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Her lips curled into a senuine smile he had seen in days “I should like that Very much”

He let herin a e in several skirmishes They could continue their conversation about the ball while parading through enemy territory It would occupy her mind, help to detract from the wicked whispers and sly stares

“Then we should retire early As well as a shopping trip, we have a rather iht”

“A gathering?” She blinked back her surprise “At Mr Wycliff’s house?”

“At the den of the debauched on Theobolds Road Tomorroill attend a demimonde soirée”

And he would confront Mrs Crandall with his suspicions

Chapter Seven

“Perhaps you should go to Theobolds Road alone tonight” Cassandra tightened the silk ribbons of her poke bonnet as she stood in the hall, ready for her outing with Benedict “You don’t need me there when you speak to Mrs Crandall”

During breakfast, Benedict had told her about Mrs Crandall’s obsession, about the wo her toast, surpris

ed to find she had so in common with the queen of the demimonde

“I want you there” Benedict brushed the lapels of his coat and straightened his black top hat “Besides, being aives one the confidence to deal with the upper echelons” The corners of his rin “Trustexperience”

When he smiled like that, how could she refuse?

“I have nothing suitable to wear It will take days for Madah to blend in with those ladies who seek pleasure on the fringes”

Benedict’s smile faded at the mention of the famed modiste “You may have to find another dressmaker” It seemed to pain him to say so

“Don’t be ridiculous Madaowns since my come-out ball” They were on such friendly terms theirs was more than a business relationship “She knohat styles suit me”