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Egad, rong with him? Why was he so affected by all this? He was far too eet eically, emotion be damned

Even as he told hi dark eyes, and her spirit—her indo his lips with the thought of kissing her

Sometimes he damn anted to take her over his knee…

But oh her pluck, her faith, her determination, made him want to shift her onto that sahs…

The door opened again to display Sticwell instead of the Viscount and the duke’s brows rose When Sticwell announced, Sir Owen, the duke was actually astonished Well, well, as this?

Sir Owen entered the library, his hand extended, “Your Grace, Sticwell tells me the viscount is momentarily occupied, so I hope I don’t intrude on you by waiting here for him?”

This was an opportunity to investigate the man and see what his intentions toward Mandy actually were, though he had already decided that with his pockets to let, Oas probably only after Mandy for her inheritance After all, the ambler and a notorious petticoat man It was certainly possible that he had been charht be in it Even so, Sir Oas not the sort of man he would choose for her—not the sort at all!

He looked Sir Owen over as he waved him to be seated The man was casually dressed in buckskins and an open neck white shirt beneath His riding boots had been polished and he wore his auburn hair carefully parted and combed

“Not at all, pour yourself a drink and be comfortable, Sir Owen” As he watched the man stride over to the wall table he re time”

“No, the sorry truth of it is I a my finances while I see to the upkeep of e…not far from here, about few miles south actually” He carried his drink and tipped it before taking a sip and sitting on the leather bound chair opposite the duke He eyed the duke curiously and asked, “What brings you all the way from London?”

“The Sherborne twins I auardian and Skip made me aware that more than their finances were in need of attention”

“Indeed,” Sir Owen said slightly surprised

“An understate the seriousness of the situation at hand,” stuck in the duke watching for a reaction “Tell me, what is your interest in the business, for I must surmise that is why you are here?” the duke inquired, his one dark brow up, his tone while not quite threatening, certainly cool

“Friendship,” Sir Owen said quietly

The duke was struck by Sir Owen’s reticence Why was he being so cautious? He felt himself bristle He was already irritated by the fact that he had witnessed the man take Mandy into his arms How had he known she would be there? He was however, interested in keeping Sir Owen talking, so he did nothing to give his agitation away He wanted to get a true measure of the man for himself