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“Then you should know not to listen to those who have nothing better to do than prod and poke others for inforust and contempt

Excellent! Any expression of emotion conveyed a weakened stance

“So are you saying Mrs Forester is not yourthey are all mistaken?”

“I refuse to discuss my private affairs with you or with anyone”

“Well, I understand your concern when it coossips Equally, it would not do for others to discover that ghosts wander the corridors of Highley Grange Not when you mean to sell”

It took all the control she possessed not to snigger

“Sell? Why on earth would you think I want to sell Highley Grange?”

“To pay off yourdebts, of course” She cast him her sweetest smile “If only you would have told efields As your stepmother, you must knoould have supported your decision”

He detested her referring to herself as his stepested a level of superiority he refused to accept or acknowledge

The faint sound of grinding teeth resonated frolanced back over his shoulder, looked to the left and then the right before giving her his full attention

“I am not in debt Do not dare think to co in that room” He jerked his head in the direction of the door at the end of the corridor “Whilst my father had many faults, his ability to deal with fiscal matters was not one of them Only a fool would fritter away his inheritance”

Isabella sighed “Then it does not make any sense?”

“What does not make sense?”

“If you do not need to sell Highley Grange, ould you arrange for the servants to hide in the secret rooht to scare h-pitched tone revealed a trace of anger

“Keep your voice down,” he whispered “These hauntings have obviously played havoc with your sensibilities Why would the servants do such a thing? The o back there I shall send Mr Blackwood to collect your belongings so that you efields I am rarely ever there, so you do not need to worry on that score”