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Nausea roiled in Benedict’s sto despair “The lady made a mistake when she chose Murray and must live with the consequences Worthen will find someone for her to wed” Even at that, she would be barred froers of disdain just as I have done my whole life”

The twitch of his father’s cheek was the only visible sign of the guilt he bore The flash of pride in his eyes spoke of the love and loyalty that eased the burden of Benedict’s illegitimacy

A knock on the door brought Perkins The footy for the intrusion—and announced that the Earl of Worthen and Lady Cassandra Mills aiting in the drawing room

Shock rendered Benedict momentarily speechless

Tregarth pulled his watch froht “It’s almost nine o’clock?

?? A srin formed on his father’s lips “For Worthen to call at this late hour, heimportant to say”

“Do you know so I don’t?”

“Not at all, yet one cannot help but feel some satisfaction when his enemy accepts defeat”

“Defeat? I i and ravishment”

“I wouldn’t be so sure”

Perkins cleared his throat “Shall I tell them you’re indisposed, sir?”

The last thing Benedict wanted was another confrontation with the earl Trent and Verity were , and after the scandal in Hyde Park, he needed his wits to cope with their outpouring of love

“Tell them I have no desire—”

“No,” Tregarth interjected “The intuitive feeling that saw you ride to Hyde Park at dawn tellsroom”

“The urge to turn Worthen away overrules all other sensations” And the ater had eased his pain a little Why would he let the insults? “The lord seeks every opportunity to cast aspersions on my character I’ll not listen to his vile diatribe whilst in my own home”