kColork kColork -2--3--4--5--6--7--8--9 TextkSizek 10k--11k--12k--13k--14k--15k--16k--17k--18k--19k--20k--21k--22k--23k--24 k THEkBARGAIN kBy kMarykJokPutneyk

kContents kContentsChapterk1k Chapterk2k Chapterk3k Chapterk4k Chapterk5k Chapterk6k Chapterk7k Chapterk8k Chapterk9k Chapterk10k Chapterk11k Chapterk12k Chapterk13k Chapterk14k Chapterk15k Chapterk16k Chapterk17k Chapterk18k Chapterk19k Chapterk20k Chapterk21k Chapterk22k Chapterk23k Chapterk24k Chapterk25k Chapterk26k Chapterk27k Chapterk28k Chapterk29k Chapterk30k Chapterk31k Chapterk32k Chapterk33k Chapterk34k Epilogue kPraisekforkMarykJokPutneykandkherkunforgettableknovels k"Akcomplexkmazekofkakstoryktwistedkwithkpassion,kviolence,kandkredemption.kMiss kPutneykjustkgetsk betterkandkbetter."k NorakRoberts k"MarykJokPutneykiskakgiftedkwriterkwithkankintuitivekunderstandingkofkwhatkma e skromancekwor ."k

k"Ms.kPutneykhaskakgiftkofknonstopksensitivity,kwit,kcharm,kandkaksensekofkvital itykforktellingkakwonderfulk lovekstory."k AffairekdekCoeur k"Dynamite!"k LaurakKinsale kThek Bargain kMarykJokPutney k AkSIGNETkBOOK kSIGNETk PublishedkbykNewkAmericankLibrary,kakdivisionkofk PenguinkPutnamkInc.,k375kHudsonkStreet,k NewkYor ,kNewkYor k10014,kU.S.A.k PenguinkBoo skLtd,k27kWrightskLane,k

k AmandakQuic

k AmandakQuic

kLondonkW8k5TZ,kEnglandk PenguinkBoo skAustraliakLtd,kRingwood,k Victoria,kAustraliak PenguinkBoo skCanadakLtd,k10kAlcornkAvenue,k Toronto,kOntario,kCanadakM4Vk3B2k PenguinkBoo sk(N.Z.)kLtd,k182-190kWairaukRoad,k Auc landk10,kNewkZealand kLondonkW8k5TZ,kEnglandk PenguinkBoo skAustraliakLtd,kRingwood,k Victoria,kAustraliak PenguinkBoo skCanadakLtd,k10kAlcornkAvenue,k Toronto,kOntario,kCanadakM4Vk3B2k PenguinkBoo sk(N.Z.)kLtd,k182-190kWairaukRoad,k Auc landk10,kNewkZealand kFirstkpublishedkbykSignet,kankimprintkofkNewkAmericankLibrary,kakdivisionkofkPe nguinkPutnamkInc. kOriginallykpublishedkinkaksomewhatkdifferentkversionkinkakSignetkeditionkentitl edkThekWould-bekWidow. kFirstkPrinting,kOctoberk1999 kCopyrightkkMarykJokPutney,k1988,k1999k Allkrightskreserved k REGISTEREDkTRADEMARK MARCAkREGISTRADA kPrintedkinkthekUnitedkStateskofkAmerica kTokmykmother,kEleanorkCongdonkPutney,k fromkwhomkIkinheritedkmyklovekofktravel,klanguage,k andkakgoodkread kProloguek

kThekfourthkEarlkofkCromartykwaskburiedkwithkallkthekpompkandkdignitykduekhiskra n .kThekvillagekchurchk bellktolledksolemnlykaskhekwasklaidktokrestkinkakmistykrain,kallkofkthekmalekmem berskofkhiskhouseholdk dressedkinkblac kandksuitablyksomber.kTheklatekearlkhadkbeenkakhandsome,kforcefu lkman,kfairkofkmindkandk quic ktoklaugh.kHiskdependentskhadkallkbeenkvastlykproudkofkhim. kChiefkmournerkwaskthekearl'skonlykchild,kLadykJocelynkKendal.kAtkthekpostfunera lkgathering,kshek performedkherkdutieskwithkimpeccablekgrace,kherkpale,kperfectkfeatureskstillkask akmarblekangelkunderkherk sheerkblac kmourningkveil.kShekandkherkfatherkhadkbeenkverykclose. kThiskwouldkbekLadykJocelyn'sklastkofficialkactkatkCharltonkAbbey,ksincekherkUnc lekWilloughbykwasknowk thekowner.kIfkshekresentedkthekfactkthatkshekhadkbeenktransformedkfromkmistressk tokguestkinkherkchildhoodk home,kshekconcealedkherkfeelings. kThoughkakfewkelderlykladieskmightkthin kherkindependentkstrea kwouldkbekconside redkheadstrongkinkaklessk well-bredkgirl,knonekofkthekmenkminded.kAtktwenty-onekshekpossessedkmorekthankhe rksharekofkbeautykandk charm,kandkaskshekmovedkaboutkthekgreatkhallkmenkloo edkafterkher,kandkbrieflykd reamed. kTheklastkritualkofktheklongkdaykwaskthekreadingkofkthekwill.kThekfamilyklawyer, kMr.kCrandall,khadkcomek downkfromkLondonktokperformkthekduty.kItkwaskaklengthyktas ,kwithknumerouskbeque stskforkhonoredk servantskandkspecialkcharities. kLadykJocelynksatkimmobilekinkthekcrowdkofklisteners.kAkmerekdaughterkcouldknotk succeedktokherkfather'sk honors,kbutkshekwouldkstillkinheritkaksubstantialkpartkofkherkfather'skfortune,k enoughktokbekonekofkEngland'sk greatestkheiresses. kTheknewkearl,kaksolemn-facedkmankwithoutkaktithekofkhisklatekbrother'skdash,kli stenedkgravely.kOncekitkhadk beenkassumedkthatkthekfourthkearlkwouldkremarrykandkgetkhimselfkakmalekheir,kbut khiskexperiencekofk matrimonykappearedktokhaveksouredkhimkonkthatkstate.kHekhadkbeenkcontentkwithkhi skonlykdaughter,kandk Willoughbykwaskthekbeneficiarykofkthatkchoice.kThoughktheknewkearlksincerelykmou rnedkhiskbrother,khek waskhumankenoughktokbekgladkforkhiskelevationktokthektitle. kThekwillkpresentedknoksurprises untilkthekend.kMr.kCrandallkclearedkhiskthroatkan dkglancedknervouslykatk thekstatuesquekbeautykinkthekfrontkrowkbeforekstartingktokreadkthekfinalkprovisi ons.k"Andkforkmykbelovedk daughter,kJocelyn,kIkherebykbequeathkandkordain " kTheklawyer'sksonorouskvoicekfilledkthekroom,krivetingktheklisteners.kWhenkhekfi nished,ktherekwaskakmurmurk

ofkstartledkvoiceskandkinhaledkbreathkaskheadskturnedktokLadykJocelyn. kSheksatkutterlykstillkforkankendlesskmoment.kThenkshekleapedktokherkfeet,ksweep ingkherkblac kveilkfromkherk facektokrevealkblazingkragekinkherkfinekhazelkeyes.k"Hekdidkwhat?" kChapterk1k

London,kJulyk1815 London,kJulyk1815 kAkdistantkscreamkofkagonykjer edkhimkawa e.kYearskofkwarkhadktrainedkhimktoklea pktokhiskfeetkandkgrabk hiskriflekwhilekhekscrambledkfromkhisktentktokwardkoffkattac .kButkinsteadkofkmo vement,khekfeltkonlyksavagek painkaskhiskhalf-deadkbodykfailedktokrespond.kFromkthekwaistkdown,knothingkmoved ,khisklifelessklegsk anchoringkhimktokthekbed. kHekopenedkhiskeyesktokthekuglykrealitykofkthekDu ekofkYor kHospital.kAquilokhad kdiedkatkWaterloo,kandk sokhadkDavid,kthoughkhiskbodykstubbornlykinsistedkonkclingingktoktheklastkembers kofklife.kTheksoldier'skluc k thatkhadkcarriedkhimkthroughkyearskofkwarkwithoutkseriouskinjurykhadkdesertedkhi mkatkthekend.kAkdirectk artillerykhitkwouldkhavekbeenkswifterkandk inderkthankthisklingeringkdemise. kButkitkwouldn'tkbekmuchklongerknow.kHekclampedkhiskjawkaskthekwaveskofkpainkebb edktokakbearableklevel.k Thoughkthekdingykroomkwasn'tkmuch,katkleastkofficer'skprivilegekgavekhimkthekpri vacyktoksufferkinksolitude. kHekrecognizedktheksoft,kregularkclic kofk nittingkneedleskandkturnedkhiskheadko nkthekpillowktokseekhisk sister'sksmallkformksilhouettedkagainstkthekfadingklightkofktheklonekwindow.kHek feltkakrushkofktenderness.k SallykhadkcomekeverykdayksincekhiskreturnktokLondon,karrangingkherkdutiesksoktha tkshekcouldkspendkask muchktimekaskpossiblekwithkherkdyingkbrother.kThiskwasksokmuchkharderkforkherkth ankforkhim.kHekfeltknok fear,konlykstoickacceptance.kAtkthekend,khekwouldkfindkpeace.kForkSallyktherekwo uldkbekloneliness,kandkthek insecurekexistencekofkakgovernesskwithknokfamilyktokfallkbac kon. kAlertktokhiskslightestkmovement,kshekglancedkupktokseekifkhekwaskawa e.kSetting kasidekherk nitting,kshek crossedkthekroomktokhiskbedside.k"Arekyoukhungry,kDavid?kIkbroughtkaknicekbeefkb rothkfromkthek Launcestons." kHek newkhekshouldktryktokeatkforkSally'sksa e,kbutkthekthoughtknauseatedkhim.kH iskstomachkwaskonekofk thekmanykpartskofkhiskbodykthatkhadklostkinterestkinklife.k"No,kthan kyou.kPerha psklater."kHekglancedkatkthek window.k"Timekforkyouktokgo,kbeforekitkgetskdar ." kShekshruggedkherkshoulders.kDressedkinkakplainkgraykgown,kshekwaskthekverykimag ekofkakmodestk governess.kItksaddenedkhimktokthin kthatkwhenkhekwaskgone,ktherekwouldkbeknokone kleftkwhokwouldk rememberkherkaskakwildklittlektomboy,kracingkhimkonkherkpony,kscamperingkthrough kthekmeadowskwithk barekfeetkandkshrie skofklaughter.kThey'dkbeenkhappykthen,kgrowingkupkinkthekgre enkhillskofkHereford.kAk lifetimekago.

kCorrectlykinterpretingkherkshrug,kheksaidksternly,k"Home,kSally.kIkdon'tkwantky oukonkthekstreetskatknight." kSheksmiled,khavingk nownkhimktooklongktokbekintimidatedkbykhiskofficerkvoice.k" Verykwell.kI'llkdosekyouk andkbekonkmykway."kLiftingkthekbottlekofklaudanumkfromkhiskbedsidektable,kshekca refullykpouredkak spoonful,kthenkheldkitktokDavid'sklips.kHekswallowedkquic ly,kscarcelyknoticingk thektasteskofkwinekandkspicek thatkdisguisedkthekbitterkopiumkthatkwouldkmitigatekhiskpain. kSallykputkankarmkunderkhiskshoulderskandkraisedkhiskheadkenoughksokthatkhekcoul dksipkaklittlekwater.kWhenk

hekfinished,kshekgentlyksettledkhimkbac kamongkthekpillows.kItkhadkbotheredkhimk atkfirstkthatktheirkroleskhadk beenkreversed,kforkitkhadkalwayskbeenkhisktas ktokloo koutkforkher.kButkpridekha dkswiftlykdissolvedkinkthek facekofkhiskhelplessness,kandkofkSally'skcalmkacceptancekofktheksordidkrealities kofknursing. hekfinished,kshekgentlyksettledkhimkbac kamongkthekpillows.kItkhadkbotheredkhimk atkfirstkthatktheirkroleskhadk beenkreversed,kforkitkhadkalwayskbeenkhisktas ktokloo koutkforkher.kButkpridekha dkswiftlykdissolvedkinkthek facekofkhiskhelplessness,kandkofkSally'skcalmkacceptancekofktheksordidkrealities kofknursing. kWithkakglancekshekconfirmedkthatkbroth,kwater,kandklaudanumkwerekallkwithinkhis kreach.kTheklaudanum,katk leastkwouldkbekneededkbeforekmorning.kThenkshekleft,kbac kstraightkandkexpressio nkcontrolled.kThekroomk waskmercifullyktookshadowedktokshowkthekblea nesskinkherkeyes. kColorskbeganktokintensify,kshapesktwisted,kandkpainkeasedkaskthekopiumkbegankto kta ekeffect.kHisklidsk driftedkshut.kThan kGodkforklaudanum. kWhilekhekwouldn'tkhavekmindedklivingkakfewkmorekdecades,khekcouldn'tkcomplain.k He'dkhadkalmostk thirty-twokyearskofkmostlykrewardingklife.kHe'dktraveled,kfoughtkhonorablykforkh iskcountry,kmadekfriendsk closerkthankbrothers.kThekonlykregretskhekhadkwerekaboutkSally.kShekwaskakhighly kcapablekyoungkwoman,k butklifekwaskuncertain.kIfkonlykhekcouldkleavekherkenoughktoksecurekherkfuture.k Ifkonly kTheknumbingkwarmthkofkopiumksoothedkawaykthekpain,kandkhekslept. kFrowning,kLadykJocelynkglidedkintokherkdrawingkroom,kherkvoluminouskridingkhabi tkbellingkaroundkher.kItk wasktimektokconfidekinkherkfavoritekaunt,kwhokmightkhaveksomekusefulkinsightkint oktheksituation.k"Auntk Laura?" kShekwaskaboutktoksaykmorekwhenkshekrealizedkthatkLadykLaurakKir patric kwasknot kalone.kHelpingk herselfktokteakca eskwaskLadykCromarty,kalsokankauntkbutkdefinitelyknotkakfavori te.kItkwasktooklatektok escape,ksokJocelynkrepressedkaksighkandkmovedkforward,ksayingkwithkpatentkinsinc erity,k"AuntkElvira.k Whatkan kankunexpectedkpleasure." kThekcountessksmiledkbac kwithkequalkinsinceritykandkankalarmingkarraykofkteeth. k"SincekIkwaskinktownk shopping,kIkthoughtkI'dkcallktoksaykhello.kIkcan'tkstayklongksincekit'skakgoodkt wo-hourkdrivekbac ktok Charlton." k"IkamkquitekawarekhowklongkakdrivekitkisktokCharlton."kJocelynkseatedkherselfko ppositekthektwokolderk women.kShekhatedkthin ingkofkherkchildhoodkhome.kSheklovedkthekestatekdeeplykand khadkevenktoyedkwithk

thekideakofkmarryingkherkcousinkWill,kheirktokthekearldom.kLi ekhiskfather,khekw askamiablekandkeasilyk managed,kandkthroughkhimkshekwouldkeventuallykbecomekmistresskofkCharltonkagain. kFortunately,k commonksensekalwayskprevailed.kWillkwasn'tkakbadkfellow,kbutkshekcertainlykdidn' tkwantkhimkaskakhusband. kLadykLaurakpouredkanotherkcupkofkteakandkofferedkitktokJocelyn.k"I'mkgladkyoukr eturnedkinktimektokjoink us."kAskakmilitarykwife,kshe'dkbecomekankexpertksmootherkofktroubledkwaters,kand kwherekLadykCromartyk went,kthekwaterskwerekfrequentlykwhippedkintokakfroth. kAskshekacceptedkthektea,kJocelynkhopedkaskshekhadkoftenkbeforekthatkshekwouldkb ekaskhandsomekaskherk auntkwhenkshekreachedkherkforties.kBothkofkthemkhadkthekKendalkloo skandkcolorin g,kwithkhazelkeyeskandk chestnutkhairkgleamingkwithkredkhighlights,kbutkherkauntkwaskblessedkwithkthekse renitykproducedkbykmorek thanktwentykyearskofkhappykmarriage.kAkblessingkthatkJocelynkmightkneverk now. kElvira,kCountesskofkCromarty,kauntkbykmarriagekinsteadkofkblood,kwaskquitekakdi fferentkmatter.kThoughk shekhadknotkbeenkbornktokakhighkestate,kshekhadkacceptedkherkelevationktokthekno bilitykaskproofkthatkGodk

