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“They did not leave by the drawing roo further suspicion”

The madam stormed over to the heavy red curtains, whipped one aside and studied the door to the terrace The rattle of the glass panes as she slammed the door shut conveyed her displeasure

“We shall have to begin again” Mrs Crandall came to stand in the middle of the room and flapped her hands with some impatience “Hand your cards back to me”

“This is our cue to leave” Mr Cavanagh did not wait for a response He threw his card onto the side table andanother guest

Mr Trent captured Verity’s hand He did not place it in the crook of his ar hour Twice he stroked the back of her hand with his thuuided her out into the hall

“Tell th of the crowded corridor towards the front door

The housetheir partners against the wall and devouring theirair

“Tired of the entertainment?” Mr Trent mocked

“I have no desire to sa the h removed a key froive Woods the key to his mistress’ chamber and let someone else have the pleasure”

“Woods distributed the cards” Verity recalled the precise nature in which theyou received the victim card”

Mr Cavanagh nodded “Mrs Beckford is right But Woods carries out orders, therefore we must assume he acted on behalf of Mrs Crandall”

Verity wasn’t so sure Mrs Crandall had appeared genuinely shocked to find the floor absent of a victi”

Mr Trent’s jaw firmed “There’s only one way to find out”

They entered the roo round upon hearing the click of the door closing Amber liquid sloshed about in the crystal tumbler as his hand shook

“This roouests” Woods shuffled on the spot, his nervous gaze flitting about like a caged bird looking to escape the erie “Mistress’ orders”