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“He wrote back and said that when he was ready and able he would fetch uh

“Oh-ho, I can only iine what you answered,” Scott said with a shake of his head

“I told hi on very well and that I would not leave ed “I didn’t hear froo Now this letter!” She dug it out of her pocket and shook it at him

Scott took it, read it, and irl who is not at all biddable In fact, I would think even a meek sort of creature would bolt at these words Dashed well should have given it so After all, you had only just lost both your parents Seems to me to be a bit of a scoundrel”

“I knew you would understand,” she said and sniffed

“Why would he take you to Swindon of all the da there … outlandish place … it makes no sense”

“I am of the opinion that whoever he wishes to fully

“Devil you say! Fiend seize him,” Scott exclaimed

“Says it is not to be thought of … irl forhim He says—”

“Hold!” Scott interrupted, his hand up “How the bloody hell did he find out you are unchaperoned?” He narrowed his eyes with his thoughts “I hope it wasn’t m’father that blabbed”

“T’was Old Pudding Face rote and told him”

“The dowager Hatfield?” he growled “That old busybody But … how did she know? Didn’t think she knew Didn’t think anyone knew Thought everyone had been diddled with that story we put about saying your elderly cousin had come to stay”

“H strand of black hair that had blown across her face and shoved it behind her neck “So did I, but she has stopped byme about hed “She ether, for she wrote to the duke and actually told hi amok At least he says that he was told that See …” She pointed the paragraph referring to this and then wrung her hands “Scott, it wouldn’t be so very bad if he wanted to give ht be fun, but I am sure he means to marry me off to some horrid relative in Swindon and be done with me”

“Upon my soul!”

“You see there …” She pointed to yet another paragraph of shaky handwriting “He says he e and secure my future Oh, Scott … what am I to do?”