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“Everything always comes back to the dreaded sickness,” she said with a hint of amusement

“That’s exactly why I called at Dr Taylor’s house” He walked over to the desk and grabbed her che at his bare buttocks “I wanted to speak to his housekeeper, to ask who makes the tonics and tinctures he provides”

“And what did you learn? With the doctor’s hectic schedule I doubt he has time to make them himself”

“Reverend Wilmsloife provides the herbs and plants used in the potions” He helped Rose into her che her breasts just to tease her a little more “By all accounts, she is a keen botanist who once tried to convince Mr Watson that natural re the ed”

“Well, that explains the reverend’s theory about the illness Although I can see why he didn’tso knowledgeable What do you propose to do?”

“I’ve told every member of the household that they are not to drink the tonics” He held up her stays, and she pushed her ared on the ties, kissed the soft swell of her breasts bulging up fro back “Mrs Hibbet will take control of all ht into the house”

Rose’s gaze flicked briefly to hisinto your breeches?”

He gave asomewhat of a distraction?”

&n

bsp; “You know it is” Moistening her lips, she watched hione all day Where else did your curious mind take you?”

“To London”

“London?”

“I took a bottle of the tincture to an apothecary and asked for an analysis He rite with his findings” He helped her into her dress and fought the urge to strip her naked again “For the first time in years, my mind is clear Indeed, I don’t knohy I didn’t think of it before”

“Why would you? Who can one trust if not a doctor or a man of God?”

“That’s what I’ to understand” He believednise the traits of a liar But ould I suspect theain?”