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After bobbing a curtsy, the woman scurried off

“Give me a few minutes to dress, and I’ll meet you outside”

Christian sat astride Valiant, staring out into the distance while he waited for Taylor But it wasn't the disaster at the hts For the first ti another private conversation in the study with his governess

Guilt flared as the i back His desire for Rose should have roused a pang of shame But no matter what position she held in his household, he refused to see her as a servant

For heaven’s sake, he'd never ardless of her situation now, she could hold her head ast the elite of society Perhaps he should press her for round But what if his probing questions pushed her away? He’d grown accustoht leave

“Forgive , roorows less efficient as the years pass Nohere are we headed? I trust someone moved the woman in question to a safer location”

“Yes, The Talbot Inn”

“Ah, we’d best get there before Mrs Parsons mixes one of her tinctures The wo when it comes to herbal remedies”

They nudged their horses out onto the lane and set off towards the inn

Alerted by the clip of their horses’ hooves on the cobblestoned courtyard, Mr Parsons rushed out to greet the upstairs”

So the gentleman was a member of the aristocracy Damn Not only did that present a proble servants, but there were still those in London who liked to gossip about Cassandra It was yet another reason for re in the country

They disroom took their horses

“Takethe leather satchel draped across his shoulder “Ensure Mrs Parsons doesn’t give her anything to eat or drink until I’ve h examination”

“Aye, sir”

They hurried inside Mrs Parsons appeared and beckoned them upstairs “I’ve put the lady in here” She rapped on the door, opened it ajar and peered inside “The doctor is here, my lord”