waskjust.kToday,kherkgazekwaskmovingkaroundkthekelegantkroomkwithkproprietarykin terestkaskshekdevouredk thekca e. waskjust.kToday,kherkgazekwaskmovingkaroundkthekelegantkroomkwithkproprietarykin terestkaskshekdevouredk thekca e. kAklesserkwomankmightkhavekbeenkembarrassedkatksuchkcandor,kbutkLadykCromartykon lyksmiledkblandly.k "Arekyoukgettingkuncomfortablekwithkyourkbirthdaykcomingksoksoon,kandkyoukstillk unwed?" kTheksubjectkonkallktheirkmindsklandedkinkthekmiddlekofkthekroomkli ekakcatkamon gkthekpigeons.kDeterminedk tokhavekhiskownkway,kevenkafterkdeath,kJocelyn'skfatherkhadkleftkthekbul kofkhis kpersonalkfortunektokhisk daughter onkthekconditionkthatkshekmarrykbykthekagekofktwenty-five.kIfkshekdidn't, kmostkofkthek investmentskandkCromartykHouse,kthekmagnificentkLondonkmansionkwherektheykwereks haringktea,kwouldk goktokWilloughby. k"WhykshouldkIkbekuncomfortable?"kJocelynkas edkwithkequalkblandness.k"I'llkadmi tkI'mkhavingksomek troublekdecidingkwhichkofferktokaccept,kbutkneverkfear.kIkshallkcertainlykbekmar riedkinktimektokfulfillkthek conditionskofkmykfather'skwill." k"I'mksurekyou'vekhadkyourkoffers,kdear,"kElviraksaid,kherktonekimplyingkshektho ughtknothingkofkthek ind.k "Butkwhenkakwomankreacheskyourkagekunwed,konekhasktokwonder "kShekgesturedkvaguely .k"Sokfortunatek thatkifkyoukpreferkspinsterhood,kyou'llkhavekquitekakniceklittlekcompetence,keno ughktoklivekinksomekgenteelk placekli ekBath." k"SincekIkdisli ekBath,kitkiskverykfortunatekthatkthekissuekwillknotkarise,"kJoc elynksaidkinkaksil ykvoice. kElvira'skpolitekmas kslippedkintokakscowl.k"Itkisn'tkaskifkyoukneedkthekmoney.k Wekhavekfivekchildrenktok establish.kItkwaskquitekinfamouskofkyourkfatherktokleavekWilloughbykscarcelykeno ughktokmaintainkthek estates." kActually,kthekfourthkearlkhadkleftkhiskbrotherkamplekincomektoksupportkhiskfami lykandkmaintainkhisklordlyk dignity,kbutkthekcountesskwasktheksortkwhokcouldkneverkhavekenough.kBeforekJocel ynkcouldksuccumbktok thektemptationktokpointkthatkout,kElvirakshrie ed.kAktawnykbodykhadkstrea edkove rkthekbac kofktheksofak andkploppedkontokherkwideklap,keyeingkthekcountesskwithkgoldenkeyeskandkaksadist ickfelineksmir . kJocelynkrepressedkakgrin.kIsiskhadkthekusualkcatkgeniuskforkpouncingkonkthosekp eoplekwhokleastkwantedktok bekpouncedkon.kMa ingkakmentalknotektokorderkoysterskforkthekcat'skdinner,kshekp ulledkthekbellkcordk

beforekcrossingkthekroomktokscoopkIsiskfromkthekcountess'sklap.k"I'mksoksorry,kA unt,"kshekcooed.k "ApparentlykIsiskhaskconceivedkakfondnesskforkyou.kOrkperhapskforkthatkcreamkbun kinkyourkhand.kBadk Isis." kThekcatkblin edkplacidly,kquitekawarekthatkthekscoldingkwasn'tkreal.kIsiskhadkb eenkthekgiftkofkaknavalksuitork whokclaimedktokhavekbroughtkherkfromkEgypt,kandkherkvelvety,klion-coloredkfurkan dkfine-bonedkelegancek didkresemblekthekfelineskseenkinkEgyptianktemplekart.kThekcatkhadkfarkmorekarist ocratickstylekthankthek CountesskofkCromarty. kWhenkthekbutlerkenteredkinkresponsektokJocelyn'sksummons,ksheksaid,k"Dudley,kmy kauntkwaskjustkleaving.k Pleasekhavekherkcarriagekbroughtkaround." kEvenkElvirakcouldkta ekakhintkthatkbroad,kbutkherkexpressionkwaskcomplacentkwhe nkshekrose.kClearlykshek thoughtkthatkthekhusbandkhuntingkhadkbeenkleftktooklate.k"Goodkday,kLaura.kAndkd okinvitekusktokyourk

wedding,kJocelyn.kIfktherekiskone." wedding,kJocelyn.kIfktherekiskone." kAkfewkminutesklater,kshekrecognizedkLadykLaura'skquietkfootstepskenteringkthekd rawingkroom.kTurningk fromkthekwindow,ksheksaid,k"I'dkmarrykakbeggarkfromkSevenkDialskbeforekI'dkletkt hekmoneykgoktok Willoughbykandkthat kthatkarchwife." k"OnekcouldkwishkthatkWilloughbykhadkchosenkakwomankofkmorekrefinement,"kLauraka dmittedkasksheksatk downkagain.k"ButkElvirakiskright,kyouk now.kTimekiskrunningkout.kIkhaven'tkpress edkyoukaboutkmarriagek becausekyou'reknokgreenkgirl,kandkyouk nowkyourkownkbusinesskbest.kRelinquishing kmostkofkyourk inheritancekiskpreferablektokankunhappykmarriage,kandkitkisn'tkaskifkyou'llkbekl eftkpenniless." k"IkhaveknokintentionkofkgivingkupkthekfortunekI'mkentitledkto,"kJocelynksaidkcr isply.k"Certainlyknotktokthek benefitkofkElvira." k"You'vekhadkoverkthreekyearsktokfindkakhusbandktokyourktaste.kThekwee skleftkar en'tkmuchktime." kRememberingkwhatkshekhadkwantedktokdiscuss,kJocelynksighedkandkresumedkherkseat .k"Oh,kIk nowk whomkIkwantktokmarry.kUnfortunately,kIkhaven'tkyetksucceededkinkengagingkhiskint erest.kAtkleast,knotkthek marryingk indkofkinterest." k"How kinteresting.kIkhadn'tkrealizedkyoukhadksetkyourksightskonksomeone.kWhokiskt hekdensekfellowkwhok hasn'tkyetkrecognizedkhiskgoodkfortune?" kJocelynkreachedkintoktheksewingkboxkbykherkchairkandkpulledkoutkankembroiderykh oopkwithkfabrick stretchedkacrosskthekframe.k"ThekDu ekofkCandover." k"Candover!kMercifulkheavens,kJocelyn,kthekmankiskakconfirmedkbachelor,"kherkaun tkexclaimed.k"He'llk neverkmarry." k"Thekfactkthatkhekneverkhaskdoesn'tkmeankthatkhekneverkwill."kJocelynkthreadedk aklengthkofkpalekblueksil k throughkakneedle,kthenktoo kakmeticulouskstitch.k"HekandkIkarekverykwellksuited, kandkhiskattentionskhavek beenkquitekpronouncedkinktheklastkfewkmonths." k"Hekdoeskseemktokenjoykyourkcompany.kYoukwerekjustkoutkridingkwithkhim,kweren't kyou?kButkhekhask stayedkwellkwithinkthekboundskofkpropriety.kMorningkcallskandkdanceskatkballs,kw ithkthekoccasionalkridekork drive.kUnlessktherekiskmorekthatkIkdon'tk nowkabout?"kHerksentencekrosekatktheke nd,kturningkherkwordsk intokakworriedkquestion. k"Hekhaskalwayskbehavedkaskakperfectkgentleman,"kJocelynksaidkwithkregret.kAkpit

ykthatkthekdu ekhadn'tk crossedktheklinekofkpropriety;khekwasknotkthek indkofkmanktokdokthatkwithkherkun lesskhekhadkseriousk intentions.k"Butkhekhaskspentkmorektimekwithkmekthankwithkanykotherkeligiblekfem ale.kHe'skinkhisk mid-thirties,kandkit'sktimekheksetkupkhisknursery." kLadykLaurakfrowned.k"You'veksetkyourselfkankimpossiblektas ,kmykdear.kCandoverk haskperfectlykgoodk cousins,ksokhekhasknokneedktokmarryktokgetkankheir.kHe'skbeenkonkthektownkforkye arskandkhaskneverkcomek closektokmarrying.kHe'skhadkhisksharekofkmistresses,kbutkalwayskwidowskorkotherk men'skwives,kneverkak

marriageablekyoungkwoman."kHerkmouthktwistedkwryly.k"Ifkyoukwantkhimkaskaklover, kmarryksomeonekelsek andkhe'llkprobablykoblige,katkleastkforkakwhile.kButkhe'llkneverkma ekakhusband. " marriageablekyoungkwoman."kHerkmouthktwistedkwryly.k"Ifkyoukwantkhimkaskaklover, kmarryksomeonekelsek andkhe'llkprobablykoblige,katkleastkforkakwhile.kButkhe'llkneverkma ekakhusband. " k"It'skpossible,"kherkauntksaidkgently.k"Butkyou'vekrunkoutkofktime,kmykdear.kIf khekhasn'tkofferedkforkyoukyet,k Ikcan'tkimaginekthatkyou'llkbringkhimkupktokscratchkinkakmerekfourkwee s.kIfkyou 'rekdeterminedktokmarryknok onekbutkhim,kyou'dkbetterkstartkpac ing.kElvirakwillkwantktokmovekinkherekthekda ykafterkyourkbirthday.kShek wouldn'tkdarekputkyoukout,kofkcourse,kbutkIkassumekyoukhaveknokdesirektokstaykon katkherksufferance." k"Ikwillknotkgivekherktheksatisfactionkofkgettingkwhatkshouldkbekmine."kJocelynk stabbedkherkneedlekintokherk embroiderykwithkunnecessarykforce.kBeingknokfool,kshe'dkalreadykrealizedkthatkit kwaskwildlykunli elykthatk Candoverkwouldkmovekfromkadmirationktokmatrimonykinkthekwee skleft.k"Ikhavekan kan kalternativekplan." k"Onekofkyourkotherksuitors?kLordkMacKenziekwouldkmarrykyoukinkakheartbeat,kandk Ikthin khe'dkma ekak wonderfulkhusband."kLadykLaurakdimpled.k"OfkcoursekI'mkbiased,ksincekhekremindsk mekofkAndrew." kJocelynkshoo kherkhead.kMacKenziekwaskpleasantkandkgood-loo ing,kbutknotkforkhe r.k"I'mkthin ingkofk acceptingkSirkHaroldkWinterson.kIt'sksomethingkofkakgamekbetweenkuskthatkhekprop osesktokmekregularly,k butkhe'dkbekdelightedkifkIkaccepted.kThekmankmustkbekseventykifkhe'skakday tookold ktokbekinterestedkink exercisingkhiskmaritalkrights.kI'dkfulfillkthektermskofkFather'skwill,kandkitkwo uldn'tkbekthatklongkuntilkIkhavekmyk freedomkagain.kIfkI'mkakwidow,kCandoverkwillkregardkmekinkquitekakdifferentkligh t." kLadykLaurakalmostkdroppedkherkteakcup.k"Whatkankappallingkthought!kTokmarrykakm ankwhilekhopingkfork hiskdeathkwouldkbekwic ed.kFoolish,ktoo.kIk newkakgirlkwhokmarriedkakmankSirkHar old'skage,khopingktok becomekakrichkwidowksoon.kThatkwasktwentykyearskago,kandkherkhusbandkiskstillkve rykmuchkalive,kwhilek shekhasklostkherkyouth." kAskJocelyn'skfacekfell,kLaurakadded,k"Besides,ktherekisknokagekatkwhichkonekcan kassumekakmankwillknotkbek interestedkinkexercisingkhiskmaritalkrights." kJocelynkshiveredkatkthekthought.k"You'vekconvincedkme.kSirkHaroldkiskaksweetkol dkgentleman,kbutkIkhavek nokdesirektokbekakwifektokhim."kShekbitkherklowerklip.k"Whilekthekideakofkmarryi ngkakmankatkdeath'skdoork haskmerit,kSirkHaroldkiskquitekvigorouskforkhiskage.kOnekwouldkhavektokbeksurekt

hekmankwaskreallykdying." k"I'dkli ektokbelievekthatkI'vekdissuadedkyoukthroughkmoralklogic,kbutkIkhavekth ekdismalkfeelingkthatkit'skonlyk thekpracticalkproblemskthatkdiscouragekyou.kIfkyoukhavekanykmorekoutrageousksche meskinkmind,kdon'tktellk me."kLaurakregardedkherkniecekgravely.k"Marriageskofkconveniencekmaykbekthekwayk ofkthekworld,kbutkI'dk hopedkyoukwouldkfindksomethingkbetter.kAktruekmeetingkofkmindskandkspiritsksuchk askAndrewkandkIkhave." kTryingknotktokbekenvious,kJocelynkreplied,k"Fewkpeoplekareksokfortunate." kUnablektokdenykthat,kherkauntksaid,k"DoeskitkhavektokbekCandover?kIfknotkMacKen zie,kperhapskLordk Cairn.kI'mksurekhe'dkbekak indkandklovingkhusband." k"ButkIkli ekCandover,kAuntkLaura.kMenkareknotkpairskofkinterchangeablekgloves.k Inktheksevenkyearsksincek

mykpresentation,kI'vekmetknokonekexceptkCandoverkwhomkIkcankimaginekaskmykhusban d.kYoukhadkplentyk ofksuitorskinkyourkday.kWouldkyoukhavekwantedktokwedkandkbedkanyonekotherkthankU nclekAndrew?" mykpresentation,kI'vekmetknokonekexceptkCandoverkwhomkIkcankimaginekaskmykhusban d.kYoukhadkplentyk ofksuitorskinkyourkday.kWouldkyoukhavekwantedktokwedkandkbedkanyonekotherkthankU nclekAndrew?" kJocelynksaidkinkaktonekthatkcouldkchipkice,k"Wekwillknotkdiscusskmykmother!"kRe alizingkhowkimmoderatek thatksounded,ksheksaidkmorekcalmly,k"Ikscarcelykrememberkthekwoman.kWhykshouldks hekhavekanykeffectk onkmykmaritalkchoices?" kHerkauntkfrowned,kbutk newkbetterkthanktoksaykmore.kWillingktokchangektheksubje ct,kshekliftedkakletterk fromkthektableknextktokherkchair.k"I'vekjustkreceivedkthiskfromkAndrew.kHekandkh iskregimentkareksafelyk installedkinkParisknow.kIkimaginekthekAllieskwillkoccupykthekcitykforksomektimek whilekthekFrenchkgovernmentk iskrestored." k"DidkhekmentionkanykofkthekofficerskIkmetkinkSpain?"kJocelynksaidkwithkquic kco ncern.kShekandkherkauntk hadkporedkoverkthekcasualtyklistskafterkWaterloo.kInkthekwee skthatkhadkpassed,k somekofkthekwoundedk wouldkhavekdied. kLaurakscannedkthekletter,kreadingkaloudkcommentskaboutkofficerskthatkJocelynk n ew.k"Here'skakbitkofk goodknews.kCaptainkDaltonkhaskbeenksentktokthekDu ekofkYor kHospitalkherekinkLon don.kHekhaskakseverek legkinjury,kbutkhisklifekisknoklongerkinkdanger." k"Goodknewskindeed."kJocelynksmiledkreminiscently.k"RememberkhowkRichardkrescued kmekwhenkIkgotklostk tryingktokfindkUnclekAndrew'skwinterkquarters?" k"Remember!"kLaurakrolledkherkeyeskinkmoc khorror.k"Ikcouldkshowkyoukthekexactkg raykhairskIkacquiredk whenkyoukrodekintokFuentekGuinaldokwithkallkthoseksoldierskandknotksokmuchkaskan kabigailktokbearkyouk company." k"ThekmaidkIkhadkthenkwasksuchkakhen-heartedkcreature,"kJocelynksaidkdefensively .k"HowkwaskIktok nowk thatkshekwouldkflatlykrefusektokleavekLisbon?" k"Thekgirlkhadkakgoodkdealkbetterksensekthankyoukdid,"kherkauntksaidkdryly.k"It' skakmiraclekthatkyoukweren'tk robbedkandkmurderedkbykFrenchktroops,kbandits,kguerrillas,korkheavenk nowskwhoke lse.kYoukwerekmadk tokcomekboltingkintokakwarkzonekli ekthat." kPrivatelykJocelynkagreed.kThatkhadkbeenkonekofkthekoccasionskwhenkherkheadstron gkstrea khadkerupted,k despitekherkendlesskeffortsktokcurbkit.k"I'dkmadekinquiries,kandkitkseemedkaskif

kthekjourneykwouldknotkbek undulykdangerous.kI'llkadmitkIkwaskakbitkworriedkwhenkmykguidekrankoffkandkIkhad knokideakwherektokfindk thekregiment,kbutkIkwaskwellkarmed,kandkyouk nowkthatkI'mkankexcellentkshot.kAft erkCaptainkDaltonkandk hiskpatrolkfoundkme,kIkwaskperfectlyksafe." k"AllkIkcanksaykiskthatkyoukhavekakhighlykcapablekguardiankangel."kLadykLaurakco nsultedkthekletterkagain.k "MajorkLancasterkiskatkthekYor kHospital,ktoo,kbutkIkdon'tkbelievekyoukmetkhim.k Hekwaskonkdetachedkdutyk withkthekSpanishkarmykthekwinterkyoukspentkwithkus."kHerkeyeskbecamekblea .k"He' skdying,kI'mkafraid." kJocelynkleanedkacrosskandkbrieflyklaidkherkhandkonkherkaunt's.kThekWaterlookcas ualtyklistskhadkbeenk painfulkforkherkbutkfarkworsekforkherkaunt,kwhokhadkspentkherklifekaskankarmykwi fekandknowksawkherkfriendsk decimated.k

