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Ada hu out, but it’s not a secret?”

“Well, yes, it is a secret”

“Then we are creeping?”

“Yes,” Lydia whispered Maids were not supposed to ask questions “We are creeping”

“Oh, only you kno I tend to trip over my feet when I’m nervous, miss”

Lydia hooked arms with the o “I have a good grip—”

The drawing roo out into the hall He wore a long silk sold tassel

Lydia froze

“Ah, good aze drifted over her as if he’d known of her plan all along and was lying in wait “Is it not rather early for an outing?”

Suspicion hung in the air like the heavy blade of a guillotine One wrong word fro down to sever their plans

“Not at all,” Lydia said, lifting her chin “There is nothing like the orate one’s spirit”

“I can think of better ways to get the old blood pu” His sly smile made her stomach coil in revulsion Oh, she couldn’t wait for this popinjay to return to London

“Well, we each have our preferences, and walking outdoors is mine” Lydia descended the last few steps “I’ll be sure to tell you all about it upon my return”

“Why wait until then? Give e, and I shall accompany you on your little excursion” He raised a brow as if it were a sword braced ready to ward off her challenge

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible I wish to discuss a few matters with my maid, a few personal matters, you understand”