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Accepting one’s fate andthe most of opportunities were said to be the secret to happiness Dr Taylor ht have found a miracle cure for the pox had he focused on his skills in botany But a bitter heart is its own poison Every wicked deed is like another dose

Christian closed his eyes as his head fell back against the squab He waited to feel a crippling bitterness, too, and yet love was the only sensation burning in his chest

Sucking in a breath, he opened the door and juht broke through a gap in the drawing roo to share a brandy with him, even if it was Mrs Hibbet

Bamfield opened the front door as Christian approached “Welcome home, my lord” The butler took his hat “Have you eaten? I can arrange for a light supper”

“There’s no need I had dinner with the Hoe of clothes Still, the s to his nostrils

The butler inclined his head “Lord Trevane is in the drawing room should you wish to join him”

“Thank you, Bamfield” The butler opened his mouth to speak, but Christian tapped hi day, and I shall retire shortly”

“But, my lord, you have—”

“Don’t fret, Bamfield I shall snuff out the candles” Christian strode into the drawing room to find Vane, minus his boots and cravat, sprawled out on the chaise So troubled his friend, but Christian was so absorbed with his own problems he’d not had a chance to broach the subject

“I’h,” Vane said as Christian crept closer to the chaise “Fetch a glass and have a drink with h his hair “There’s enough left in the decanter”

Christian poured thelass and then dropped into the seat opposite

Vane took a swig “I believe congratulations are in order”

“Congratulations? Are you referring to h?” Christian frowned His notePeel

“I a nuptials”

“Do you know so Rose to marry him, the words had not yet left his lips