kHavingkmetkmanykofficerskthroughkLadykLaura,kJocelynksympathizedkdeeply,kbecaus ekshe'dkli edkthek indk ofkmenktheykwere.kUnli ekthekperfumedkgallantskofkLondon,kwhatktheykdidkmattered .kPerhapskthatkwask whykshekwaskattractedktokthekDu ekofkCandover,kwhosekfinektailoringkcouldknotkco ncealkhiskintelligencekork airkofkpurpose.kHekwaskconsideredkankexemplaryklandlord,kshek new,kwhichkspo ekw ellkofkhiskcharacter,k andkhekwaskakforcekforkprincipledkreformkinkthekHousekofkLords.kPoliticalkviewsk werekanotherkareakwherek theykwerekinktune. kHavingkmetkmanykofficerskthroughkLadykLaura,kJocelynksympathizedkdeeply,kbecaus ekshe'dkli edkthek indk ofkmenktheykwere.kUnli ekthekperfumedkgallantskofkLondon,kwhatktheykdidkmattered .kPerhapskthatkwask whykshekwaskattractedktokthekDu ekofkCandover,kwhosekfinektailoringkcouldknotkco ncealkhiskintelligencekork airkofkpurpose.kHekwaskconsideredkankexemplaryklandlord,kshek new,kwhichkspo ekw ellkofkhiskcharacter,k andkhekwaskakforcekforkprincipledkreformkinkthekHousekofkLords.kPoliticalkviewsk werekanotherkareakwherek theykwerekinktune. kIfkonlykshekhadkmorektimekforktheirkrelationshipktokgrowkandkdeepen.kShe'dkobse rvedkthekdu ekcarefullyk andkbelievedkhekwouldkmarrykifkhekfoundkthekrightkwoman.kAkwomankofkhiskran ,kan dkaksimilarksteadyk temperament. kButktimekhadkalmostkrunkout,kandkifkshekwaitedktokbringkhimkaround,kshekwouldkl osekherkpatrimony.k Moreover,kifkshekwaskreducedktoklivingkonkthekmodestkstipendkshekwouldkhavekleft ,kshekwouldklosekmostk ofkherkopportunitiesktokmeetkCandoverksocially.kShekwouldknoklongerkbekakglamoro us,kmuchksoughtkafterk heiress,kbutkakwomankofkmodestkfortunekpastkthekfirstkflushkofkyouth.kShekshudde redkatkthekthought.kThatk waskquite,kquitekunacceptable.kHerkran kinklifekwaskonekthingkshekhadkalwayskbee nksurekof. kDamnkherkfather!kTheykhadkbeenksokclose yetkinkthekend,khe'dkbetrayedkherkasksure lykaskherkmother kShekcutkoffkthekthoughtkwithktheks illkofklongkpractice.kBetterktokthin kofkwha tkshekcouldkdoktokensurekthatk shekwouldkhavekbothkherkinheritancekandkthekhusbandkshekwanted.kShekhadkakmonthk still,kandkakKendalkofk Charltonkneverksurrendered,kevenkifkshekwaskofkCharltonknokmore. kReturningktokmundanekmatters,ksheksaid,k"Ikthin kI'llkcallkonkCaptainkDaltonkat kthekhospitalktomorrowk morning.kWillkyoukjoinkme?" k"Ikcan'tktomorrowkorktheknextkday,kbutktellkhimkI'llkbektherekthekdaykafterkwit houtkfail."kLadykLaurakrosek andkexcusedkherselfktokwritekankanswerktokherkhusband'skletter. kAlonekinkthekdrawingkroom,kJocelyn'skmindkreturnedktokherkdilemma.kThekobviousk

solutionkwasktokmarryk onekofkherksuitorskandkhavekakfashionablekmarriage,keachkofkthemkgoingktheirkown kwaykafterkankheirkorktwok hadkbeenkproduced.kYetkthekideakrevoltedkher.kShekdidn'tkwantktokbekakbroodkmare ktokakmankshekbarelyk new,knorkdidkshekaspirektokbecomekonekofkCandover'skpassingkmistresses.kShekwan tedktokbekhiskwife.k Shekwaskresignedktokthekfactkthatkfewkifkanykhusbandskwerekfaithful,kbutkatkleas tkifkCandoverkstrayed,khek wouldkbekdiscreetkaboutkit.kIfkshekwaskreallykluc y,khekmightkrealizekthatkhiskw ifekwaskallkthekwomankhek needed. kDespitekherkaunt'skrevulsionkatkthekthought,kakswiftkwidowhoodkwouldkbekprefera blektokaklovelessk marriagekofkconvenience,kforkthatkwouldkgivekherkfreedomkandkthektimekshekneeded ktokwinkCandover'sk heart.kButknotkSirkHaroldkWinterson.kLadykLaurakwaskrightkaboutkthat itkwouldn'tkd oktokmarrykthekoldk gentlemankandkfindkherselfkinkthekdistastefulkpositionkofklongingkforkhiskdeathk sokshekcouldkregainkherk freedom. kJocelynktiltedkherkheadktokgazekatkthekgorgeouslykpaintedkandkgildedkdrawingkro omkceiling.kAskakchildkshek oftenklaykonkthekfloorkandkmadekupkstorieskaboutkthekpaintingskinkthekelaboratek medallions.kSheklovedkthisk housekalmostkaskmuchkaskCharltonkAbbey. kThekunrulyksidekofkherknatureksurgedkforthkagain,kandksheksworekankoathkthatkon ekofkherkwarriorkancestorsk

wouldkhavekapproved.kShekmightkneverkwinkthekdu e'sklove,kandkCharltonkwaskforev erklost,kbutkCromartyk Housekwaskhers.kNokmatterkwhatkitktoo ,kshekwouldkfindkakwayktok eepkherkhomekou tkofkElvira'skgraspingk littlekhands. wouldkhavekapproved.kShekmightkneverkwinkthekdu e'sklove,kandkCharltonkwaskforev erklost,kbutkCromartyk Housekwaskhers.kNokmatterkwhatkitktoo ,kshekwouldkfindkakwayktok eepkherkhomekou tkofkElvira'skgraspingk littlekhands. 2k

Theksoftkfootfallskofkherkmaidkawa enedkJocelynkfromkakrestlesskslumber.kShekrol ledkoverkwithkakyawnkandk satkupksokaktraykofkhotkchocolatekandkbreadkrollskcouldkbekarrangedkoverkherklap .k"Than kyou,kMarie."k Noticingkaksmallkfrownkonkthekgirl'skface,kshekadded,k"Iskallkwellkbelowstairs?" kWelcomingkthekopportunityktoktal ,kMariekRenaultksaidkwithkankenchantingktracek ofkFrenchkaccent,k"Thek footman,kHughkMorgan?" kJocelynknoddedkencouragingly.kMorgankwaskakhandsomekyoungkWelshmankwhokhadkcrea tedkquitekak flutterkamongkthekmaidskwhenkhekstartedkwor kakfewkmonthskbefore.kMariekappeared ktokbekthekgirlkwhok hadksecuredkhiskinterest. k"Hiskbrother,kRhys,kakdragoonkwhokwaskwoundedkatkWaterloo,khaskjustkarrivedkatk thekYor kHospitalk herekinkLondon.kHughkiskmostkanxiousktokvisitkhim,kbutkhisknextkhalfkdaykisn'tkf orkalmostkakwee ."kThekgirlk gavekherkmistresskakhopefulkglance. kHadkRhyskMorgankcomekoverkonktheksamektroopkshipkaskRichardkDalton?kSokmanykwou ndedkmen.k Repressingkaksigh,kJocelynksippedkherkrich,ksteamingkchocolate.k"Howkconvenient. kThiskmorningkI'mkgoingk tokcallkonkakfriendkatkthekYor kHospital.kMorgankcankbekmykescortkandkseekhiskbr otherkwhilekIkamkvisitingk mykfriend." k"Oh,kexcellent,kmilady.kHekwillkbekmostkhappy."kExpressionklighter,kMariekcross edktokthekwardrobekroomk tokpreparekherkmistress'skmorningkcostume.kJocelynkbro ekopenkherkwarmkbreadkrol l,kwrylykwishingkthatk allkproblemskcouldkbeksolvedkaskeasilykaskHughkMorgan's. kThekDu ekofkYor kMilitarykHospitalkwaskdismal,kakdrabkmonolithkdedicatedktokthe ktreatmentkofkseriouslyk woundedksoldiers.kJocelynkwonderedkwithkblac khumorkifkthekobjectivekwasktokbeks okdepressingkthatk patientskwouldkdoktheirkbestktokrecoverkquic ly. kSteelingkherself,kshekmarchedkupkthekwideksteps,kherkfootmankclosekbehind.kHugh kMorgankwasktall,kwithk

broadkshoulderskandkakmelodiouskWelshkvoice.kHekwaskakpleasantkadditionktokthekh ousehold,kbutktodayk concernkforkhiskbrotherkshadowedkhiskeyes. kThekbuildingkwaskcrowdedkwithkcasualties,kandkitktoo ktimektokfindkRhyskMorgan' skward.kJocelynk experiencedksightskandksmellskthatk nottedkherkstomach,kwhilekHugh'skcountrykcom plexionkacquiredkak greenish-whitektinge. kRhyskMorganklaykinkakcornerkcotkofkperhapskfortykjammedkintokakroomktooksmallkf orkitskpopulation.kSomek patientsksatkonktheirkbedskorktal edkinksmallkgroups,kbutkmostklaykinkstoicksile nce.kThekbarekwallskcreatedk ankunrestfulkclamor,kandkakmiasmakofkillnesskandkdeathkhungkheavykinkthekair.k

kHughkscannedkthekroom.k"Rhys,klad!"kHekinstinctivelykstartedktokpushkpastkJocel yn,kthenkglancedkbac k apologetically.kWithkaknod,kshekreleasedkhimktokhiskbrother. kHughkscannedkthekroom.k"Rhys,klad!"kHekinstinctivelykstartedktokpushkpastkJocel yn,kthenkglancedkbac k apologetically.kWithkaknod,kshekreleasedkhimktokhiskbrother. kThekrawkfeelingkinkHugh'skfacekmadekJocelynkuncomfortable.kAskshekshiftedkherkg azekaway,kherkeyesk werekcaughtkandkheldkatkthekbottomkofkRhys'skbed.kWherektherekshouldkhavekbeenkt woklegskunderkthek covers,ktherekwaskonlykone.kThekleftkhadkbeenkamputatedkjustkbelowkthek nee. kShekswallowedkbeforekapproachingktoktouchkHugh'skarm.kHekturnedkwithkakguiltyks tart.k"I'mksorry,kmyk lady.kIkforgotkmyself." kShekgavekaksmilekthatkincludedkbothkofkthem.k"Nokapologieskareknecessary.kCorpo ralkMorgan,kmaykIk introducekmyself?kIkamkLadykJocelynkKendal,kandkIkhavekthekhonorkofkbeingkyourkb rother'skemployer." kRhyskproppedkhimselfkupkagainstkthekwallkbehindkhiskcot,kalarmedkatkthekvisionk ofkelegancekbeforekhim.k Withkakbobkofkhiskhead,khekstammered,k"Mykpleasure,kma'am." kHughkhissed,k"Callkherk'myklady,'kyouklooby." kAkwavekofkcolorkrosekunderkthekfairkCelticks inkasktheksoldierkattemptedktokapo logize.kWantingktok alleviatekhiskembarrassment,kJocelynksaid,k"It'skofknokimportance,kCorporal.kTel lkme,karekyouktwoktwins?" k"Nay,kI'mkakyearkthekelder,"kRhyskreplied.k"Butkwe'vekoftkbeenkta enkasktwins." k"Youkarekverykali e,"kJocelynkremar ed. k"Notkanykmore,"kRhysksaidkbitterlykaskhekglancedkatkthekflatkbeddingkwherekhisk legkshouldkhavekbeen. kJocelynkcoloredkwithkembarrassment.kDecidingkthekbrotherskwouldkbekbetterkoffkw ithoutkherkinhibitingk presence,ksheksaid,k"I'llkgokfindkmykfriendknowkandkleavekyouktokvisit.kWhenkI'm kfinished,kI'llkreturnkhere,k Morgan." kHughkloo edkuncertain.k"Ikshouldkgokwithkyou,kmyklady." k"Nonsense,kwhatkcouldkhappenktokmekinkakmilitarykhospital?"kshekreplied.k"Corpo ralkMorgan,kdokyouk nowkwherekthekofficerskarekquartered?"

kHekstraightenedkwhenkshekas edkforkhelp.k"Thekfloorkabove,kma'am.kMyklady." k"Than kyou.kIkshallkseekyoukbothklater."kJocelynkleftkthekroom,kconsciouskofkth ekstareskthatkfollowedkher.k ImpossibleknotktokrememberkthatkwhilekshekhadkbeenklivingkinkcomfortkinkLondon,k thesekmenkhadkbeenk

gettingkblownktokbitskforktheirkcountry. kClimbingkakstaircasektoktheknextklevel,kshekfoundkaklong,kemptykcorridorkwithki ndividualkdoorskinsteadkofk openkwards.kAskshekhesitated,kakthic setkmankofkmiddlekyearskstrodekpurposefully kfromkaknearbykroom.k Guessingkhekwaskakphysician,ksheksaid,k"I'mkloo ingkforkCaptainkRichardkDaltonko fkthek95thkRifles.kIskhekink thiskarea?"k

k"Downkthekhall."kThekdoctorkwavedkhiskhandkvaguelykbehindkhim,kthenkmarchedkoff kbeforekshekcouldkgetk morekspecifickdirections. k"Downkthekhall."kThekdoctorkwavedkhiskhandkvaguelykbehindkhim,kthenkmarchedkoff kbeforekshekcouldkgetk morekspecifickdirections. kTheknextkdoorskopenedktokemptykbedskorkmenktookbadlykinjuredktoknoticekherkintr usion.kNokCaptaink Dalton.kMorekandkmorekunnerved,kshekopenedktheklastkdoorkonkthekcorridor.kSevera lkfigureskstoodk aroundkaktablekwithkakmanklyingkonkit.kAkscalpelkflashed,kfollowedkbykakblood-fr eezingkscreamkofkagony. kJocelynkslammedkthekdoorkshutkandkrankblindlykintokthekopenkspacekatkthekendkof kthekcorridor.kShe'dk thoughtkitkwouldkbeksimplektoklocatekakfriend.kInstead,kshekwaskfindingkthekwors tksufferingkshe'dkeverkseenk inkherklife. kEyeskcloudedkwithktears,kshekdidn'tkevenkseekthekmankuntilkshekslammedkintokakh ardkbody.kTherekwaskak clatterkofkfallingkwood,kthenkakstrongkhandkgrabbedkherkarm.kJocelynkgasped,konk thekvergekofkakhystericalk scream. k"Sorryktokbekinkyourkway,"kakquietkvoiceksaid.k"Dokyoukthin kyoukcouldkhandkmek mykotherkcrutch?" kBlin ingkbac kherktears,kJocelynkbentktokpic kupkthekcrutchkthatkhadks iddedkac rosskthekfloor.kShek straightenedktokhandkitkoverkandkwaskprofoundlykrelievedktokseekthekmanksheksoug ht.k"CaptainkDalton!kI'mk sokgladktokseekyoukupkandkabout." kRichardkDaltonkwaskakbrown-hairedkyoungkmankofkmediumkheight,kwithkhazelkeyeskm uchkli ekherkown.k Thoughkhiskfacekwaskdrawnkwithkfatiguekandkpain,khiskquic ksmilekwaskwarm.k"This kiskankunexpectedk pleasure,kLadykJocelyn.kWhatkbringskyouktokthiskwretchedkplace?" k"Youkdid,kafterkAuntkLauraklearnedkyoukwerekhere."kShekglancedkruefullykatkthek crutches.k"Ikdidn'tkintendk tokputkyoukbac kintokakhospitalkbed." k"Itkta eskakgoodkdealkmorekthankakcollisionkwithkakbeautifulkwomanktokdokmekank injury,"khekassuredkher.k"Ik canksaykwithoutkreservationkthatkrunningkintokyoukiskthekmostkenjoymentkI'vekhad kinkwee s." kRichard'skflirtatiouskteasingkhelpedkrestorekherkraggedknerves.kThoughktherekha dkbeenknothingkromantick betweenkthem,ktheykhadkalwayskenjoyedkeachkother'skcompany.kProbablyktheklac kof kromancekhadkmadek themkfriends.k"AuntkLauraksendskherkapologieskthatkshekcouldknotkaccompanykmekto day,kbutkshekwillkcallk onkyoukdaykafterktomorrow."

