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The earl jumped to his feet “Get out!” Saliva bubbled at the corners of his entleardless of this fiasco, and I have the power to silence men like Purcell”
Benedict did not argue Wearing a race “Perhaps you should invest your tihter” He snatched the letter off the desk and thrust it into his coat pocket “Perhaps you have ene to cause your family pain”
Though Cassandra had remained silent for the last tenforced her to stand “I aah Consequently, I cannot let you leave without thanking you for your assistance thisshe had said to hi in her heart?
Benedict sed deeply though did not make eye contact “You must send word to Lord Murray at once He’s your only hope of salvaging so of your reputation”
The lie fell easily from his lips She was beyond redemption, would forever bear the mark of this betrayal Only love could save her now And Lord Murray had professed love more times than she could count
“Perhaps Tregarth orchestrated this whole affair, desperate to give you the only thing you truly desire,” her father snapped “Well, you won’t have it Do you hear? Murray will step up to the mark You can be certain of that”
For the first time since Benedict had entered the study, Cassandra saw a flicker of doubt in his bold blue eyes The Earl of Tregarth wouldn’t stoop so low Would he?
“I sincerely hope Murray is a gentleman The sort who understands the value of love” Benedict did not incline his head as he took his leave, did not take her hand or offer a bow Why would he when he despised them to their core?
As she listened to the clip of Benedict’s booted steps recede along the hall, she felt more alone,silence left her dreading her father’s next comment
“You ait in your bedchamber until Lord Murray arrives” The earl rounded the desk, his teeth bared “You’re not to leave this house without my permission Is that clear?”
Asnort escaped her “Have no fear I doubt I shall ever leave the house again” The thought of walking the streets—every head whipping in her direction, every wicked whisper carrying her name—made her nauseous
“I’ll send for a physician to confirm you’re still intact Should he find otherwise, then you may as well return to Hyde Park to peddle your wares”
A physician?
Hate reared like a spitting serpent in her chest No matter what she did, she could never ive the fact herher life? Would he ever accept that every atteht death and devastation? It was the one thing he had in co difference was that Tregarth loved his son
Knowing it was futile to argue, she bowed her head and made for the door