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Christian scanned the height of the wall “You go next I don’t need your assistance”

Stanton blinked in surprise as his gaze drifted over the breadth of Christian’s chest

“School pranks,” Christian continued, “you kno it is” Once, he’d clie on Haystack Henry

Stanton was heavier than expected but one good push and the earl cleared the wall, too Christian followed Lady Stanton’s lead and used the gaps left by themortar as footholds

“Did the note say where Rose should meet Taylor?” Christian brushed the dust froarden Rows of beds lined the ays, each one filled with unusual plants and herbs

“No, but I don’t suppose there are many places for a person to hide” Lady Stanton walked a few paces along the path “But from the stench in the air, it’s clear we’re close to the river Perhaps there’s a—”

A high-pitched shriek captured their attention

“Rose!” The sound of a woman’s mournful wails held Christian rooted to the spot

“This way” Stanton pointed south, and they took flight along the path With the heavy crunch of their boots on the gravel, the whole of London would have heard the

They followed the cries to a row of brick buildings, the door to one stood ajar Christian thrust out his are his companions to stop and tread carefully

“Shush,” he whispered, and they crept closer to the door “We don’t want to startle Taylor”

The loud din inside the building obliterated any other sound Cries of despair followed bouts of angry curses

“You did this,” a wo your nose in where it doesn’t belong”

“Don’t just stand there,” Rose said Hearing her voice cal heart “We must call for help”

“Why could you not leave things alone? Look! Look what you’ve made me do”