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Cassandra drew comfort from Scarlett’s wisdom “I have been in Rosamund’s position I knohat it’s like to be manipulated by those who profess to know better”

“As do I,” Verity added “I was only allowed to speak to those my mother deemed fit”

Cassandra was the daughter of an equally overbearing parent “How can I blahtened?”

“One could see the warring ereed “But you must put it from your mind It was easy for me No one knew me here in town, and I married Lawrence before there was even a hint of a scandal”

“And I already had a scandalous reputation when I married Damian,” Scarlett added “You have suffered despicably, and ill help you in your fight for justice”

Their kind words roused a weak sht find it hard to believe after the terrible things I’ve said, but I care deeply for Benedict”

Scarlett grinned “You’re in love with hi day, and I sahen you parted just now in the ballroom”

Was it so glaringly obvious?

Indeed, she was so in love with Benedict Cavanagh it hurt

“I have always loved him,” she admitted “Which is why I must clear his name I must prove it wasn’t Benedict who orchestrated my ruination”

Scarlett clapped her hands “Then let us get on with the task Sit down” Scarlett led her to the chaise and Cassandra dropped into the seat “Close your eyes I want you to i dizzy?”

“Yes” It took a moment to for noise, the heat, the nausea

“Do you recall walking along the corridor to the retiring roo of a field littered with haystacks to the left of the door To the right is a marble bust of Emperor Commodus”

A vision of her grabbing the bust as it wobbled on the plinth flashed into her mind “I think I stumbled in the doorway”

“And did someone come to your aid?”