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Miss Cartwright snorted “Iine the scowl on Lady Tranown She knows full well her husband bought it for me She will believe Tranmere and I are still lovers He ant rid of me and will pay handsomely to secure my co-operation And she will suffer humiliation in front of her precious friends”
“One’s iination can often run aith theo awry So allow htened to his full height and clasped his hands behind his back “Yourthe itee You have until tomorrow to be out of this house I’ifts he purchased But once he hears of your plan to drain hiive him”
“You’re asking me to leave my ho rooant countenance faltered
“No, I’ you to leave” Thorpe reached into his pocket, withdrew a banknote and gave it to Miss Cartwright “Tranest you accept else I’ve no doubt you’ll face transportation, perhaps even the noose”
Miss Cartwright tightened the belt on her wrapper and with a disgruntled huff snatched the note from Mr Thorpe’s hand “What choice do I have?”
“None” Thorpe inclined his head “We shall leave you to pack and ait in the carriage for yourMadame Fontaine’s items Rest assured, I shall have words with Mr Reynolds Good day, Miss Cartwright And h to fall for your womanly wiles”
With a tug of the bell pull strong enough to free it of its s, the courtesan summoned her servant
Mr Thorpe touched Daphne lightly on the elbow and escorted her back to the carriage One ing remarks that caused Daphne’s hands to shake and her breath to co Thorpe’s lack of interest in the courtesan, his cold and rather blunt tone when dealing with the ravishing creature, roused a strange sensation in her chest
Thorpe was renowned for his abrupt manner and frosty tone, yet ith Daphne there wa
s a war side he rarely showed anyone else
As he assisted Daphne into the carriage, their gazes locked Good Lord, her heart fluttered so erratically it was about to take flight Their earlier kiss stemmed froined kissing him for an entirely different reason
“I think Miss Cartwright fancied you as her new benefactor,” Daphne said as they waited for the arht of Thorpe taking the stru her tenderly “The wo”
“Soh I doubt I possess the refinement necessary to warm her bed”
“Nonsense,” Daphne blurted “You entleman”
He shuffled unco I ht an offer?”