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“Well, she was there last night, looking hale and hearty”

As hale and hearty as his pink cheeks? Could Mari be the reason he seeer interested in me? And if so, what do I care?

About a teaspoon aer probleet aith is just a little too complex for comfort

When I reach the kitchen, the atmosphere in there isaard It’s alal and his crew are busy preparing lunch, so I guess they have an excuse, but Chrissy and Sophie barely glance up as I reach for the French press

And yes, I’m a chicken A chicken who needs coffee to face the kind of conversation I need to have

“Coffee, anyone?”

“No’ for me, hen,” Chrissy says fro board and a pile of table linen Her response is cordial enough, yet she still doesn’t lift her gaze

Oh, well

“What’s on thea lid from a cauldron-sized pot as I wait for the kettle to boil Phew, that is stinky

“That’s just stock,” Dougal mutters, his eyes on one of his crew as he anache Much

“Well, they look yuht?”

“No,” Chrissy answers “Just a small supper party for faht”

Welp, I wasn’t offering to help either, I think as I sht was my limit “No Mari today?” I ask of no one in particular

“No, she’s still no’ well,” wee Sophie offers up “She called in sick this , so Lady Isla says”

Ah And there is the reason for this aardness Sounds like they’ve all been given a talking to by Isla, is uess Don’t sully the name of the duke Or maybe: be nice to Holland because I need her to look after the kids Either way, I preferred the atmosphere of yesterday, I decide, as I take h my phone

I’ll finish my coffee, and then I’ll be on my way

On the way to face the duke

“Hey, Griffin!” I call out, spotting him across the lawn I know Alexander isn’t likely to be out here, but I think I already mentioned I’m a total chicken shit