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When Priscilla arrived at the Morfords’ townhouse in Bedford S

quare, Ebsworth welcomed her into the hall with his usual air of indifference Tristan’sthe last few months, her deter factor

The thought of seeing thefrom her throat to her navel Thank the Lord the woht about one thing: falling prey to her lies and deceit iven the option, she wouldn’t change a thing

“If you would care to wait in the drawing room, madam, Lady Morford will be with you momentarily She insisted you make yourself comfortable”

Priscilla inclined her head “Thank you, Ebsworth” She handed the butler her pelisse, gloves and bonnet and followed hisroorace of a duke, but she doubted he was as handy with his fists as Hopkins

Priscilla glanced around the richly furnished rooolden harp A fine collection of sporting paintings graced the walls An ilass chandelier acted as a focal point, the large giltthe reflection

Had Matthew not offered his hand this could have been her hoe of her husband flashed into her y that heated her blood His wicked hands scorched her skin whereas the thought of kissing Tristan was akin to being wrapped in a frozen blanket

“Mrs Chandler” Isabella rushed forward and took hold of Priscilla’s hands “What a pleasant surprise You should have sent word, and I would have been better prepared to receive you” Isabella released Priscilla’s hands, brushed the creases from her dress, and tucked a few stray tendrils of hair behind her ear “I ht”

In all honesty, Isabella looked as though she’d been tumbled in a barn Indeed, the lady’s flushed cheeks and swollen lips added weight to the theory that Priscilla had interrupted a private moment

“Not at all, you always look splendid” Embarrassment made it impossible for Priscilla to maintain eye contact “If it is inconvenient, I can call another time”

“No No” Isabella waved her hands “Please sit, and I shall send for tea”

“I do not want to impose”

Isabella pursed her lips “It must be important else you would not have come” Pity flashed in her dark brown eyes “And I would dearly like to become better acquainted”

Days of suppressed eh “I … I need to talk to soo out of my mind”

Unperturbed by the hint of desperation in Priscilla’s voice, Isabella tapped her affectionately on the arht place Tell me your troubles, and I shall do ht of Priscilla’s trehts, let us forgo the tea and have a drop of Madeira I know it’s early but … well … who’s to know?”