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Lydia lifted her chin “People are fickle They will soon forget” Perhaps it was a naive assumption, easily made when one lived a provincial life “Next month someone else will be the topic of conversation in the salons”

“This is serious Soe”

Keen to discover if Arabella really did have a list of deht of the fact I am utterly ruined, I will have to alter my plans When I come into my inheritance, I shall sell the London townhouse and buy a property by the coast—perhaps Brighton No one knows me there”

“Brighton? Brighton!” Arabella’s scowl disappeared Her bottom lip quivered “Don’t be ridiculous”

Lord Randall raised a coy brow “Bravo Most ladies would cruht of such news But not you, Miss Lovell” He rose languidly to his feet “Might I be so bold as to sugges

t another option?”

Oh, Lord!

Had thebeen open she ht have dived out

“While some would view you as a trifle soiled,” Randall continued as he prowled towards her, “I aht ears, coupled with an announceood”

Their betrothal?

She would rather marry old Albert

“Oh, you would do that, Rudolph?” Arabella clutched her hands to her chest in feigned appreciation “Hofully considerate you are”

“I know” Lord Randall sht her chin between his fingers and stared into her eyes “I think ill suit very well, Miss Lovell You will have to modify your behaviour, of course But once we have you swathed in the latest gowns from Paris, and bathe you in eau de chypre, I think your attitude will change”

Lydia noted the heated look in his gaze as his thumb brushed her chin Hoas it that Randall irl while Greystone made her feel like an irresistible woh

“Do not answer now,” Randall continued “You reen eyes flashed cold “But know this is the only time I shall make the offer”