k"Ikshallkloo kforwardktokit."kHekshiftedkaw wardlykonkhiskcrutches.k"Wouldkyouk mindkterriblykifkIksitk down?kI'vekbeenkuprightkforkasklongkaskIkcankmanagekatkthekmoment." k"Ofkcourse,"ksheksaid,kembarrassed.k"I'llkneverkma ekankangelkofkmercy,kIkfear. kIkseemktokbekcausingk nothingkbutkproblems." k"Boredomkiskonekofkakhospital'skworstkproblems,kandkyou'rekalleviatingkthatknic ely."kThekcaptainkswungk overktokonekofkseveralkchairskandkcardktablesksetkbesidekakwindowktokcreatekaklo ungekarea.kHekgesturedk herktokthekchairkoppositekhimkaskhekloweredkhimselfkwithkakwince.k

kJocelynkexaminedkthekdrabkwallskandkfurnishingskandkthekwindowskthatkfacedkanot herkdepressingkwingkofk thekhospital.kNotkakplacekdesignedktokaidkconvalescence.k"Willkyoukbekstayingkhe reklong?" kJocelynkexaminedkthekdrabkwallskandkfurnishingskandkthekwindowskthatkfacedkanot herkdepressingkwingkofk thekhospital.kNotkakplacekdesignedktokaidkconvalescence.k"Willkyoukbekstayingkhe reklong?" k"Inkanyksuchkdisagreement,kmykmoneykiskonkyou." k"Than kyou."kBlea nesskshowedkinkhiskeyes.k"I'mkfortunatekcomparedktokmanykofkm ykfellowkpatients." k"AuntkLaurakmentionedkMajorkLancasterkinkparticular,"kJocelynksaid,kremembering kthekletter.k"Isktherek newskofkhimkIkcankta ektokher?" k"Nothingkgood.kHekhaskgravekspinalkinjurieskandkiskparalyzedkfromkthekwaistkdow n."kRichardkleanedk againstkthekhighkbac kofkhiskchair,khiskfacekmuchkolderkthankhiskyears.k"Hekcank barelykeat,kandkit'skankopenk questionkwhetherkhekwillkdiekofkstarvation,kpain,korkthekopiumkthey'vekbeenkgivi ngkhimktokma eklivingk bearable.kThekphysicianskdon'tkunderstandkwhykhekisn'tkdeadkalready,kbutktheykag reekit'skonlykakmatterkofk time." k"I'mksorry.kIk nowkthekwordskarekinadequate,kbutkanykwordskwouldkbe,"kJocelynks aidkwithkcompassion.k "He'skakparticularkfriendkofkyours?" k"FromkthekfirstkdaykIkjoinedkthekregiment,kwhenkhektoo kmekinkhandktokturnkmeki ntokakrealkofficer."k Richard'skgazekwaskonkthekpast,kandkthekdayskandkyearskthatkhadkgonekintokweavin gkakfriendship.k"Evenkink dying,khe'skankexamplektokuskall.kCompletelykcalm,kexceptkforkhiskconcernkforkhi skyoungerksister'skfuture.k She'skakgovernesskandkwellksituatedkforknow,kbutkwhenkhe'skgone,kshe'llkbekalone kinkthekworld,kwithk nothingkandknokonektokfallkbac kon."kHekgavekhiskheadkakslightksha e.k"Sorry.kIk shouldn'tkbekdepressingk youkwithkthekstorykofksomeonekyou'vekneverkevenkmet." kJocelynkstartedktoksaykthatkhekhadknokneedktokapologize,kthenkfrozekaskankideak struc .kShekneededkak husband,kandkthekmortallykwoundedkmajorkwantedksecuritykforkhisksister.kUnli ekS irkHaroldkWinterson,k therekwouldkbeknokquestionkofk"maritalkrights"ksincekthekpoorkmankwaskonkhiskdea thbed.kInkreturnkforkhisk name,kshekcouldksettlekankannuitykonktheksisterkthatkwouldk eepkherkinkcomfortkf orklife.kItkwaskakperfectk meetingkofkneeds:kshekwouldkretainkherkfortune,kandkhekwouldkbekablektokdiekinkp eace. k"Richard,kI'vekjustkhadkakmostkbizarrekinspirationkthatkmightksolvekakproblemko fkminekwhilekhelpingkMajork Lancaster."kQuic lyksheks etchedkinkthekrequirementskofkherkfather'skwill,kthenk

explainedktheksolutionkthatk hadkoccurredktokher. kTokherkrelief,kthekcaptainklistenedktokJocelyn'skproposalkwithknoksignkofkrevul sion.k"Yourkpropositionkisk unusual,kbutksokiskyourksituation.kDavidkmightkwellkbekinterested.kItkwouldkbeka kgreatkcomfortkforkhimkifk Sallykiskprovidedkfor.kShallkIkintroducekyouktokhimkifkhe'skawa e?" k"Thatkwouldkbekwonderful."kJocelynkrose,khopingkthekmajorkwasn'tkasleep.kIfkshe khadktimektokthin kaboutk herkidea,kshekmightknotkbekbravekenoughktokgokthroughkwithkit. kRichardkpulledkhimselfkontokhiskcrutcheskandkledkherktokonekofkthekroomskshe'dk glancedkinkearlier,kwherek thekpatientkhadkappearedkunconscious.kAfterkopeningkthekdoorkforkJocelyn,khekswu ngkacrosskthekroomktok

thekbed. thekbed. kThekcaptainksaidksoftly,k"David?" kMajorkLancasterkopenedkhiskeyeskatktheksoundkofkhiskfriend'skvoice.k"Richard "kTh ekvoicekwasknokmorek thankaklowkwhisperkofkac nowledgment. kThekcaptainkglancedkatkJocelyn.k"There'skakladykherekwho'dkli ektokmeetkyou." k"Anythingktokobligekaklady,"kLancasterksaid,kakthreadkofkhumorkinktheklowkvoice .k"I'veknothingkpressingkonk mykschedule." k"LadykJocelynkKendal,kallowkmektokpresentkMajorkDavidkLancasterkofkthek95thkRif les."kRichardk bec onedkherktokhiskside. k"MajorkLancaster."kShekmovedkintokthekinjuredkman'sklinekofksightkandkgotkherkf irstkclearkloo katkhim.kAk joltkofksurprisekwentkthroughkher.kThoughkhiskbodykwaskbro en,khiskeyeskwerekver ykmuchkalive.kVividlyk green,ktheykshowedkpain,kbutkalsokintelligentkawareness.kEven,kamazingly,khumor. kHekscannedkherkwithkfran kappreciation.k"SokthiskisktheklegendarykLadykJocelyn. kIt'skakpleasurektokmeetk you.kEverykmankinkthekregimentktoo kpainsktoktellkmekwhatkI'dkmissedkbykspending kthekwinterkwithkthek Spanishkarmy." k"Thekpleasurekiskmine,kMajor."kJocelynkrealizedkhiskeyeskwerekstri ingknotkonly kforkthekunusualkshadekofk transparentkgreen,kbutkbecausekthekpupilskwerektinykpinpoints,kma ingkthekirises kevenkmorekstartling.k Opium.kShe'dkseenkeyeskli ekthatkinksocietykladieskwhokwerekoverfondkofklaudanum . kShekhadkintendedktokma ekherkproposalkwithoutkdelay,kbutkaskshekstoodkbykthekwr ec kofkwhatkhadkbeenk akwarrior,kherkthroatkclosedkandkleftkherksilent.kTokloo kintokMajorkLancaster's kgreenkeyeskandksaykthatk shekwaskherektokma ekakbargainkinkanticipationkofkhiskdeathkwaskimpossible. kCorrectlykinterpretingkherkstrainedkexpression,kRichardkDaltonksaid,k"LadykJoce lynkhaskakmostkunusualk proposition,konekIkthin kyou'llkfindkinteresting.kIkshallkleavekyouktwoktokdiscu sskit."kHekshiftedkhiskcrutchesk tokakmorekcomfortablekposition,kthenkleft. kJocelynktoo kakdeepkbreath,kgratefulkthatkRichardkhadkbro enkthekice.kWherektok start?kNotkwantingktok overtirekthekmajor,ksheksaidksuccinctly,k"Mykfatherkdiedkseveralkyearskagokandkl eftkmekaksubstantialk inheritance,konkthekconditionkIkmarrykbykagektwenty-five.kIkshallkreachkthatkage kinkakfewkwee skandkamkstillk unwed.kRichardkmentionedkyourksituation,kandkitkoccurredktokmekthatkwekmightkma ekakbargainkofkmutualk

benefit.kIf kifkyou'llkmarrykme,kIkshallksettlekankincomekonkyourksisterktokensure kherkfutureksecurity." kWhenkshekfinished,kabsoluteksilencekreigned,kbro enkonlykbykthekdistantksoundsk ofkstreetktraffic.kItktoo kallk ofkJocelyn'skcontrolknotktokflinchkunderkLancaster'skstartledkgaze.kYetkwhenkhek spo e,khiskvoicekshowedk onlykcuriosity,knotkangerkatkthekbaldkimplicationkofkhiskimminentkdeath.k"Ikhave ktroublekbelievingkyoukcan'tk findkakhusbandkinkthekusualkfashion.kArekthekmenkofkLondonkmad,kblind,korkboth?" k"ThekmankIkwantkhaskshownkankunflatteringklac kofkinterestkinkme,"kJocelynkadmi tted,kfeelingkthatknothingk

lesskthankhonestykwouldkdo.k"Perhapskhekmayksomedaykchangekhiskmind.kIkhopekso.k Inkthekmeantime,kIk don'tkwantktokmarrykonlykforktheksa ekofkankinheritance,kthenkregretkitkthekrest kofkmyklife.kDokyouk understand?"kHerklastkwordskwerekakplea;kitkwasksuddenlykimportantkthatkhekaccep tkherkactionskask reasonable. lesskthankhonestykwouldkdo.k"Perhapskhekmayksomedaykchangekhiskmind.kIkhopekso.k Inkthekmeantime,kIk don'tkwantktokmarrykonlykforktheksa ekofkankinheritance,kthenkregretkitkthekrest kofkmyklife.kDokyouk understand?"kHerklastkwordskwerekakplea;kitkwasksuddenlykimportantkthatkhekaccep tkherkactionskask reasonable. kHiskeyeskflic eredkopen.k"Howkmuchkofkankannuitykwerekyoukproposing?"k Jocelynkhadn'tkthoughtkthatkfar.kAfterkakswiftkassessmentkofkherkincomekandkthek costskofkliving,kshekas edk hesitantly,k"Wouldkfivekhundredkpoundskakyearkbekacceptable?" kHiskbrowskrose.k"Thatkwouldkbekverykgenerous.kEnoughkforkSallyktoklivekaklifeko fkleisurekifkshekwished,k thoughkIkcan'tkimaginekherkidle.kPerhapskshe'dkstartkakschool."k Hekfellksilent,kthekpainklineskinkhiskfacekemphasizedkaskhekthought.kUneasilykJo celynksaid,k"Nokdoubtkyou'llk wantksomektimektokconsiderkthis." k"No,"kheksaidkemphatically,khiskvoicekstronger.k"Therekis knoktimektokwaste."k Thekwordskchilledkher.kForkankendlesskmoment,ktheirkgazeskloc ed.kJocelynksawkno kfearkaboutkhisk impendingkdeath,konlykstar khonestykandkhardkwonkpeace.kWithkeverykbreathkhekdre w,kthiskmankhumbledk her. kCarefullykshapingkeachkword,kLancasterksaid,k"LadykJocelyn,kwouldkyoukdokmekthe khonorkofkbecomingk mykwife?"kAkfaint,kwryksmilekcurvedkhisklips.k "ThoughkIkhaveknothingktokofferkyoukbutkmykname,kforkyourkpurposeskthatkwillksuf fice."k Hiskabilityktokjo ekunderkthesekcircumstanceskalmostkundidkJocelyn'skself-contro l.kCho ingkbac kherk feelings,ksheklaidkherkhandkoverkhis.kItkwaskbone-thin,kalmostks eletal,kbutkthe kpulsekofklifekwaskstillkpresent.k "Thekhonorkwouldkbekmine,kMajorkLancaster."k "David,"kheksaid.k"Afterkall,kwekarekaboutktokwed." k"David,"kshekrepeated.kItkwaskakgood,ksolidknamekthatksuitedkhim.k Hiskbrowskdrewktogetherkinkconcentration.k"Wekshallkobviouslykhavektokbekmarried khere.kI'mkafraidkthatk you'llkhavektokarrangekforkthekspecialklicense,kbutkifkyoukhavekakmankofkbusines

s,khekshouldkbekablektok obtainkonekbyktomorrow." k"I'llkhavekmyklawyerkta ekcarekofkit.kHekcankalsokdrawkupktheksettlementkforkyo urksister.kHerknamekiskSallyk Lancaster?"k "SarahkJanekLancaster."kHekclosedkhiskeyeskagain.k"Yourklawyerkmustkalsokdrawkup kakquitclaimkforkmektok sign,krelinquishingkallkcustomarykclaimskagainstkyourkproperty." k"Iskthatknecessary?"k "Legallykyourkpropertykwouldkbecomekminekonkmarriage,kandkonkmykdeathkhalfkwould kgoktokmykheir,k

Sally.kSincekthekpurposekofkthiskexercisekiskforkyouktokretainkyourkfortune,kwek don'tkwantkthatktokhappen." Sally.kSincekthekpurposekofkthiskexercisekiskforkyouktokretainkyourkfortune,kwek don'tkwantkthatktokhappen." interests."k Recognizingkthatkhekwaskatktheklimitskofkhiskstrength,kJocelynksaid,k"Ikshouldkb ekablektokhavektheklicensek andksettlementskbyktomorrow.kWillkthisksamektimekbekagreeablektokyou?"kAskshekst udiedktheksparekfigurek underkthekblan et,kshekwonderedkifkhekwouldkstillkbekalivekinkanotherktwenty-fou rkhours.k Uncannilykreadingkherkmind,kheksaid,k"Don'tkworry,kIkshallkstillkbekhere."k Shekgavekhiskhandkakgentleksqueeze,kthenkreleasedkit.k"Than kyou,kDavid.kIkshall kseekyouktomorrowkthen."k Aklittlekdazedkbykthekspeedkofkevents,kshekleftkthekroom,kquietlykclosingkthekdo orkbehindkher.kRichardkwask seatedkinkthekloungekareakatkthekendkofkthekhall,ksokshekjoinedkhim,kgesturingkf orkhimknotktokstandkforkher.k "MajorkLancasterkhaskagreed.kThekceremonykwillkbektomorrow.kThan kyou,kRichard.k You kyou'vek allowedkmektokta ekakmeasurekofkcontrolkoverkmyklife." k"I'mkgladkIkcouldkhelpktwokfriendskatkonce,"kheksaidkquietly.k"Perhapskproviden cekwaskta ingkakhand."k "I'dkli ektokthin kso."kWithkakslightlykcroo edksmile,kshekbadekhimkfarewell.k WonderingkifkDavidkloo edkasksha enkaskLadykJocelyn,kRichardkpulledkhimselfkonto khiskcrutcheskandk madekhiskwayktokhiskfriend'skroom.k"Ikgatherkallkiskwell?"khekas edkaskhekentere d.k David'skeyeskopened.kThoughkhekwaskgraykwithkexhaustion,ktherekwaskaksmilekonkhi skface.k"Verykmuchk so.kWillkyoukstandkwitnesskforkme?" k"Ofkcourse."kRichardksettledkinkthekchairkbesidekthekbed.k"Dokyoukneedkmektokdo kanythingkelsekforkthek wedding?"k "Couldkyoukta ekthekringkfromkmyklittlekfingerkandk eepkitkforkthekceremony?"kHe kpushedkhiskrightkhandk overkthekdingyksheets.k"Ikthin kit'sksmallkenoughktokfitkher."k Richardkremovedkthekring.kItkcamekoffkDavid'skbonykfingerkeasily.k "Mykefficientkbridekwillkarrangekeverything,"kthekmajorksaidkwithkakspar kofkamu sement.k"Than kyoukfork bringingkusktogether." k"Thekmarriagekofkconveniencekiskaktime-honoredktradition,kthoughkI'vekneverkhea rdkofkonekquitekli ekthis,"k Richardksaid.k"Butkeveryonekbenefits."k "TherekarekotherkmenkherekwhosekfamilieskcouldkusekthekmoneykmorekthankSally,kbu tkIkamkselfishkenoughk tokbekgladkshekwillkbekprovidedkfor.kAkwomankwithoutkfamilykiskonlykakstepkawayk

fromkpotentialkdisaster.k Ankaccidentkorkillnesskcouldkpushkherkintokabjectkpoverty.kNowkthatkwon'tkhappen ."kDavidkexhaledk roughly.k"Timekforkmoreklaudanum.kOverkthere,konkthektable " kRichardkpouredkakdosekofkthekmedicine,kthenkheldkthekspoonksokDavidkcouldkswall ow.k"Yourksisterkisknotk

entirelykwithoutkfamily." entirelykwithoutkfamily." kThin ingkhiskfriendkasleep,kRichardkhoistedkhimselfkontokhiskcrutches,kbutkbefo rekhekcouldkleave,kDavidk murmured,k"Ikwouldkhavekhelpedkherkevenkwithoutkthekannuity.kIkratherkli ektheki deakofkbeingkmarriedktok LadykJocelyn,kevenkifkit'skonlykforkakfewkdays." kHiskvoicekfadedktokakbarekwhisper.k"Somethingktokloo kforwardkto " kRichardkleftkthekroomkwithksatisfaction,kgratefulkthatkLadykJocelynkwaskbringin gksomekpleasurekintok David'sklastkdays.kThekonlykpersonkli elyktokobjectktokthekarrangementkwaskSally kLancaster,kwhokguardedk herkbrotherkli ekakmotherkcatkwithkak itten.kAtkleastkthekincomekwouldkgivekherk somethingktokthin kaboutk afterkhekdied. kChapterk3k

