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“Very good, m’lord,” the lady’sfor your trip”

“No Don’t”

Courtney started at the harshness of Slayde’s tone

So did Matilda “But I…that is—”

“Forgivetothe conversation “But packing is no longer necessary”

“As you wish, sir” With a bewildered curtsy, the maid hastened off

“Slayde?” Courtney searched his face, a tight knot of dread for in the pit of her sto fronificant had occurred “What is it? What’s happened?”

“Co his arm firmly about her waist—whether for physical or emotional support, Courtney wasn’t certain—Slayde led her down the entleman hovered “Rainer, this is Miss Johnston The matter on which you’ve co at Courtney, he added, “Mr Rainer is from Bow Street”

“Mr Rainer” Courtney could hear her voice quaver

“Miss Johnston” The square-shoulderedhis distance to the front door

Icily, Slayde gestured across the hall “The yellow salon is comfortable and nearby Let’s talk in there”

Rainer froze, then retreated two steps backward “That won’t be necessary I’ve given you the infor further—”

“I beg to differ with you” Slayde’s eyes blazed silver sparks “There’s quite a bit yet to discuss, as I’ree once she’s heard the reason for your visit Five minutes of your time is all I require” A bitter pause “Rest assured, the yellow salon is quite safe In my experience, curses afflict people, not hoious”

The Bow Street h he made no move to advance farther into the manor “My instructions were to deliver the note and return to London at once”

Slayde’s jaw tightened “To further investigate the matter?”