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“Agreed” Courtney squinted as the manor loomed closer “The house looks deserted I hope the duke didn’t pick this particular tio out”

“Doubtful It’s too early to conduct business” Aurora waited until Courtney had veered the phaeton off the road and hidden it behind a thick clurim-faced “Good luck”

A wan smile “Thanks”

Cli length of drive, her step decisive, her heart ha in her chest She mounted the two stone steps and knocked

“Yes?” A haughty-looking butler answered the door

“I’m here to see the duke”

One brow rose “And who, ht I ask, are you?”

Courtney’s chin came up “A woman who has business with yourthe threshold into the hall Excellent, she co yourself Now, even if Slayde has provided his investigator with names, the man will have no clue as to your identity

She could almost hear Aurora’s applause

“Nohere can I find His Grace?” she de her performance

“Mada the duke I must know—”

Pivoting about, Courtney regarded hi eyes “Does the duke seek your approval on all his women? If so, he’s a poor excuse for a man”

Courtney wondered as more shocked by her brazen comment, the butler or she

“I…” He wet his lips “His Grace toldabout…wait here” His id as a drastring

The instant Courtney saw the direction he was taking, she followed behind, silently and with enough distance between them so he wouldn’t sense her presence