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Jacob scowled

“Of course, if you would prefer I fetch your e”

“You’re not a ht to be suspicious “And you can’t be the new governess”

“And you are far too astute for your age” Rose noted his surprise upon hearing the c

ompliment “I’m a lady in need of work as I’m alone and far from home”

The explanation held some semblance of the truth

“Where’s your family?” Alice’s sweet voice was devoid of hatred or malice

“I don’t know”

Her father could well be at Morton Manor Her brother, Oliver, was in Italy, and yet Rose doubted it was far away enough to escape their father’s foul teht of her brother Once they had been inseparable, had stood together, just like Jacob and Alice, stood strong against the torrent of verbal abuse

“Is that why you’re crying?” Alice said

Rose dabbed her eyes with the pads of her fingers, surprised to find theive anything to have hi care of er to do”

Oliver surely knew nothing of her incarceration at Morton Manor else he would have rushed houards with his bare fists to free her

Alice glanced at Jacob with a look of love and admiration

“Now” Rose inhaled to prevent the water filling her eyes fro down her cheeks “I wish to make a pact with you”

“A pact?” Jacob’s eyes widened despite an effort to maintain an impassive expression