AfterkleavingkCaptainkDalton,kJocelynkenteredkthekenclosedkstairwell,kthenkplopp edkdownkonkakstepk betweenkfloors,kheedlesskofkherkexpensivekgown.kBuryingkherkfacekinkherkhands,ks hekstruggledktokcollectk herself,kherkmindkakjumblekofkthoughtskandkfeelings.kShekwaskintenselykrelievedk thatkherkproblemkwask solved assumingkMajorkLancasterkdidn'tkdiekinktheknight yetkshekhalfkwishedkshe'dkne verksetkfootkinkthek Yor kHospital.kThoughkneitherkmankhadkshownkdisgustkatkherkimpulsiveksuggestion, kshekfeltkli ekakcarrionk crowkfeastingkonkthekalmostkdead. kWell,kshekandkthekmajorkhadkmadekakbargain,kandkitkwasktooklatektokwithdrawknow .kTherekwaskcomfortkink thek nowledgekthatkhe'dkseemedkpleasedktokacceptkherkproposition.kYetkwhenkshekt houghtkofkthekmajor'sk courage,khiskamusedkgreenkeyes,kshekcouldkhavekweptkforkthekwaste.kHowkmanykothe rkmenkandkboyskhadk diedkaskakresultkofkNapoleon'skambition,korkbeenkcrippledkli ekRichardkDaltonkan dkRhyskMorgan? kItkdidn'tkbearkthin ingkof,ksokJocelynkstoodkandkcarefullykdonnedkherkgraciousladykfacade.kBykthektimek shekreachedkRhyskMorgan'skward,kshekappearedkcomposedkagain,kthoughkmiserykstill k nottedkinkherk midriff. kHearingkankanguished,kWelsh-accentedkvoice,kshekpausedkinkthekdoorkofkthekward, kjustkoutkofksightkofk thekMorgans.k"Whokwouldkeverkwantkakcripplekli ekme?"kRhysksaidkharshly,k"Ikcan' tkfight,kcan'tkgokdownk inkthekmines,kwouldkonlykbekhalfkakmankwor ingkonkthekfarm.kIkwishkthekdamnedkca nnonkhadkblownkmyk headkoffkratherkthankmykleg!"

kHugh'sksofterkvoicekstartedkma ingksoothingknoises,ktooklowkforkJocelynktokhear kthekwords.kSheksquaredk herkshoulderskbeforekenteringkthekward.kHerekwasksomethingkshekcouldkdokforkakma nkwhokwouldkbek aroundklongkenoughktokbenefit. kWhenkshekapproachedkthekbed,kbothkbrotherskturnedktokfacekher.kRhys'skfacekwask tense,kwhilekHugh'sk showedkthekguiltkandkmiserykofkakwholekmankinkthekpresencekofkonekwhokwaskmaimed .k

kAskHughkstood,kJocelynksaidktokRhys,k"CorporalkMorgan,kIkhavekakfavorktokas ." kAskHughkstood,kJocelynksaidktokRhys,k"CorporalkMorgan,kIkhavekakfavorktokas ." k"Ik nowkitkwouldkbekverykdullkafterkallkyou'vekdonekandkseen,kbutkwouldkyoukcon siderkcomingktokwor kfork me?kMykauntkwillkbekleavingksoonktoksetkupkakseparatekhousehold,kandkshe'llkbekt a ingkseveralkofkthek servants,kincludingkonekofkthektwokmenkwhokwor kinkthekstables.kAskakcavalrykman ,ksurelykyoukarek experiencedkwithkhorses.kWouldkyoukbekinterestedkinkthekposition?" kThekcorporal'skfacekreflectedkshoc ,kandkdawningkhope.k"Ikshouldkli ektokbekakg room."kHiskgazekwentktok hiskmissingkleg.k"ButkI kIkdon'tk nowkifkIkcankmanagekthekwor ktokyourkladyship'sk standards." kDeliberatelykshekloo edktokthekflatkplacekonkthekbedkwherektherekshouldkhavekbe enkakstrong,khealthyklimb. k"Ikseeknokreasonktokdoubtkyourkcompetence,kCorporal."kWantingktoklightenkthekmo od,ksheksaidk mischievously,k"Pleaseksaykyes,kifkonlykforkyourkbrother'sksa e.kHekiskpositivel ykmenacedkbykhousemaidsk tryingktokcapturekhiskattention.kHavingkanotherkhandsomekyoungkmankinkthekhouseh oldkwillkma ekhisklifek easier." kHughkblurtedkout,k"Myklady!"khiskfacekturningkscarlet. kAtktheksightkofkhiskbrother'skembarrassment,kRhyskleanedkbac konkthekpillowskan dklaughedkwithkthekairkofk akmankrediscoveringkhumor.k"Ikshallkbekmostkhonoredktokwor kforkyou,kLadykJocely n." k"Excellent."kAnotherkthoughtkstruc kher.k"Whyknotkas kthekdoctorskifkyoukcankbe kmovedktokmykhousekfork recuperation?kIt'skakmuchkmorekpleasantkplacekthankthis,kandkyourkbrotherkwillkb ekgladktokhavekyouknear." k"Oh,kmyklady!"kHughkexclaimed,khiskfaceklightingkup. k"I kIkshouldkli ekthatkverykmuch,kLadykJocelyn."kRhyskblin edkaksuspiciouskbright nesskfromkhiskeyeskatk thekprospectkofkleavingkthekhospital. k"Thenkwekshallkexpectkyoukasksoonkaskyoukarekreleased."kAskshekwithdrewksokthat kHughkcouldkhavekak privatekfarewellkwithkhiskbrother,kshekthoughtkofkDavidkLancaster,kwhokwasksokfr ailkthatkanykattemptktok movekhimkwouldkprobablykcausekhiskdeath.kRhyskMorgankwaskrobustkbykcomparison.kW ithkakcomfortablek placektoklivekandkakgoodkjobkwaiting,khekwouldkadjustktokhisklosskfairlyksoon.kA ndkshekwouldkgetkakfinek groomkinkthekprocess. kAkfewkminutesklaterkthekfootmankjoinedkher,kandktheykleftkthekbuilding.kJocelyn kinhaledkthekwarmksummerk airkwithkrelief.kEvenkwithktheksmellskofkthekcity,kitkwaskblessedlykfreshkafterk

thekhospital. kBehindkher,kHughksaidkhesitantly,k"LadykJocelyn?" kShekglancedkbac katkhim.k"Yes,kMorgan?" k"Myklady,kIkwillkneverkforgetkwhatkyoukhavekjustkdone,"kheksaidkgravely.k"Ifkth erekiskeverkanythingkIkcankdok tokrepaykyou,kanythingkatkall " k"Itkwaskeasilykdone,kandkI'mksurekyourkbrotherkwillkbekakworthykadditionktokthe khouse,"ksheksaid,k shruggingkoffkhiskgratitude.k

k"Itkmaykhavekbeenkeasy,kbutkfewkwouldkhavekdonekit.kTisksaidkinkthekservants'kh allkthatktherekisn'tkakladykink Londonkwithkakwarmerkheartkthankyours." k"Itkmaykhavekbeenkeasy,kbutkfewkwouldkhavekdonekit.kTisksaidkinkthekservants'kh allkthatktherekisn'tkakladykink Londonkwithkakwarmerkheartkthankyours." kCarriageskwerekeasierkthankcompliments. kBeforekreturningktokUpperkBroo kStreet,kJocelynkpaidkakvisitktokherklawyerkandk mankofkbusiness,kJohnk Crandall.kInkthekyearsksincekherkfather'skdeath,ktheklawyerkhadkbecomekaccustome dktokdealingkdirectlyk withkaklady,kbutktodaykherkrequestskraisedkhiskexperiencedkeyebrows. k"You'rekgoingktokmarrykakdyingkofficer?"khekrepeatedkincredulously.k"Itkwillkfu lfillkthektermskofkthekwill,kbutk yourkfather'skhopekwaskthatkyou'dkfindkakhusbandktok eepkyoukinkline.kThiskMajor kLancasterkcankscarcelyk dokthat." kJocelynkdidkherkbestktokloo ksoulful.k"Whykdokyoukthin kIkhaveknotkmarriedkelse where?kThekattachmentk betweenkDavidkandkmekis kiskofksomekduration." kItkwasn'tkquitekaklie.kAnkhourkqualifiedkask"akduration."k"HekwaskinkSpainkwhen kIkvisitedkmykauntkandkherk husband.kButkthekwar,kyouk now "kAlsoknotkaklie,kthoughkcertainlykintendedktokbekm isleading.k"Ikhavek neverk nownkakbraverkorkmorekhonorablekgentleman."kThat,katkleast,kwaskthektruth . kMollified,kCrandallkpromisedktokprocurekthekspecialklicense,karrangekforkakcler gyman,kandkhavekthek settlementkandkquitclaimkdocumentskreadykinkthekmorning.kOnkthekridekhome,kJocel ynkponderedkwhetherk toktellkLadykLaurakaboutkherkwedding,kbutkdecidedkagainstkit.kHerkauntkhadksaidk inkaskmanykwordskthatkshek didn'tkwantktok nowkaboutkJocelyn'skmaritalkschemes.kFarkbetterktokexplainkafter kthekdeedkwaskdone,kshek thoughtkwryly.kShe'dklearnedkearlykthatkitkwaskeasierktokgetkforgivenesskthankpe rmission. kJocelynkawo ektheknextkmorningkwithkakbizarreksensekofkunreality.kTodaykiskmykw eddingkday.kNotkthatk thiskwaskakrealkmarriage,kofkcourse.kYetkthatk nowledgekcouldknotkmas kthekreali tykthatktodaykshekwouldk ta ekthekstepkthatkforkmostkgirlskwaskthekmostkmomentouskofkaklifetime,kandkshek waskdoingkitkalmostkatk random. kOnkimpulse,kshekdecidedktokaddksomethingkspecialktokthektragicklittlekceremonyk thatkwouldkta ekplacek laterkthatkmorning.kWhenkMariekappearedkwithkherkchocolatekandkrolls,ksheksentkt hekgirlkdownktokthek itchenkwithkordersktokpac kakbas etkwithkchampagnekandkglasses,kandktokgatherka kbouquetkofkflowerskink thekgarden.

kShekchosekherkcostumekwithkspecialkcare,kselectingkakcream-coloredkmorningkgown kwithkpleatskandk subtlekcream-on-creamkembroiderykaroundktheknec linekandkhem.kMariekdressedkherk chestnutkhairkratherk severely,kpullingkitkbac kintokaktwistkwithkonlykthekmostkdelicatekofkcurlsknear kherkface.kSeeingkthatkherk mistresskloo edkpale,kMariekdeftlykaddedkakbitkofkcolorkwithkthekhare'skfoot. kEvenkso,kJocelynkthoughtkwhenkshekglancedkinkthekmirror,kshekloo edkaskifkshekw askgoingktokakfuneral.k Andkwasn'tkthatkalmostkthektruth? kAtkfifteenkminuteskbeforekelevenko'cloc ,kJocelyn'skcarriagekhaltedkatkthekentr ancekofkthekYor kHospital.k

WaitingktherekwaskCrandall,kakbulgingkcasekofkpaperskinkonekhandkandkakvague,kel derlykclerickatkhiskside.k Theklawyerkloo edkgloomy.kJocelynkconsideredkpointingkoutkthatkhekshouldkbekglad kthatkshekwask eepingk herkinheritancekandkherkneedkforkhiskservices,kbutkdecidedkthatkwouldkbekvulgar. WaitingktherekwaskCrandall,kakbulgingkcasekofkpaperskinkonekhandkandkakvague,kel derlykclerickatkhiskside.k Theklawyerkloo edkgloomy.kJocelynkconsideredkpointingkoutkthatkhekshouldkbekglad kthatkshekwask eepingk herkinheritancekandkherkneedkforkhiskservices,kbutkdecidedkthatkwouldkbekvulgar. kHeknodded.kShekwaskunsurprised;kservantskalwaysk newkeverythingkthatkhappenedki nkakhousehold.k"I'mk aboutktokmarry.kPlease kwishkmekwell." kHiskjawkdroppedkforkankinstant.kRallying,kheksaid,k"Always,kmyklady." kCrandallkjoinedkthem,kendingkthekprivatekconversation.kWithkMorgankcarryingkthe kflowerskandkak ribbon-decoratedkbas et,ktheykenteredkthekhospitalkinkaksilentkprocession.kNokon ekchallengedkthemkork as edktheirkbusiness.kJocelynkhadkthekeeriekfeelingkthatkshekcouldkridekakhorsek intokthekbuildingkandknokonek wouldkgivekherkaksecondkglance. kMajorkLancasterkandkCaptainkDaltonkwerekengagedkinkakgamekofkchesskwhenkJocelyn karrivedkwithkherk entourage.kShekwaskabsurdlykpleasedktokseekthatkherkintendedkhusbandkwasknotkonl ykalive,kbutkRichardk hadkhelpedkhimksitkupkagainstkthekpillowsksokthatkhekloo edklesskfrail.kSheksmil edkatkthekmen.k"Goodk morning,kDavid.kRichard." kHerkbridegroomksmiledkbac .k"Thiskiskthekbestkofkmornings,kJocelyn.kYoukloo kve ryklovelyktoday." kHearingkthekwarmthkinkthekmajor'skvoice,kCrandallkunbentkenoughktoksmile,khisks ensekofkproprietyk appeased.kHekintroducedkhimself,kthenksaid,k"MajorkLancaster,kifkyoukwillksignkt hese,kplease." kDavidkstudiedkthekpaperskcarefullykbeforeksigning.kIgnoringkthekbusinesskaspect skofkthekwedding,kJocelynk arrangedkthekflowerskonkthekbedsidektablekinkthekglasskvasekshe'dkbrought.kUnfor tunately,kthekbrilliantk summerkblossomskmadekthekrestkofkthekroomkloo kevenkmorekdrab.kOnkimpulse,ksheka rrangedksomekofkthek flowerskintokaksmallkbouquetkandktiedkitkwithkakribbonkstolenkfromkthekbas et. kAfterkta ingkherkownkturnkatkscanningkandksigningkpapers,kJocelynkmovedktokthek sidekofkthekbedkandkgavek Davidkherkhand.kHiskgraspkwaskwarmkandkstrongkonkherkcoldkfingers.kShekglancedkd ownkintokhiskeyeskandk waskcaughtkbykthektranquillityksheksawkthere.kMajorkLancasterkwasknotkakmankwhok eitherkwantedkork neededkpity. kSheksmiledktremulously,kwishingkshekcouldkmatchkhiskcalm.k"Shallkwekbegin?"

kThekdetailskofkthekceremonykwerekneverkclearktokherkafter.kShekrememberedkfragm ents:k"Dokyou,kDavidk Edward,kta ekthiskwoman " k"Ikdo."kThoughknotkstrong,khiskvoicekwaskfirmkandksure. k"Dokyou,kJocelynkEleanor " k"Ikdo."kHerkresponsekwaskalmostkinaudible,kevenktokher. kThekvicar'sknextksentenceskwerekakblur,kuntilkthekwordsk"Tillkdeathkuskdokpart, "kjumpedkoutkatkher.kItkwask wrong,kwrong,kthatkdeathkshouldkbekhoveringkoverkwhatkwaskusuallykakjoyouskoccas ion. kShekwaskdrawnkbac ktokthekpresentkwhenkDavidktoo kherkhandkandkcarefullykslidko nkthekgoldkringkthatk

