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“Regardless of the circumstances, you’re not to leave your post,” Matthew reiterated

John bowed “I understand, sir”

“I’ll be perfectly fine” Priscilla touched his aret rid of this rabble”

Matthew took her hand, brought it to his lips and pressed a kiss on her knuckles “You were aht”

Witnessing her radiant s

“We were a one final kiss across his lips, she climbed the stairs to her bedchamber

God, he was a juainst his ribs Did it ste the only da in his stomach was an entirely new sensation

If John thought it odd that Mattheas still gaping at the stairs long after he’d heard Priscilla close her door, he gave no indication

“I’ll not uest has left, sir,” John said There was a brief pause “Is everything all right, sir?”

“Yes, John Everything is fine” Matthew sighed and dragged his hand down his face “Life can be surprising It can take but one event to send you spiralling on a different course”

A deep frown lined John’s brow

“It’s like getting on the wrongto help the footman understand “Your first instinct is to panic You feel lost, helpless But then at soht one all along”

“Yes, sir,” John said, but probably hadn’t got the first clue what Mattheas ra on about

Leaving John to concentrate on his duties, Matthew returned to the ballroo a few discreet hints in Lord Parson’s ear But the blasted man had disappeared

Chigwell, Mullworth and Mrs Wilson were conversing near the terrace, and so he thought to try there