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“It’s not our fault, my lady,” Molly cried “What else e to do?”

Mrs Birch nudged the maid “Since Lord Fernall’s death, we have been warned not to mention the secret roos that went on here”

“It is not the secret room that concerns me” One of the people in front of her had led a systehten her out of her wits “Which one of you covered my dress ine and placed it in my bed? Which one of you sullied the ith your cruel threats?” The sudden rush of anger forced her to her feet “Which one of you sought to torer?”

A sob caught in her throat and she sed it down

Sedgewick bowed “My lady, I am not to blame for these unfortunate events My position in this household co to hinder my position”

“What? Do your loftyroo my sherry?” Isabella mocked

Sedgewick’s cheeks turned berry red “A regrettable incident that will not happen again, my lady”

Isabella noted the piece of cloth tied around Molly’s finger “I am told the paint smeared over the wall in the master chamber burns when it comes into contact with the skin Is that not correct, Lord Morford?”

“It is, Lady Fernall Perhaps we should consider your uilt”

“No,article “I scalded it yesterday when heating the water for his lordship’s bath” Her frantic gaze shot to Mrs Birch “Tell them it wasn’t me who ruined the wallpaper Tell them we had no choice but to do what Mr Blackwood said”

“For goodness sake, girl” Mrs Birch shook her head and with a grunt of resignation stepped forward “Mr Blackwood told us e had to do”

Tristan straightened “Did Mr Blackwood say why you were to terrify your er radiated from him, hot and fiery “Make no arded as deception, deception with the intent to cause harm”

The colour drained from their faces; their complexions turned ashen, their eyes ith alarm

“Causing my lady harm was never our intention” Mrs Birch cleared her throat and turned her attention to Isabella “Mr Blackwood said Lord Fernall resents his father for forcing you to stay in this house Lord Fernall thinks you should reside at Grangefields, a more respectable abode This house is no place for a lady”

“Well, why did he not say so instead of devising such a ridiculous charade?”