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“But you have estates and people depending on your survival to keep them in employment and accommodation Don’t risk it all because of me and Jemima”

“Eliza, we aren’t going to leave you to deal with this alone We-” Dominic shared a measured look with Peter, “-have unfinished business with Scraggan”

Eliza turned and looked at hily They were interrupted by a soft knock at the door and the arrival of the food Within moments the table was laden with an array of breads, cheese, meats, pies and fruit

“Is there enough for us?”

Eliza jumped and stared in shock as a somewhat dusty and dishevell

ed Edward stalked into the room, followed closely by Sebastian She watched in a into the seat beside her before turning the full force of his direct blue gaze upon hers He offered her a sh he had only been gone for a moment rather than three days

“God I’” Sebastian declared, oblivious to the interplay between Edward and Eliza

She was stunned by the depth of eain and could have ith the sheer joy of having his solidly reassuring bulk beside her once again Although she would never admit it, she had missed him A lot

She wondered what had happened to make the rong

“So, you couldn’t bear to be parted from us, could you?” Dominic’s droll query was laced with a look Edward had given the wo it would be before they had another wedding in the family

Edward and Sebastian shared a look as Edward began to place various foods on Eliza’s plate before loading his own

It was a scene of such doht

“What’s wrong?” Dominic demanded several minutes later when an?”

Sebastian nodded “Yeah, there are four of thee and a fewfor us to leave” He iiving a shipping forecast

Edward took a sip of his brandy and sat back in his seat, taking a few moments to study Eliza’s profile Clearly she had hardly eaten, and hadn’t slept any better than he had The dark ses beneath her eyes were several shades deeper He hated having to i it a secret from him