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“Then Lord Purcell is responsible for what happened to me” Cassandra’s shoulders sluet for those who seek to punish my father”

“Purcell would seem the most likely candidate” Mrs Crandall rose from the chair She stepped closer and offered her hand “For one ht share another secret”

He didn’t hesitate and bowed over the hten us as to the perpetrator’s motive will be most welcome”

Mrs Crandall’s eyes twinkled “Lord Murray squandered half his yearly income last month alone His , but I’ rather desperate Perhaps it is wise to consider his need to enerous father when it coifts to his family And that is not Lord Worthen”

The news did not come as a shock

The ton was a walking monument to hypocrisy

“Now,” Mrs Crandall continued, “unless you’re here to frolic and fornicate, I shall ask that you take your leave” She unlocked the door and led theuests out, would you?”

Woods plodded slowly to the front door He lingered, waiting for his ht sell the information he had alluded to earlier But like a hawk, Mrs Crandall watched his every move

“Say good night, Woods” The“And before you return to your duties, I want to see you in my private parlour It seems we have a little bird in our midst who likes to tweet tales”

Chapter Nine

“Do you believe her?” Cassandra took hold of Benedict’s arm as they waited on the pavement outside Mrs Crandall’s abode “Do you believe what she said about Lord Murray’s excessive spending?” She was skirting around the question she wanted to ask Had Timothy conspired to ruin her to secure a better financial arrangement?

“You saw Murray’s new racing curricle and Cleveland Bays” Benedict gestured to their coache at the end of the road “Murray likes to flaunt his wealth Those who lean towards ostentatious displays of grandeur often have empty pockets”

“But Lady Murray is a pillar of respectability” The lady professed to have the morals of a saint Had Cassandra not released Tiation, his le her son “I’”

With a huff of frustration, Benedict raised his hand and beckoned Foston again, yet the coachht or flick the reins “The man must have fallen asleep”

“Do you suppose Miss Pendleton’s brother offered a dowry more substantial than mine? I have heard the viscount is keen to be rid of his burden, keen to see his sister wed”