for her”

“Your feelings for her…”

“My admiration and…and esteem”

“I see”

“She is young, and needs soh life”