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“Oh, Rose, Fate conspired to bring Oliver to me” Nicole looked up at Oliver, admiration evident in her smile “We’ve been on one wild adventure this last week But through all the angst, we found love”

Rose tried to hold back the tears Nicole deserved to be happy, and Oliver would never find a wo

One solitary tear trickled down her cheek “I’m so pleased for you both”

“I’ll leave you to continue your conversation in private” Christian shuffled back He did not sound like hi roo further”

“Thank you, Farleigh,” Oliver said “Thank you for co care of my sister”

Christian appeared indifferent, yet the tension in the air crushed the breath out of her lungs He stood rigid, his body stiff No matter how aze

“I shall arrange for Mrs Hibbet to help Rose pack, although she came here with very little I’m sure you want to be on your way And ood fortune”

“You’re welcome to join us tomorrow We have no friends or family in the area and would welcome a familiar face in the pews”

“Thank you for the kind invitation, but I fear, in light of this sudden turn of events, I must spend time with my children”

Rose’s heart sank to her sto them

Reality struck her like a sharp slap in the face The only hope she had of staying was if she married Christian But he’d made his position clear Mrs Hibbet would help her pack

“Can I not at least stay one ht?” She spoke directly to hioodbye to the children?”

“I shall speak to the children in the ”

Oliver snorted “Why would you want to stay? Lord Farleigh will explain that you’re not a governess”

Part of her wanted to be a sioverness, with no wealth or home to call her own She reached out and touched Christian’s arm “I’d like to help them understand my predicament”