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The time for explanations was lost, as Delia Standish was shown in by the disapproving butler at thather dark cloak off her shoulders and exposing her youthful body ensconced in a red gauzy gown that was transparent in many areas

The own that had slipped from Dr Bankes’s hold in the headmistress’s private offices He said softly, “How lovely, Miss …?”

“Delia, sweetings, just Delia,” she said as she swayed invitingly towards him She stopped when she spied Percy and Mr Dobbs and stared at moment “Hold on now I’ll take the two, you and that pretty, yellow-haired one” She jerked a look towards the stout and unattractive man with the bowler hat “But not him”

“Would you like a drink, Delia?” theher remark

“Yes, yes, I would I find it loosens irl

“Then this is not the first tis?”

“First time? Lord, no They wouldn’t send someone ouldn’t kno to please you,closer to him

“Was not Mr Wheeler supposed to acco?” the marquis asked in a casual tone

“Yes, but we had a bit of a problehed

“A problem?”

“Yes, but don’t worry—she won’t be a proble”

“Who won’t be?” he pursued

“Well, I suppose ’tis safe to tell you, since you and I are going to be very close, very soon”

“That’s right, and I do like to knoho I a with and how safe they keep my private life”

She waved this off confidently “Just some teacher at Nethe