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Panic flared

Miss Asprey examined Christian’s face with curiosity and interest He supposed afor her next benefactor should her current lover grow tired and move on

“Your naht?” Miss Asprey said with mild amusement “As when the sun has set, or as in the medieval heroes we love to read about in tales of olde?”

Christian frowned “As in those charged with defending a maiden’s honour”

“Splendid” Miss Asprey clapped her hands together “Now, before we sit — and I recoical approach — we ratitude for your help at Morton Manor” She coughed once into her clenched fist

“Then please take a seat” Christian gestured to the chairs in front of the desk The ones regularly occupied by Taylor and Wilmslow “As I’h I came as soon as I saw the smoke”

“And we are grateful you brought Dr Taylor” Stanton waited for his co into a chair “With his assistance, Miss Asprey has made a speedy recovery”

“I trust your stay at The Talbot Inn is proving satisfactory” Christian sat, too He suspected they had no desire to pass pleasantries and wished only to address the matter at hand

Miss Asprey nodded “Mrs Parsons has been most attentive”

After a brief silence, Lord Stanton cleared his throat “We are here to discuss a h, but they say you’re a fair and honest man”

Christian braced himself This was the moment they demanded the return of theirworth fighting for” He’d not give up so easily Besides, Rose hadn’t signed a contract, and was under no obligation to go with them

“We’re looking for soolden hair and a bright smile to be exact”

What an odd way to describe a servant

“Her name is Rose,” Miss Asprey added

Christian’s sto ht to the point