Richardkprovided.k"WithkthiskringkIktheekwed,kwithkmykbodykIktheekworship,kandkw ithkallkmykworldlyk goodskIktheekendow." Richardkprovided.k"WithkthiskringkIktheekwed,kwithkmykbodykIktheekworship,kandkw ithkallkmykworldlyk goodskIktheekendow." kInkakvoicekmuchklargerkthankhiskdiminutivekframe,kthekvicarkintonedktheklast,kr ollingkwordskofkthek ceremony,k"Ikpronouncekthatktheykbekmankandkwifektogether." kDavidktuggedkatkherkhand,kandkshekleanedkoverktok isskhim.kHisklipskwereksurpri singlykwarmkunderkhers. kFightingktears,kshekliftedkherkhead.kSoftlykheksaid,k"Than kyou,kmykdearkgirl." k"Than kyou,khusband,"kshekwhispered. kShekwantedktoksaykmore,ktoktellkhimkthatkshekwouldkneverkforgetktheirkbriefkacq uaintance,kbutkthekmomentk waskshatteredkbykaklow,kintensekvoicekfromkthekdoorway.k"Whatkiskthekmeaningkofk this?" kJocelynkjumpedkaskifkshekhadkbeenkcaughtkinkthekactkofktheft.kAkscowlingkyoungk womankstoodkinkthek doorway,kherkfistskclenchedkbykherksides.kWhilekeveryonekinkthekroomkwatchedkink stunnedksilence,kthek newcomerkmarchedktokthekbed.kHerkgazekmovedkfrom kDavidktokJocelyn,kwhoksawkthatkthekangrykeyeskwerekbrightlykgreen. kWithkdrykamusement,kJocelynkrealizedkthatkherknewksister-in-lawkhadkarrivedkand kwasknotkpleasedkbyk whatkshe'dkfound.kSallykLancasterkwaskakshortkwirykcreature,kalmostkrelentlessly kplain,kherkdar khairkpulledk intokaktightk not.kHerkdrabkgraykdresskwaskunfashionablykhighkatktheknec ,kandks hekworekakpracticedkloo k ofkdisapproval.kThekfinekgreenkeyeskwerekherkonlykclaimktokbeauty,kandkatkthekmo mentktheykspar edkwithk fury. kJocelynkinclinedkherkhead.k"YoukmustkbekMisskLancaster.kIkamkLadykJocelynkKenda l.kOrkrather,kLadyk JocelynkLancaster.kAskyoukhaveknokdoubtkguessed,kyourkbrotherkandkIkhavekjustkma rried." kThekwomanksaidkincredulously,k"David?" kHekreachedkoutkhiskotherkhandktokher.k"Sally,kit'skallkright.kI'llkexplainklate r." kAskshektoo kherkbrother'skhandkandkglancedkdownkatkhim,kherkfaceksoftened.kShek noklongerkloo edkli ek ankavengingkangel,kjustkaktiredkwomanklittlekolderkthankJocelynkherself,kherkeye skblea kwithkdespair.

kJocelynkturnedktokherkfootman.k"Morgan,kthekchampagne,kplease." kOpeningkthekbas et,khekproducedkakbottlekandkglasses.kPouringkandkhandingkaroun dkchampagnek dissipatedkthektensionkinkthekroom.kEvenkSallykacceptedkakglass,kthoughkshekstil lkloo edkli ekakroc etk readyktokexplode. kJocelynkrealizedkthatkaktoastkwaskinkorder,kbutkunderkthekcircumstanceskitkwoul dkbekgrotesquekforkanyonek tokwishkthekcouplekhealthkandkhappiness.kInkhiskcapacitykaskbestkman,kCaptainkDa ltonksavedkthekmoment.k Hekraisedkhiskglassktoktheknewlyweds,kloo ingkquitekatkeasekdespitekthekneedktok balancekonkhiskcrutches.k "TokDavidkandkJocelyn.kAsksoonkaskIksawkyouktogether,kIk newkyoukwerekintendedkf orkeachkother." kOnlykJocelynkandkDavidkunderstoodkthekironykofkthekremar .k

kAfterkthekguestskdran ,kDavidkraisedkhiskglasskinkanotherktoast,ksayingkinkakfa int,kclearkvoice,k"Tokfriends,k bothkpresentkandkabsent." kAfterkthekguestskdran ,kDavidkraisedkhiskglasskinkanotherktoast,ksayingkinkakfa int,kclearkvoice,k"Tokfriends,k bothkpresentkandkabsent." kJocelynkfollowedkherkoutkofkthekroomkwithkresignation.kShe'dkhavektokdealkwithk herkpric lyksister-in-lawk soonerkorklater,kandkbetterkthatkshekma ekthekexplanationskthankDavid.kHekwaskob viouslyktiringkrapidlyk andkhadkhardlyktouchedkhiskchampagne. kInkthekhallway,kSallykclosedkthekdoorkbeforekas ingksharply,k"Wouldkyouk indlyk explainkwhatkthatkwaskallk about?kIskitkaknewkfashionkforkwealthyksocietykladiesktokmarrykdyingksoldiers,ka skonekwouldkchoosekaknewk hat?kWillkyoukbektellingkyourkfriendskwhatkankamusingkgamekyoukhavekfound?" kJocelynkgasped.kIfkherksister-in-lawkbelievedkthekmarriagekwaskthekresultkofkso mekbored,kselfishkwhim,kitk certainlykexplainedkthekwoman'skhostility.kJocelynkthoughtkofkthekmajor'skwarmth kandkunderstandingktouch,k andkfeltkangrykthatkSallykdaredkaccusekherkofkmarryingkforksuchkakcallouskreason . kHerkirritationktingedkwithkguilt,kJocelynksaidkinkthekicykvoicekofkankearl'skda ughter,k"Thatkiskakridiculousk statementkandkdoesknotkdignifykankanswer.kYourkbrotherkiskankadult.kHekdoesn'tkn eedkyourkpermissionktok marry." kSally'skeyesknarrowedkli ekakcat's.k"Ikthin kyoukforcedkhimktokdokit.kDavidkhas kneverkevenkmentionedkyourk name!kIkcan'tkbelievekhekwouldkmarrykwithoutktellingkmekunlesskhekhadknokchoice. " kJocelynkrealizedkthatkthekotherkwomankwaskjealouskofkherkbrother'skattention,kb utkwaskirritatedkenoughktok saykacidly,k"Perhapskhek newkthatkyoukwouldkthrowkaktantrumkandkpreferredkakpeac efulkceremony." kShekregrettedkthekcommentkwhenkSally'skfacekwhitened.kMorekgentlyksheksaid,k"We kdecidedkveryk suddenly,kjustkyesterday.kPerhapsktherekwasn'tktimektoknotifykyou." kSallykshoo kherkheadkmiserably.k"Ikwaskherekyesterdaykafternoon.kWhykwouldn'tkh ekwantkmekatkhisk wedding?" kCaptainkDaltonkjoinedkthem,kapparentlykguessingkthatktirekladieskwouldkneedkakr eferee.kClosingkthekdoork withkthektipkofkonekcrutch,kheksaidkwithoutkpreamble,k"Sally,kDavidkdidkitkforky ou.kLadykJocelyn,kwithkyourk permission,kIkwillkexplainktheksituation." kRelieved,ksheknodded,kandkRichardkdescribedkJocelyn'skneedktokmarry,kandkwhykDa vidkhadkagreed.kSallyk

stillkloo edkmutinous.k"Hekhadknokneedktokmarrykforkmyksa e.kIkcankta ekcarekofk myselfkperfectlykwell." kRichardkunobtrusivelykleanedkagainstkthekwall,kfacekfatigued.k"Sally,kitkwillkm a ekDavidkmuchkhappierktok nowkthatkyoukarekprovidedkfor.kWillkyoukletkhimkhavekthat?" kSally'skfacekcrumbledkandkshekbeganktokweep.k"I'mksorry,kRichard.kIt kitkjustksee msksokstrange.kWhatk rightkdoeskshekhavektoksweepkinkli ekthis?" kJocelynkloo edkdownkatkthekringkDavidkhadkputkonkherkfinger.kAksimple,kwell-wor nkgoldksignetkringkthatk hadktokhavekcomekfromkhiskownkhand.kPerhapskthekonlykthingkofkvaluekhekowned.kIt kfitkratherkwell.kAching,k

sheksaid,k"Ikhavekthekrightkyourkbrotherkgavekme."kRaisingkherkhead,ksheksaid,k" Ifkyoukwillkexcusekme,kIkwillk rejoinkmykhusband." sheksaid,k"Ikhavekthekrightkyourkbrotherkgavekme."kRaisingkherkhead,ksheksaid,k" Ifkyoukwillkexcusekme,kIkwillk rejoinkmykhusband." kSomeonekhadkhelpedkthekmajorkliekdownkagain.kHiskfacekwaskgraykfromkthekeffortk expendedkinktheklastk hour,kandkhekloo edksokfragilekthatkshekfearedkevenksittingkupkagainkwouldkbekth ekdeathkofkhim.kButkaskhek hadkpromised,khekhadksurvivedklongkenoughktokbecomekherkhusband. k"It'sktimekIkletkyouksleep."kShekleanedkoverktok isskhimklightlykforktheklastkt ime,kthenkwhisperedkonekofkthek Spanishkphraseskshekhadklearned,k"VayakconkDios,kDavid." k"Andktokyoukalso."kHeksmiledkwithkakserenitykthatkpiercedkherkheart.k"Pleasekbe khappykinkthekfuture,kmyk dearkgirl." kTheirkgazeskheldkforkaklong,klongkmoment.kOncekmorekshekachedkwithkdesolationka tkthekdamnablekwastek ofkitkall.kGentlyksheklaidkherksmallkbouquetkonkhiskpillow,ksokhekcouldksmellkth ekfragrancekofkthekblossoms. kBarelykablektokschoolkherkexpression,kshekstraightenedkandkcollectedkherkentour agekwithkakglance.kThenk shekleft,knotkdaringktokloo kbac . kGokwithkGod,kDavid.kAndkmaykangelsksingkyouktokyourkrest. kChapterk4k

Sallykhadkregainedkherkcomposure,kbutkherkglancekwaskhostilekwhenkherkbrother'sk newkwifekemerged.k Facekexpressionlesskaskmarble,kLadykJocelynkdugkintokherkreticulekandkremovedkon ekofkherkcards.k"Herek iskmykdirection.kLetkmek nowkwhen kanythingkchanges,korkifktherekisksomethingkIkca nkdokthatkwillkma ek yourkbrotherkmorekcomfortable.kBlan ets,kmedicines kPerhapskIkcouldkhirekprivatekn urseskforkhim?" kReluctantlykSallykacceptedkthekcardksincektherekwouldkhavektokbeksomekfuturekde alingskwithkthekwitch,kbutk sheksnapped,k"Davidkneedsknothingkfromkyou." k"Askyoukwish."kAfterkakfondkfarewellkforkRichard kLadykJocelynkwaskmuchkmorekplea santktokmenkthank women sheksweptkawaykwithkherkretinue. kSallykmutteredkbetweenkclenchedkteeth,k"Slut." kUnshoc edkbykherklanguage,kthekcaptainkmerelykgavekaktiredksmile.k"Shekisn't,ky ouk now.kShe'skakwomank tryingktokfindkaksolutionkinkakworldkmadekbykmen.kInktheksamekcircumstances,kyou

kmightkdokexactlykthek same." k"Ikdoubtkit,"kSallyksaid,kgladkthatkherkladyshipkwaskgone,kandkgoodkriddance.kN oticingkRichard'skdrainedk expression,kshekadded,k"It'sktimekyoukrested.kI'mksurekyou'vekbeenkupkmuchklonge rkthankyourkdoctork

wouldkapprove." wouldkapprove." kShekflushedkatkthekwarning.k"IksupposekIkdeservekthat.kDon'tkworry,kIkwon'tkdis tresskhim.kI'llkgokinknowk andkletkhimk nowkthatkIkhaven'tkmurderedkhiskladykwife." k"He'llkbekrelievedktokhearkthat."kThekcaptainkpushedkhimselfkforwardkfromkthekw allkandkheadedkdownkthek hallktowardkhiskownkroom. kSchoolingkherkface,kSallykenteredkherkbrother'skroom.kDavidkseemedkasleep,kbutk hiskeyeskopenedkwhenk sheksatkdownkbesidekhim.k"Forgivekme,klittlekhedgehog?" kHerkheartknearlykmeltedkwithkanguishkwhenkhekusedkthekoldknic name.k"Ofkcoursek Ikdo.kItkwaskjustksuchkak shoc ktokcomekherekandkfindkakwedding."kShekliftedktheklaudanumkbottle.k"Youkmus tkbekduekforkanotherk dosekofkmedicine." kDavidkacceptedkthekspoonfulkofklaudanumkgratefully,kthenkrelaxedkintokthekpillo wskwithkakwearyksigh.k "You'rekherekearlyktoday." k"Thekchildren'skgodmotherkcamekthiskmorningkandkwhis edkthemkoffkonksomekexpedi tion,ksokIkwaskfreek unexpectedly."kInkakvoicekcarefullykpurgedkofkaccusation,kshekcontinued,k"Whykdi dn'tkyouktellkmekyouk werekgettingkmarried?" kDavidksmiledkwithkakhintkofkhiskoldkmischief.k"BecausekifkI'dktoldkyoukinkadvan ce,kyoukwouldkhavekgivenk mekaklecturekonkhowkcapablekyoukarekofkta ingkcarekofkyourselfkandksaidkitkwaskq uitekunnecessarykforkmek tokprovidekforkyou.kAmkIkright?" kShekhadktoklaugh.k"Youk nowkmektookwell." kHiskvoicekfadedkaskhekslidktowardksleep.k"Ik nowkyou'rekverykcapable,kbutkyou'r ekstillkmyklittleksister.kI'mk gladktok nowkthatkyou'llkhavekfivekhundredkakyear." kFivekhundredkakyear!kSallykstaredkatkherkdozingkbrother.kNokonekhadkmentionedkh owklargekthekannuityk was.kWhateverkelsekthekarrogantkLadykJocelynkmightkbe,kitkwasn'tkstingy.kFivekhu ndredkpoundskwaskfivek timeskSally'skannualksalary,kandkshekwaskrec onedkakverykwell-paidkfemale.kShe'd kbekablektoklivekink considerablekcomfort,kandkevenksomekstyle. kWouldkshekstillkwantktokteach?kSallykenjoyedkherkjob,kandkthekLauncestonskwerek thekbestkemployersk she'dkeverkhad.kStill,kfivekhundredkpoundskakyearkwouldkgivekherkchoices.kShekco uldktravel.kBuykakcottagek inkakvillagekandklivekaklifekofkleisure. kFreedomkatkthekcostkofkDavid'sklife.kShekshoo kherkhead,kremindingkherselfkthat

khekwouldkdiekanyway.kAtk leastkthiskway,kLadykJocelynkwouldkhavekfivekhundredkpoundskakyearklessktokwaste konkfrivolity.

