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Chapter 9

With a claw-like grip on the balustrade, Priscilla climbed the stairs to her bedchamber The slow, hesitant steps were like those of a lady who’d consu by would presu stemmed from an inability to focus

But her fickle heart proved to be the problee to rush back to the ballroom, to rest her head on Matthew’s chest and dance until dawn

However, one did not win a gaath reaped rewards She had to be the one in control of the play if she had any hope of succeeding

Priscilla was about to enter her roo noise inside captured her attention She turned and peered over the balustrade, noted the footman, John, had returned to his post at the bottom of the stairs Should she stumble upon an intruder, one scream and John would be at her side in seconds

Treht But the door was locked Foolishly, it had not occurred to her to secure the room when she’d ventured downstairs With soain

The sound of footsteps padding towards the door forced her to step back

With her hand clutching her throat, Priscilla noted the faint sliver of light fro her maid’s fearful face

“Good Lord, Anne, you frightened me half to death” Priscilla slipped into the room and locked the door behind her “Why did you not return to your quarters as I instructed? It’s not safe to creep around at night when Mr Chandler has visitors”

Despite Anne’s reassurances, Priscilla had told the maid to stay in her room below stairs and bolt the door While Matthew prohibited the guests froh tales to know there was always one rogue willing to try his luck

“I knew you’d struggle to undress” Anne’s lips formed a thin line Her pale skin and red hair enhanced her so the alterations to the blue gown and wanted to show you what I’d done”

Priscilla glanced beyond Anne’s shoulder to the sapphire-blue gown laid out on the bed

“I made the sleeves sarment aloft “I put the black ribbon under the bodice and added the fine layer of auze to the skirt”

The next tih to venture downstairs, the blue goould be the perfect choice to capture her husband’s attention

Priscilla moved to examine Anne’s remarkable work “You’re wasted as a maid You should have a modiste shop that caters to the elite” Priscilla touched the oval jewel in the centre of the bodice “What prompted you to add the brooch?”