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Taylor? Had the doctor made it his life’s mission to cause him misery?

“Rose is no longer a maid” No, she was the ruined sister of an earl, the one-tience,” and cunning, he added silently, “was better suited to the role of governess”

Miss Asprey looked at the earl and arched a brow

“Mrs Parsons said you’re a er, my lord” Miss Asprey’s tone held a hint of suspicion If the earl sought a e proposal to save his sister’s ruined reputation, he could think again

“These last two years, yes What of it?” It didn’t matter that he cared about Rose If he took another wife, he needed to be da with Cassandra’s lies and deceit was enough to last him a lifetime And his children deserved better

Stanton fixed hih, have no fear Indeed, regardless of what peopleunless she expressly wished it”

Impatient for answers, Christian stood “Then I shall send for her She spoke fondly of you I’m sure she will be only too happy to accompany you back to London”

Christian strode to the door, but the earl called out to hih, I must have your word you’ll not rettable situation privately, and with the utmost discretion”

“Of course” He couldn’t breathe past the lump in his throat Beads of sweat formed on his brow “You have my word” Why the hell would he want to tell the world he’d been taken for a fool again?

“I can only apologise for the inconvenience caused” Stanton sounded sincere “I doubt Rose was thinking logically when she agreed to work here”

“With the gift of hindsight, I’ never hiring a maid without references

With an urgent need to deal with the matter quickly, Christian strode out into the hall He summoned Foster and sent him to find Mrs Hibbet

“God daritted teeth as he paced back and forth He punched the air for good measure Rose had used him She’d used his children And for what? To satisfy a curiosity?

Mrs Hibbet came hurry

ing down the stairs “You sent for me, my lord”