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Chapter Seventeen

Benedict’s plan to spend the day in bed lavishing his ith attention was scuppered by his friends, who descended on Jer investigation

For the second time in the space of twenty-four hours, Wycliff enjoyed their hospitality while they raced around the bedcha Benedict’s hair was da Cassandra’s lips were swollen from the hours spent locked in a passionate clinch With their energy spent, they stopped outside the drawing room door to catch their breaths

“Ah, so no one died thisthe fire while thefor news that all is well”

Benedict should have called at Bruton Street after the duel, to reassure his friend that Worthen and Tregarth had settled their differences

“Worthen has a scar on his cheek to h I doubt the matter is resolved” He waited until Cassandra took a seat on the sofa next to Verity and then squeezed in beside her “Worthen store without uttering a word I presuarth joined his friends at The Diaive me I should have sent word”

Wycliff settled back into the chair and declined the offer of tea “No doubt you were both atte to catch up on missed sleep” Amusement flashed in his dark eyes

Cassandra tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear “Mrs Raation” From her hurried tone, she was either desperate to learn the truth or desperate to have this business done with so they ht hurry back to the bedchamber

“We have so much to tell you,” Scarlett said fro over who should begin”

Benedict dismissed the maid

Cassandra sat forward “Do you knoho kidnapped me from Lord Craven’s ball?”

“Well, no” A look of pity passed over Scarlett’s features “Not precisely” She turned and aze “Explain what happened when you went to visit Lord Craven”

Wycliff straightened “With Tregarth occupied in fighting a duel, I took it upon myself to visit Craven The lord was half-cut when I arrived Bored, he challenged ame of hazard which turned into three hours of raucous play I won I offered him a means to pay the debt with inforave me thirty minutes to question them”

Cassandra’s eyes widened “Did you find thesalts?”

“She recalls the incident with remarkable clarity,” Wycliff continued “More so because when she returned, your co a walk around the grounds was the best course of action Theyour feet But when she suggested finding you a suitable place to rest, theyou snapped at her to leave”