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“You have no idea, no idea at all, Mr Rawlings Such an ordeal To lose hter, my only child, for you must know I have no others And…my word, in such a horrific manner And then both my dear brother’s children—oh ‘tis more than I can bear”

She then allowed hiht succumb to a fit of the vapors, which enlisted his immediate attention He hastily took her arreat show of concern “This is all so dreadful…simply dreadful” He shook his bald oddly shaped head in accord with his states me to Sherborne is…under these circumstances…a delicate one and very difficult to broach”

“But,” said Agatha “We lance his way, indicating that he should draw up a chair beside her As he complied, she said, “You came here I believe, to discuss a business matter”

Gratefully he acknowledged this with a series of unfinished sentences as he reached for his briefcase within arht forth a package of ivory-colored papers, speaking quickly and obviously hoping to get this settled before she changed her mind

“Dear Mrs Brinley, so good, so understanding If you will but put your signature here…” he indicated with his quill, “and here…I shall not need to trouble you further”

“Indeed? But what arief set aside

Mr Rawlings lowered his voice, “As you know, s was soh you sold out your funds, they were not quite enough to cover your overdraft” He shook his head, “Ohhow ain, “But, if you will but sign these, it will enable us to transfer your deceased stepdaughter’s account into your own Your solicitor assured us that you were fully aware…”

“Oh, of course I airl who had entered the room to set down a tray laden with refresh to serve and Agatha had not at first noticed her and worried about how much she had heard “Go on, you silly child, I can pour the tea…go on”

“Yes, mum,” the maid said nervously, dropped a curtsy and hurried out of the room

Mrs Brinley turned a fluttery ss “Of course, dear sir Where did you say I should sign?”

Mandy felt wicked

She had agreed to meet Sir Owen at this prescribed ti about it felt right

The duke had already taken his leave of the He would not have liked it She was already beginning to know just hoould react in any given situation The notion made her smile

She should have at least ain, she didn’t because they would not have liked it either

She didn’t really have a choice There was a chance, a good chance that Sir Owen ht be able to help them find Elly Bonner