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Ned snorted, “More fool he if he thinks she’ll even look at Alfred! Marry him, indeed”

“Aye, I think she will try and escape as I don’t see her putting up with h

“At any rate, the duke will settle this right and tight, won’t he?”

“Bless ye, lad, I think he will”

“That’s right,” Ned declared brightening once more “We have the duke!”

Ti had done wonders for Mandy’s spirits She brushed her long blonde hair with deterst The results of her efforts had litter back at her in the mirror

Dark eyes stared back at her and she saw her brother’s face and said softly, “It’s not over Ned We still have the duke…and I know he shall see us out of this”

She had donned a pretty day gown of pale blue own that showed off her lines to advantage and she was pleased with the results when she stared at herself in theeveryone into believing she had accepted her fate Ha!

A knock sounded at her door and she called out sardonically, “As the key is on the hall side of the door, you are free to enter as you wish, are you not?”

A rimaced at her, “Sorry, miss But Mr Speenham wants ye in the parlor for tea”

“Does he?” Mandy said sweetly, though anyone who knew her would have heard the defiance edging each word “Tell Mr Speenham that I have no wish for tea…or his company”

The ht take his invitation out of temper, but told me I was not to return downstairs without ye I do so dislike having to disoblige…but Mr Speenhary with me, he will…if ye don’t come down”

Mandy sighed resigned to her fate She couldn’t allow the maid to suffer Alfred’s annoyance because of her “Very well,” Mandy said, walking through the open door and heading for the stairs Calm yourself, her mind ordered You must take a fine line with the Speenhams They ain…how else will they loosen their hold?

She entered the parlor, where Alfred already on his feet, went forward, “Mandy! You are looking prodigiously well after your…escapade,” Alfred said wars off amiably

“Thank you,” Mandy ed to return with a half smile