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“Get out of here Go before it’s too late” Her s were barely coherent “Fire … fire at the … the manor”

“Rose” Patting her hand helped as she opened her eyes once and then squeezed the for Dr Taylor”

Her eyes flickered, and she opened theain Thin cornflower-blue irises ri a terrifying scene unfold

“Wake up, Rose” With a gentle hand, he stroked her brow

At the touch of his fingers, she sucked in a ragged breath “Christian?” She scanned the roo to settle on hih Thank heavens” Her breathing settled, and she exhaled slowly

“I think the horrendous events of the day have taken their toll” No wonder every newco presently Mrs Hibbet fears you’ve contracted the fever”

She glanced at the tiny brown bottle on her night stand “No If anything, I feel cold to my bones”

“No doubt the dip in the lake, coupled with the cold night air, has given you a chill A nip of brandy onders if you’re able to stomach it”

Rose nodded “I need soh I’ in my head”

A light knock on the door brought Mrs Hibbet His housekeeper hovered at the threshold “Can you spare a moment, my lord?”

Frorave expression, it was evident she had important news to impart God, he hoped the woman at The Talbot Inn hadn’t taken a turn for the worse He turned to Rose “I’ll be back in a lass of brandy”

Once out in the hall, Mrs Hibbet pulled the door closed “I sent Dawkins to the inn to fetch Dr Taylor,” she whispered “He said so after Rose”

Christian jerked his head back “Someone? Who? What did they say?” Was it that lunatic froet more than a punch on the jaw

“Well, the fellow never used her naolden hair A pretty thing, he said” Mrs Hibbet glanced at the closed door “He said she’s beenfrom the area for a few days”

“Was it one of the staff fro for themaid Or was Rose’s dissolute brother in need of funds and someho she’d taken ith a wealthy lord?