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Before Rose could question Mrs Hibbet further, Foster greeted the new arrivals

“The gentleh the man were a saint sent down froht is the Reverend Wile But don’t let that fool you”

There wasn’t time to ask the housekeeper what she h stepped out into the hall to greet them

Upon seeing the viscount, the little flutter in Rose’s belly flew up to her chest and then her throat His discreet glance in her direction caused the whole process to begin again

Dr Taylor was of a siolden hair and a kind s profession The Reverend Wil the dark hair at his teaze, the reverend turned, perused her from head to toe and then smiled

“A man of God knows it’s rude to look ahen so,” Mrs Hibbet whispered

The transgression was lint in the reverend’s eye suggested a fondness for his female parishioners One that went beyond the need to nurture the soul

Lord Farleigh led the men into his study and Foster closed the door

Mrs Hibbet exhaled “Come, I’d best take you up to meet the children The doctor ant to exa present” There was a grave edge to the woman’s tone

“Don’t you trust the doctor?”

“Oh, it’s not the doctor you need to fear The reverend likes to say a feords to bring co if there’s ti’s best done with the hands, if you take ”

Rose wanted to pretend that she didn’t, for the thought of any e of a woman in such a vulnerable state made her feel cold to her bones

“Then I pray I’m not struck doith the mystery illness”

“No doubt Dr Taylor will give you a restorative It’s helped me keep the devil at bay”

Rose lacked faith in the ability of tonics and tinctures Once, Mrs Gripes had put an odd herb in her tea to make her docile Nicole tasted it immediately and refused to take any refreshment unless she’d made the drink herself