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His face remained as expressionless as an artist’s blank canvas “I trust everything was in order I’m afraid I have kept Mr Blackwood busy with the renovations to the townhouse Mrs Birch knows to send word should any problems arise”

“It is e that forced ed to remain so calm and composed “I understand that now is perhaps not the best tie events that occurred there But it is a matter of some importance, and therefore cannot wait”

“Strange events? Has so untoward happened? Has one of the staff been taken ill?”

Oh, he really was exceptional when it ca others

A co corridor captured their attention A rather scrawny looking gentlerabbed the arainst the wall outside but it failed to stop hiers reached out to loosen the knot in his cravat The man’s death-like pallor made her suck in a breath

“Should soo over and help him?” she said in a sudden panic as people sih his heart has given out”

Henry gave a disdainful sneer “It is not his heart that’s weak but his morals”

Tristan had entleh stakes at play?

“I auilty of some immoral act,” she said, for Henry was a hypocrite of monumental proportion “Should we not show him some compassion?”

“Not at all It serves the blighter right No doubt he has just gambled his inheritance and lost If he has any sense, he’ll pack a trunk full of valuables and be on the first ship to Boston”

Isabella had heard many tales of ruination, but to witness it firsthand The look of utter despairthe fellow’s face reminded her of how reckless and foolish people could be

A footman dressed in fine livery exited the room, lifted thethe corridor

“I hope the footh she struggled to convey a hint of optimism

“Judging by the look on his face, recovery is far from an option” Henry shook his head and turned to face her “Now, before the rude interruption you were about to explain the strange occurrences at Highley Grange”

A busy thoroughfare was not the place to discuss the terrifying events he had orchestrated to frighten her Nor would it do to be seen entering a room alone with him