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She sed past her growing need for his company “I caused hi and wished to issue a veiled warning” There, was that not a reasonable explanation?

Mr Cavanagh pursed his lips and hu I cannot name”

“I have to agree” Cassandra seemed determined to add fuel to the fire “While Mr Daventry was as crude as expected, there was a slight warmth to his tone and manner that I failed to notice at the auction”

Sybil screwed her nose in protest “But he was as rude and as obnoxious as ever”

Benedict Cavanagh shook his head “If I’ for his next rave “And I cannot help but feel he has you in his sights, Miss Atwood”

“Me?” The thought roused a nervous excitement “Don’t be ridiculous The man likes to taunt me that is all”

Heavens, her words rang with insincerity She was an appalling liar and needed torooather her composure

The sudden arrival of Mr and Mrs Wycliff, good friends of the Cavanaghs, distracted her chaperones momentarily Indeed, Sybil slipped away quietly and was soon lost in the crowd Locating the retiring rooht of Mr Daventry sneaking upstairs and had the overwhele to follow

Chapter Ten

For twenty minutes, Lucius had listened to Sir Melrose Crae of questions Had Lucius received the written state the journals to the Royal Society? What the devil did Newberry ith scientific theories? When would Lucius make his decision?

He would have enjoyed tor thewere genuine But Lucius’ only focus had been the vivacious wo the waltz in Newberry’s blasted arms

Miss Atwood had looked happy and radiant as she twirled about the floor, but the sick feeling in Lucius’ gut said so He studied her when she rejoined the Cavanaghs, watched her interaction with Newberry, saw the pain behind her smile

Despite agreeing to keep his distance, he’d been cohs, played the disreputable rogue while Miss Atwood acted the disgruntled neh her confident façade, he had noted the throbbing pulse in her neck, the tremor of suppressed fear in her voice

Damn Newberry to hell!

Luciusfor the lord who had entered the er and ould leave shuffling on his arse with two broken kneecaps