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“If you will excusearound to face the bastard who thought he had the right to

Randall flinched He raised his hands, though the barrier ood it would do “Wait We e”

Crossing his arh the dandy’s defence with ease “I’entlemen of your acquaintance,” Miles said, his voice filled with vehemence

“No, they say you’re a devil,” Randall muttered almost to himself

“Oh, I can be wicked and cruel when the need arises I can be your worst night behind him “And I would risk my life to protect that lady from scoundrels like you”

The punch came quick, an uppercut to the jaw that whipped Randall’s head back though it was meant only to stun He would deal with Randall in his own time, his own place “I could kill you now, but where is the pleasure in that? You will meet me on Blackmoor Common at dawn”

“No,” Lydia cried “He’s not worth the time or the trouble”

She was right of course But it was a question of honour, and he could not have every rogue thinking they could ride roughshod over him

Fro closer to the door “I do not recall saying you could leave”

“I a cere his innocent tone “If there is to be no ceremony, then I am not needed and shall simply take my leave”

Lydia cleared her throat “Arabella bribed the Reverend Wyatt to perforainst the match”

Miles could hardly challenge a h evidently, the reverend was not as pious as he would have the good people of Cuckfield believe

What could Lady Lovell possibly know about the man that would tempt him to act in such an unchristian fashion?

“The fact that you’re here is an aduilt,” Miles infor in one’s faith? What happened to standing by one’s principles?”

The reverend remained silent