Page 69 (1/2)

Mr Musswell placed a hand on Boden’s sleeve “She has had her suspicions for soe”

Matthew cast his mind back a few months He recalled talk of a liaison between Mr Musswell and Lucinda Pearce

“Revenge is certainly on her agenda,” Matthew agreed “The lady cannot cope with rejection She can be irrational when things don’t go as she planned”

Musswell sighed “No doubt she finds this whole situation aarden”

“Oh, there is no need to worry on that score,” Matthew said arrogantly “Miss Pearce has left I revoked her membership, told her she’s not welcome in my home”

“You did what?” Boden punched the air, the strenuous activity causing him to sway and stumble “Damn it all God knohat she’ll do now”

“Caler serves no one but the Devil”

Lucinda was nothing et what she wanted

“The woman has no power over you,” Matthew said “No person in their right mind would accuse a lord of a criminal offence If she spreads rumours, you must deny them Indeed, it would not take much to have her refused entry to every ball and soiree”

“Mr Chandler is right, Lawrence You give the woman too much credit”

Matthew nodded “What you do in your personal lives is of no consequence” This was not the first time he had chanced upon a similar situation “Buta liaison so openly is courting trouble”

“It’s that bloody brandy,” Boden cried “I aes”

Matthew shrugged “Perhaps you should have had the port It was a particularly good bottle Indeed, ame”

Boden’s eyes widened “Yes … yes Perhaps you’re right”

“Indeed, I find brandy affects one’s facial expressions You appeared to develop a twitch before playing a knave An excessively arched brow equated to a queen”