kTa ingkcomfortkinkthekthought,kshekdugkintokherkshapelesskbrocadekbagkforkherk nitting.kAfterkmendingkallk ofkDavid'skclothing,kshe'dkgonekonktok nitkfourkpairskofkgloves,kthreekpairskofk soc s,kandktwokscarvesk duringkthekhoursksheksatkinkthekhospital.kThoughkshekwasn'tkfondkofk nitting,ksh e'dkfoundkitkimpossiblektok concentratekonkreadingkwhenkDavidklaboredkforkbreathkbesidekher.kAtkleastkthekne edlesk eptkherkhandsk

busy. busy. kSometimes,kGodkhelpkher,kshekwishedkitkwaskover,ksokshekcouldksurrenderktokpure ,kprimitivekgrief.kOtherk timeskshekwonderedkhowkshekwouldklearnkofkhiskdeath.kWouldkshekbekwithkhim?kWoul dkRichardksendkherk akmessage?kOrkwouldkshekarrivekandkfindkherkbrother'skbedkempty,kandk nowkthekwo rst? kSallykrealizedkthatkthekyarnkhadkbro enkinkherkhands.kFingersksha ing,kshek not tedkthekstrandktogetherk again.kYoukmustkbekcalm.kDavidkdoesn'tkneedktokdealkwithkyourkgriefkonktopkofkhi skpain. kShekloo edkaroundkatkthekdar ,kuglykroom,khearingkthekdistantksoundskofksufferi ngkmen,ksmellingkthek countlesskwretchedkodorskofkakhospital.kItkwaskakpoorkspotktokdie,kbutksheksuppo sedkanykplacekwas. kThatkafternoonkJocelynkjoinedkherkauntkforkteakinktheksunnykparlorkthatkwaskLau rakKir patric 'skspecialk retreat.kAfterktheykhadkbeenkservedkandkwerekprivate,kshekannounced,k"You'llkbek pleasedktokhearkthatkmyk marriagekproblemkhaskbeenksolved.kAuntkElvirakcankresignkherselfktokstrugglingka longkonkWilloughby'sk presentkincome." kLauraksetkdownkherkcup,kherkfaceklightingkup.k"You'vekacceptedkonekofkyourksuit ors?kWhichkone?kThere'sk justkenoughktimekforkthekreadingkofkthekbanns,kbutkitkwillkhavektokbekaksmallkce remony,kIkfear." k"Betterkthankthat."kJocelynkhandedkherkauntkaksheetkofkpaper.k"Thekdeedkiskdone .kBehold,kmykmarriagek lines." k"Whatkonkearth?"kLaurakloo edkatkthekpaperkandkbecamekverykstill.kWhenkshekglan cedkup,kherkfacek showedkthekbeginningkofkanger.k"Whatkiskthekmeaningkofkthis?" k"Isn'tkitkobvious?"kJocelynkhadktokpausekakmoment,krememberingkherklastksightko fkDavid,kbeforekshekcouldk continue.k"Ikfoundkakdyingkman,kandkinkreturnkforkaksubstantialkconsideration,kh ekdidkmekthekhonorkofk ma ingkmekhiskwife." k"Butkyou'vekneverkevenkmetkDavidkLancaster!" k"IkgotkthekideakwhenkIkwaskvisitingkRichardkDalton,kandkhekmentionedkMajorkLanc aster'skcondition,"kshek explained.k"It'skperfectlykreasonable.kMajorkLancaster'sksisterkwillkbekprovided kfor,kandkIkhavekfulfilledkthek conditionskofkFather'skwill.kRichardkwasn'tkshoc edkwhenkIksuggestedkit,kandknei therkwaskMajor kmyk husband." kLadykLaura'skeyeskflashedkwithkfury.k"Theykarekmenkwhokhaveklivedkonkthekedgeko

fkdeathkforkyears.kOfk coursektheykwillkseekthingskdifferentlykthanksocietykwill!" kJocelyn'skmouthktightened.k"Iskthatkwhykyou'rekconcerned becausekofkwhatkotherskw illksay?kIkhadk thoughtkyoukwerekaboveksuchkthings.kBesides,kmostkofkthekfashionablekworldkwillk bekamusedkifkthekstoryk becomesk nown.kThey'llklaughkandkthin kmekverykclever."k

kSpotskofkcolorkstoodkoutkonkLaura'skchee s,kbutkherkvoicekwasklevelkagain.k"Ikc an'tkdenykthatkwhatkpeoplek saykiskofkconcernktokme.kThekKendalkfamilykhaskalreadykhadkmorekthankitskshareko fkscandal." kSpotskofkcolorkstoodkoutkonkLaura'skchee s,kbutkherkvoicekwasklevelkagain.k"Ikc an'tkdenykthatkwhatkpeoplek saykiskofkconcernktokme.kThekKendalkfamilykhaskalreadykhadkmorekthankitskshareko fkscandal." kJocelynktriedktokmaintainkcalm,kbutkthekfearkthatkherkauntkwouldkdespisekherkwa skoverwhelming.k"Youk didn'tkwantktok nowkwhatkIkwaskgoingktokdo!"kshekcried,kherkvoicekbrea ing.k"Ple ase,kAuntkLaura,kdon'tk bekangrykwithkme.kIkwouldn'tkhavekmarriedkhimkifkI'dk nownkhowkitkwouldkupsetkyo u.kItkwaskankideakofk impulse.kMajorkLancasterkwelcomedkmykproposal,kandkthenkitkwasktooklatektokwithd raw.kIkthoughtkwek wouldkbothkbenefit,kwithknokharmkdone.kPlease kpleasektryktokunderstand." kLadykLauraksighed,kherkangerkfadingkintokdisappointment.k"PerhapskIkwouldn'tkbe ksokupsetkifkyourkimpulsek hadkfallenkonkakstrangerkratherkthankakmankIk nowkandkrespect.kDavidkdeserveskbe tterkthanktokbekusedk so ksokcarelessly." k"Perhapskyou'rekright,"kJocelynkwhispered,kachingkatkherkaunt'skdisapproval.k"B utkthekdeedkiskdonekandk cannotkbekundone." kLadykLaurakrosektokherkfeet.k"TomorrowkmorningkIkshallkgokdownktokKennington.kI t'sktimektokopenkthek housekandkpreparekforkAndrew'skreturnkfromkthekContinent."kAktracekofkacidkappea redkinkherknormallyk softkvoice.k"Nowkthatkyou'rekakmarriedkwoman,kyouknoklongerkneedkmekaskakchapero n." k"Iksupposeknot."kJocelynkgazedkatkakca ekthatkshe'dkmangledkintokcrumbs. kHerkauntkpausedkinkthekdoor.k"I'llkbekbac kinkakfortnightkorktwo,kandknokdoubtk I'llkbekoverkmykangerkbyk then."kAfterkofferingkthatkolivekbranch,kshekleft. kSha ing,kJocelynksan kintokherkchair.kAskifktheklastkdaykhadn'tkbeenkdifficultk enough,knowkshe'dkalienatedk herkdearestkfriend,kthekwomankwhokwaskthekclosestkthingkshekhadktokakmother.kShe ksawkherkdeedkthroughk herkaunt'skeyes,kandkfeltkbitterlykashamed.kOncekagain,kasksokoftenkinkherklife, kshe'dkgotkeverythingkwrong. kWell,ktherekwasknokhelpkforkit.kShekmustkliekinkthekbedkshekhadkmade,kevenkifki tkwasn'tkakconventionalk marriagekbed. kAsksheksearchedkforksomethingktokcheerkherself,kshekrecalledkthatkthekPar ingto nskwerekholdingkank informalkballkthiskevening.kNotktooklargekandkwithkmostkguestskwell- nownktokJoc elyn,kitkwaskexactlykthek sortkofkeventkshekli edkbest.

kItkwouldkbekgoodknotktokspendkthekeveningkwonderingkhowksoonkshekwouldkbecomeka kwidow. kThekgatheringkatkthekPar ingtons'khousekwasksmall,ksincekmostkofkfashionablekso cietykhadkalreadykleftk Londonkforktheirkcountrykestates.kYetkdespitekJocelyn'skanticipation,kshekfoundk herselfkrestless,kboredkbyk conversationskthatkseemedkfrivolouskcomparedktokthekstar krealitieskofkthekmilit arykhospital. kThenkaklatecomerkarrived,kandkshekinhaledksharply,kherkpulsekacceleratingkwhenk sheksawkthatkitkwask RafaelkWhitbourne,kthekDu ekofkCandover.kJustkloo ingkatkhimkmadekherkfeelkbette r.kItkwasn'tkonlykthatkhek waskverykgood-loo ing,kalthoughkhekwas.kWhatkshekfoundkirresistiblykattractivekw askthek nowledgekofk howkverykwellktheykwouldksuitkeachkother.k

kAskshekchattedkwithkotherkguests,kJocelynkmonitoredkCandover'skprogresskaskhekw or edkhiskwaykaroundk thekballroom.kShek newkbetterkthanktokputkherselfkinkhiskpath.kAskakhandsomekbac helorkdu ekwhokwask richkbeyondkthekdreamskofkavarice,khe'dkbeenkpursuedkbykcountlesskfemales,kwhich khadkmadekhimk justifiablykcynical.kHowever,kshekhadkaktitlekandkfortunekofkherkownkandkdidn'tk needkhis.kTheykwerekperfectk forkeachkother.kIfkJocelynkwasktokwinkhim,kitkwouldkhavektokbekbecausekofkgenuin ekattractionkandkakmutualk recognitionkofkcompatibility. kAskshekchattedkwithkotherkguests,kJocelynkmonitoredkCandover'skprogresskaskhekw or edkhiskwaykaroundk thekballroom.kShek newkbetterkthanktokputkherselfkinkhiskpath.kAskakhandsomekbac helorkdu ekwhokwask richkbeyondkthekdreamskofkavarice,khe'dkbeenkpursuedkbykcountlesskfemales,kwhich khadkmadekhimk justifiablykcynical.kHowever,kshekhadkaktitlekandkfortunekofkherkownkandkdidn'tk needkhis.kTheykwerekperfectk forkeachkother.kIfkJocelynkwasktokwinkhim,kitkwouldkhavektokbekbecausekofkgenuin ekattractionkandkakmutualk recognitionkofkcompatibility. k"Onlykifkyoukpromiseknotktokstepkonkmyktoeskagain,"ksheksaidkteasingly. k"Thatklastktimekwasn'tkmykfault,"khekprotested,khiskgraykeyesklaughing.k"Whenkt hatkdrun enkboorkbarreledk intokme,kthekwonderkiskthatkwekbothkdidn'tkendkupkonkthekfloorkinkakmostkundigni fiedktangle." k"Ikfoundkitkquitekremar ablekhowkyouk eptkyourkbalancekwhilekatktheksamektimekl eavingkthekboork peacefullykunconsciouskonkthekfloorkwherekhekcouldkdoknokmorekdamage.kHowkdidkyo ukmanagekthat?"kshek as edkaskhekledkherkontokthekdancekfloor. k"Ikmerelykassistedkhimkinkakdirectionkhekwaskalreadykgoing."kThekmusickbegan,ka ndkhekdrewkherkintokwaltzk position.k"LearningkhowktokdefendkoneselfkiskonekofkthekhiddenkbenefitskofkankEt onkeducation." kThekpleasurekshektoo kinkhiskcompanykremindedkherkwhykshekhadkrefusedkotherksui torskandkjustifiedkthek painfulkceremonykearlierkinkthekday.kAsktheykexchangedkpleasantries,kshekstudied khiskface,kadmiringkthek firmnesskofkhiskfeatures,kthekclaritykofkthosekcoolkgraykeyes.kHekwask nownkaskR afekbykthekhandfulkofk peoplekwhokwerekhiskintimates,kbutkshekwouldkneverkdarekcallkhimkthatkwithoutkan kinvitation.kPerhapsk someday. kShekthoughtkshekwasklaughingkandktal ingkinkherknormalkmanner,ksokitkwaskaksurp risekwhenkCandoverk as ed,k"Forgivekme,kLadykJocelyn,kbutkyoukappearkratherkoutkofksortsktoday.kIsks omethingkwrong?" kItkwaskthekinquirykofkakfriend,knotkakmerekacquaintance.kGladktokseekproofkthat kherkinterestkwasknotk

entirelykone-sided,kshekreplied,k"Itkwaskankoddksortkofkday.kIkgotkmarriedkthisk morningkandkhaveknotkyetk accustomedkmyselfktokthekfact." kSurprisekshowedkthroughkhiskusualkdetachment.k"Indeed?kIkhadn'tkheardkthatkyouk werekcontemplatingkthek fatalkstep."kHiskgazekbecamekironic.k"SurelykthekPar ingtons'khousekiskankoddkpl acekforkakhoneymoon." kThektimekhadkcomektokinformkhimkofkherkcircumstances,kandkherkavailability.k"It 'sknotkgenerallyk nown,kbutk mykfatherkmadekthekmostkridiculouskwill,kwithkthekconditionkthatkIkmarrykbykthek agekofktwenty-fivekorkbek largelykdisinherited." kHiskbrowskrose.k"Howkmedieval." k"Quite,kespeciallykwhenkyoukconsiderkthatkwekwerekonkthekbestkofkterms.kButkthe rekwasknothingktokbek donekaboutkit,ksokthiskmorningkIkcontractedkakmarriagekofkconvenience."kAknoteko fkbitternesskenteredkherk voice.k"Ikhadkhopedktokhavekakrealkmarriage." k"Ifkbykthatkyoukmeankaklovekmatch,kyouk nowkhowkrarekthatkiskinkourkorder,kandk howkseldomkitkisk

successful,"kheksaidkdryly. successful,"kheksaidkdryly. k"Howkverykreasonablekofkyou,"kheksaid,kintrigued.k"Ikwishkmorekwomenkhadksuchka ksensiblekattitude.kItk wouldkma ekmarriagekakfarkmorekappealingkstate." kFromkthekapprovalkinkhiskeyes,kshek newkthatkshekhadkjustkrisenkseveralkstepski nkhiskestimation.kIfkhekwask tokmarry,kitkwouldkbektokakwomankli ekher,kwhokwouldkma ekhisklifekrunksmoothlyk ratherkthankcausingk painful,kemotionalkscenes. kButkmarriagekwaskmerelykakfuturekpossibility.kThin ingkofkherkcurrentkstate,ksh eksaidkwithkaksigh,k"Ikhavek hadktoksettlekforkmuchklesskthankIkwanted."kShekglancedkupkatkhimkthroughkherkla shes.k"Ikwillkhavektokloo k elsewherekforkmorekrewardingkrelationships." k"Yourkhusbandkwillknotkobject?"khekas ed,kgazekintent. k"Hekwillknot,"kJocelynksaidkfirmly.kInkthekarmskofkthekmankshekwantedktokmarry, kshekhadknokdesirektokthin k ofktheksoldierkwhokhadktouchedkherklifeksokbriefly.k"Ourkmarriagekisknothingkbut kakmutualkconvenience." kThekwaltzkcamektokankend.kBothkofkthemkloweredktheirkarmskfromkwaltzkposition,k butkinsteadkofkmovingk fromkthekfloor,ktheykstayedkstill,kcaughtkinkakmomentkofkacutekmutualkawareness. kCandover'skgazekwentk overkherkwithkgreatkdeliberation,klingeringkonkherklowknec linekandkthekcurveskv isiblekthroughkthekgauzyk summerkgown. kJocelynkrecognizedkhiskscrutinykforkaksubtle,kwordlesskadvance.kThekimplication skwerekalmostkfrightening.k Withkakgesture,kakfaintkwithdrawal,kshekcouldkletkhimk nowkthatkshekhadknokinter estkinkproceedingkfurther.k Instead,kshekcaughtkhiskgazekandksmiled. kExpertkinkthekwayskofkdalliance,khekrecognizedkherksilentksignal.kWithkakslow,k devastatingksmile,khek escortedkherkfromkthekdancekfloor.k"I'mkleavingkLondonkinkthekmorning,kbutkIkloo kforwardktokcallingkonk youkwhenkIkreturnktoktownkinkSeptember." kShekwouldkbekakwidowkbykthenkandkfreektokexplorekthekpromisekinkhiskeyes,kthoug hkthatkfreedomkwask comingkatkakhigherkpricekthankshekhadkexpected.kSuppressingkthekpainfulkthoughtk ofkthekdyingkmajor,kshek replied,k"Ikshallkawaitkthatkwithkanticipation." kWithkaklast,kintimatekglance,khekwithdrew.kTokdancekwithkherktwicekinkakrowkwou ldkdrawkattention.k Instead,ktherekwaskaktacitkagreementkbetweenkthemkthatkleftkherkbreathlesskwithk excitement.kFinally,kthek onlykmankshekwantedkwaskseeingkherkaskakwoman,kandkallkbecausekshekwasknowkmarri ed.

kCoollykplanningkankaffairkmadekherkuncomfortable,kandkshekwasn'tknaivekenoughkt okthin khiskplanskwentk beyondkankaffair.kButkshekstronglyksuspectedkthatkitkwouldkta ekintimacykforkhim ktokfullykappreciatekhowk perfectktheykwerekforkeachkother. kIfksheklostkherkgamblekaskwellkaskherkmaidenhead kwell,kshekwasn'tkmadekofkstone. kThoughkitkwouldkhurtk badlyktokhavekhimkdecidekhekli edkherkwellkenoughkforkhiskbedkbutknotkwellkenoug hktokbekhiskduchess,k therekwouldkbekcompensations.kShekhadkaknormalkwoman'skcuriositykaboutkpassion,k andkshekfoundk

Candoverksokattractivekthatkshekwouldksurelykenjoykwhatkhekhadktokteach. Candoverksokattractivekthatkshekwouldksurelykenjoykwhatkhekhadktokteach. kThektwokmonthskuntilkSeptemberkstretchedkendlesskandkemptykbeforekher. kChapterk5k

Sallyktossedkrestlesslykallknightkafterkshekleftkthekhospital,kangrykatkthekmemo rykofkthekcoolksocietykbeautyk whokhadksokcasuallykusedkandkdiscardedkherkbrother.kEvenkduringkherklessonskwith kthekLauncestonk childrenktheknextkmorning,kherkmindkcontinuedktokchurn. kAskshekleftkforkherkdailyktripktokthekhospital,kshekrealizedkshekhadkbeenkjolte dkoutkofkherkfatalism.kForkthek lastkfortnightkshekhadkpassivelykacceptedkthekdoctors'kverdictkonkDavid'skfate.k Nowkherkangerkhadkgivenk herkakresolveknotktokgivekinksoktamely.kDavidkwaskinknokconditionktokfightkforkh isklife,kbutkshekwas.kIfktherek waskanythingkorkanyonekwhokmightkofferkakchancekofkrecovery,kshekwouldkpursuekit . kBeforekgoingktokherkbrother'skroom,kSallyksoughtkoutkherkbrother'skphysician,kD r.kRamsey,kdeterminedktok questionkeverykpossibility.kDr.kRamseykwaskaksolidkmankwithkankairkofkpermanentk fatigue.kUnli ekmanykofk hiskcolleagues,khekwaskwillingktokadmitktheklimitskofkhisk nowledge. kHekblin edkwarilykbehindkhiskspectacleskwhenkSallykcaughtkhimkbetweenkpatients, k nowingkfromk experiencekhowkpersistentkshekcouldkbe.k"Yes,kMisskLancaster?"kheksaidkwithkakri singkinflectionkthatk impliedkhekhadkveryklittlektimektoktal . k"Dr.kRamsey,kisn'tktherekanythingkmorekthatkcankbekdonekforkmykbrother?kHe'skfa dingkawaykinkfrontkofkmyk eyes.kSurelyktherekmustkbeksomethingkyoukcankdo." kThekphysiciankremovedkhiskspectacleskandkpolishedkthem.k"MajorkLancaster'skcase kpuzzleskme.kHe'sk holdingkonktoklifekwithkremar ablektenacity,kbutktherekisksoklittlekthatkcankbek donekinkcaseskofkparalysis."kHek setkhiskspectacleskfirmlykonkhisknose.k"Besideskthekparalysis,kIksuspectkthatkhe khasksustainedkinternalkinjuriesk whichkarekbeyondkourkpresentkpowerktokheal.kAllkwekcankdokiskma ekhisklastkdaysk askcomfortablekask possible." kSallykcaughtkhiskwanderingkeyekbeforekhekcouldkescape.k"Ikdon'tkwishktokcritici zekyourkcare.kIk nowk you'vekdonekeverythingkyoukcan,kandkIkamkprofoundlykgrateful.kStill isktherekanykp hysiciankorksurgeonkink Londonkwhokmightkhavekakdifferentkapproach,kperhapsksomethingkthatkiskradicalkby kthekusualkstandards?k Therekisklittlektoklose."

kDr.kRamseyknodded.kAfterkaklongkmomentkofkthought,kheksaid,k"There'skakmadkScot kcalledkIankKinloc katk St.kBartholomew'skHospital.kIkhearkthatkhekjustkreturnedkfromkBelgiumkandksevera lkwee skdoingksurgeryk afterkWaterloo.kVerykeccentric,kbutkhe'skdoneksomekremar ablekthings." kThekphysiciankglancedkatkSally'skmodestkdress.k"He'skqualifiedkaskbothkphysicia nkandksurgeon,kandkhisk

feeskforkprivatekconsultationskarekverykhigh.kApparentlykhekchargeskpeoplekwithk moneykakgreatkdeal,kthenk giveskfreekcarektokgutterkscum.kQuite,kquitekmad.You'llkneverkpersuadekhimktokca llkonkakpatientkatkthekYor k Hospital." feeskforkprivatekconsultationskarekverykhigh.kApparentlykhekchargeskpeoplekwithk moneykakgreatkdeal,kthenk giveskfreekcarektokgutterkscum.kQuite,kquitekmad.You'llkneverkpersuadekhimktokca llkonkakpatientkatkthekYor k Hospital." kShekturnedkandkstrodekdownkthekhall.kBehindkher,kshekheardkDr.kRamseykmutter,k" GodkhelpkIankKinloc ."k Shekdidn'tkdignifykthekcommentkbykloo ingkbac . kHerkmindkwaskspinningkaskshekwal edktokDavid'skroom.kConsultingkaknewksurgeonkw askgraspingkatkthek thinnestkofkstraws,kbutkasklongkasktherekwaskanykhopekatkall,kitkwaskworthktryin g.kBesides,kshekli edkthek ideakofkspendingkLadykJocelyn'skmoneykinkakwaykthatkmightkbenefitkDavid.kSt.kBar tholomew'skHospitalk waskonekofkthekoldestkandkbusiestkinkLondon,kandkshekrecalledkvaguelykthatkitkwa skakcenterkforksurgery.kItk wasknearkSt.kPaul'skCathedral,kandkshekwouldkneedktokhirekakhac neykcoach kDistracted,kshekalmostkcollidedkwithkakheftykyoungkmankinkakpowderedkwigkandkbl uekliverykoutsidek David'skdoor.kAfterkakmomentkshekrecognizedkhimkaskthekfootmankwhokhadkbeenkpres entkatkthekmoc eryk ofkakweddingkthekdaykbefore.kMorgan,khisknamekwas. k"Comektokseekifkyourkmistress'skhusbandkiskdeadkyet?"kshekas edkcaustically.kSh ekfeltkashamedkofkherselfk whenkthekyoungkmankflushedkscarlet.kHekwasktookeasykaktarget;kitkwasn'tkfairktok blamekhimkforkLadyk Jocelyn'skwantkofkconduct. k"Ikcamektokta ekmykbrotherkhome,kMisskLancaster,"kheksaidkstiffly.k"LadykJocely nkas edkmektokinquirek afterkMajorkLancasterkwhilekIkwaskhere." k"Yourkbrotherkiskalsokakpatient?"kSallykas edkinkakmorekconciliatoryktone. k"Hekwaskakcorporalkinktheklightkdragoons,kmiss.kLadykJocelynkhaskofferedkhimkak positionkinkherkhouseholdk andkthekchancektokconvalescekinkherkhome,"kMorgankexplained.k"Sheksentkherkownkc arriagektokma ekthek tripkaskeasykaskpossible." kThekfootman'skwordskwerekintendedktokdemonstratekhiskmistress'sk indnessktokakw omankwhokclearlykdidk notkvaluekherkladyship.kInstead,ktheyksowedkthekseedskofkankideakthatkburstkinst antlykintokfull,kradiantk flower.kThiskghastlykhospitalkwaskenoughktokma ekakwellkpersonkill,kandkshekwoul dkhavekremovedkDavidkifk possible.kButkshekcouldn'tkta ekhimktokherkemployerskorkhavekaffordedktokhireklo dgingskandkservantsktok carekforkhim.

kNow,khowever,kankalternativekhadkpresentedkitself.kUnderkEnglishklaw,kDavidkown edkthekno-doubtk luxuriouskhousekinkUpperkBroo kStreetkthatkthekLadykJocelynkcalledkhome.kThekwit chkhadknokrightktok refusekhimkadmittance.kSallykwouldkta ekherkbrotherktokUpperkBroo kStreet,kandki fkherkunwantedk sister-in-lawkobjected,kshe'dkbringkthekplacekdownkaroundkherkladyship'skshell-p in kears. k"Howkconvenientkthatkyoukhavekbroughtkakcoach,"kshekpurred.k"Wekcankusekitktokm ovekMajorkLancasterk tokLadykJocelyn'skhouse." kMorgankloo edkfirstkstartled,kthenkalarmed.k"Ikdon'tk now,kmiss.kHerkladyshipka s edkmektokinquirekafterk him,kbutksheksaidknothingkaboutkbringingkhimkhome." kFixingkthekhaplesskfootmankwithkthekquellingkstarekshekusedkonkherkstudents,kSa llyksaid,k"Nokdoubtkshek waskworriedkaboutkmovingkhim.kHowever,kIkjustkspo ekwithkmykbrother'skphysician, kandkhekagreedkthatk

therekwasknothingktoklosekbykakchange."kWhichkwasn'tkexactlykwhatkRamseykhadksai d,kbutkshe'dksortkthatk outklater. therekwasknothingktoklosekbykakchange."kWhichkwasn'tkexactlykwhatkRamseykhadksai d,kbutkshe'dksortkthatk outklater. k"It'sktruekthatkherkladyshipkandkthekmajorkseemedkverykfond,"kMorganksaidkuncer tainly.k"Andkheavenk nowskmykbrotherkcan'tkwaitktokleavekthiskhospital.kYou'rekright,k'tisknotkakhea lthykplace."kHekfurrowedkhisk browskbeforekgivingkakdecisiveknod.k"I'llkmovekmykbrotherktokthekcarriage,kthenk bekbac kforkMajork Lancasterkwithkaklitterkandksomeonektokhelpkmekcarrykit.kWillkyoukpac khiskthing s,kmiss?" k"Ofkcourse."kAskshekwatchedkhimkleave,kSallykmarveledkatkhowkeasilykhe'dkbeenkc onvinced.kShekwouldk havekthoughtkhe'dkbekmorekwarykofkhiskspoiledkmistress'skwrath. kSheksoughtkoutkDr.kRamseykagain.kThatkgentlemankagreedkgloomilykthatkifkthektri pkfromkBelgiumkhadn'tk illedkthekmajor,kakjourneykacrosskLondonkprobablykwouldn't,kandkifkitkdid,kthat kwouldkjustkbekhasteningk thekinevitable. kIgnoringkthekdoctor'skdirekpredictions,kSallykreturnedktokherkbrother'skroom.k" Goodknews,kDavid.kLadyk Jocelyn'skcarriagekiskhere,kandkIkhavekDr.kRamsey'skpermissionktokmovekyouktokhe rkhome.kI'mksurekthatk you'llkbekmorekcomfortablektherekthankinkthekhospital." k"Shekwantskmektokstaykinkherkhouse?"kheksaidkwithkpleasedksurprise.k"Thatkwaskn otkpartkofkourkbargain.k It'skmostk indkofkher." kThekideakthatkhisk"wife"kcaredkenoughktoksendkforkhimkmadekDavidkloo ksokhappyk thatkSallykdidn'tk attemptktokcorrectkhiskmisapprehension.kInstead,kshekvowedkthatkLadykJocelynkwou ldkma ekhimkfeelk welcomekifkSallykhadktokholdkakpistolktokherkhead. k"Ikshan'tkmisskthiskplace."kDavid'sktiredkgazekflic eredkoverkthekdrabkwalls.k" ExceptkforkRichard." k"Hekcankvisitkyouknowkthatkhe'skgettingkaroundksokwell.kI'mksurekhe'llkwelcomek ankexcusektokgetkout.kI'llk givekhimkyourknewkdirectionkbeforekIkleave."kShekbegankpac ingkherkbrother'skbel ongingskintokthekboxkthatk hadkaccompaniedkhimkfromkBelgium. kAfterkfinishingkthat,kshekliftedkthekbottlekofklaudanum.k"ShallkIkgivekyoukakdo ublekdose?kThektripkiskboundk tokbekuncomfortable." k"Tookright.kIkthin kI'dkpreferknotktokbekawarekofkwhatkiskgoingkon."kItkwaskone kofkthekfewkreferenceskhe'dk madektokwhatkSallyk newkwaskconstantkpain.kShekutteredkakferventkprayerkthatkthe

kcarriagekridekwouldknotk injurekhimkfurther.kIfkthekstrainkseveredkhiskfragilekholdkonklife,kshekwouldkne verkforgivekherself. kHughkMorgankrodekonkthekoutsidekofkthekcarriage,kbutkthekvehiclekwaskstillkcrow dedkwithkSally,kDavid,k andkthekshy,kcrutch-wieldingkcorporalkjammedkinktogether.kThoughkMorgankhadkobta inedkplan skandk blan etskandkriggedkakpalletkacrosskoneksidekofkthekvehiclektokholdktheksemicons ciouskmajor,kSallykstillk wincedkasktheykjoltedkonkeverykcobblestonekbetweenkBelgraviakandkMayfair. kWhenktheykreachedkUpperkBroo kStreet,ksheksaid,k"PleasekwaitkherekuntilkI'vekin formedkLadykJocelynk thatkherkhusbandkhaskarrived."k

kShekmarchedkupkthekmarblekstepskandkwieldedkthekmassivekdolphin-shapedk noc er. kWhenkakbutlerk openedkthekdoor,ksheksaid,k"IkamkMisskLancaster,kLadykJocelyn'sksister-in-law.kP leasekta ekmektokherk ladyship,ksokIkcankas kherkwherekshekwisheskherkhusbandktokbekcarried." kShekmarchedkupkthekmarblekstepskandkwieldedkthekmassivekdolphin-shapedk noc er. kWhenkakbutlerk openedkthekdoor,ksheksaid,k"IkamkMisskLancaster,kLadykJocelyn'sksister-in-law.kP leasekta ekmektokherk ladyship,ksokIkcankas kherkwherekshekwisheskherkhusbandktokbekcarried." kThekhousekwaskeverykbitkaskluxuriouskaskSallykhadkexpected,kakperfectkbac groun dkforkitskflawlessk mistress.kShekglancedkaround,khopingktokfindkevidencekofkvulgarity,kbutktokherkr egret,kthekhousekwask furnishedkwithkimpeccablektaste. kRefusingktokbekdauntedkbykthektowering,kthree-storykhighkfoyer,kSallyksetkherkj awkpugnaciouslykaskthek butlerkusheredkherkintokthekmorningkroom.kLadykJocelynksatkatkakwritingktable,kh erkdaffodil-coloredkgownk akperfectkcomplementktokherkwarmkchestnutkcoloring.kSittingkonkthekdes kwaskakva sekofkflowerskandkak tawnykcat.kItkwasknokplumpkcozyktabby,kbutkankelegant,kthin-bonedkfelinekofkobvi ouslykaristocratickorigins.k InkSally'skjaundicedkview,kthekcreaturekloo edkaskexpensivekandkunlovablekaskits kmistress. kThekbutlerksaid,k"LadykJocelyn,kyourk'sister-in-law'kwishesktokspea kwithkyou." kHiskinflectionkmanagedktok implyksimultaneouslykthatkSallykwaskankimpostor,kandkthatkifkshekwaskindeedkgenu ine,kLadykJocelynkowedk herkfaithfulkretainerkankexplanation. kJocelynkloo edkupkwithksurprise.kItkwaskakrudekshoc ktokseekankangrykyoungkwoma nkintrudingkonkher,kak hostilekreminderkofkyesterday'skunhappykevents.k"Than kyou,kDudley.kThatkwillkbe kall." kJocelyn'sktonekproducedkinstantkobedience.kThekbutlerkbeatkakhastykretreat. k"MisskLancaster.kWhatkankunexpectedkpleasure,"ksheksaidkcoolly.kWithkaksuddenkd eepkpang,kshek wonderedkifkSallykhadkcomektoksaykthatkherkbrotherkhadksuccumbedktokhiskwounds.k No,kshekwaskunli elyk tokdeliverktheknewskinkperson.kProbablykshekjustkwantedktokharanguekherkunwanted ksister-in-lawkagain.k "Whatkbringskyoukherektoday?" kTheksurlykcreaturekscowled.k"I'mkbringingkDavidktokyourkhouse." k"Whatkthekdevilkarekyouktal ingkabout?"kJocelynkas ed,kstartled. kIfkMisskLancasterkstuc kherkjawkoutkanykfarther,kshekwaskinkdangerkofkdislocati ngkit.k"Akwife'skpropertyk becomeskherkhusband'skonkmarriage.kIfkyoukdon'tkletkDavidkstaykhere,kI'll kI'llkma ekhimkleavekallkofkyourk propertyktokthekArmykWidows'kandkOrphans'kFund.kHekwillkifkIkas khimkto."

kJocelynkcouldkfeelkherkhandskcurlingkintokfists.kShekhadn'tkfeltksuchkakdesirek tokvisitkphysicalkviolencekonk someoneksincekherknurserykdays.k"Whatkaktouchingkexamplekofksiblingkdevotion.kHo wever,kyourkbrotherk himselfksuggestedkthatkmyklawyerkdrawkupkakdocumentkwaivingkanykclaimskagainstkm ykestate." k"Hekwaivedkhiskrights?"kSallyksaidkinkdismay. k"Hekdidkindeed.kObviouslykyourkbrotherkinheritedkallkofkthekLancasterkfamilykho nor,kaskwellkaskanykclaimk tokloo s."kJocelynkreachedkforkthekbellkcord.k"Ifkyoukdoknotkleavekinktheknextkt hirtykseconds,kIkwillkhavekmyk servantskremovekyou."k

kSally'skfacekcrumpled.k"LadykJocelyn,kIk nowkthatkyoukdon'tkli ekmekanykbetterk thankIkli ekyou.kButk haven'tkyoukeverkhadkanyonekinkyourklifekthatkyoukloved?" kSally'skfacekcrumpled.k"LadykJocelyn,kIk nowkthatkyoukdon'tkli ekmekanykbetterk thankIkli ekyou.kButk haven'tkyoukeverkhadkanyonekinkyourklifekthatkyoukloved?" k"Ifkyoukhadkakchoice,kwouldkyoukleaveksomeonekyouklovedktokdiekinkthatkvilekpla ce?" kJocelynkwincedkaskshekrememberedkthekhospital'skgrimness. kSeeingkherkreaction,kSallyksaid,k"Youkwantedktok nowkifkDavidkcouldkbekmadekmor ekcomfortable.kWell,k hekwillkbekmorekcomfortablekhere,kandksurelykyoukhavekenoughkspacekandkservantsk thatkhekwon'tkbekak burden.kIfkyoukwantktokbarkmekfromkvisiting,ksokbekit.kIfkyoukas kmektokreturnkt hekentireksettlement,kIkwill."k Herkvoicekbro e.k"Butkplease,kIkbegkofkyou,kdon'tksendkDavidkbac ktokthekhospita l.kEvenkifkhekhasknoklegalk right,ksurelykyoukhavekakmoralkobligationktokyourkhusband." k"Sendkhimkbac youkmeankhe'skhereknow?kDearkGod,karekyouktryingktok illkhim?"kJoc elynkas edkwithk horror,krememberingkhowkfrailkhe'dkbeenkthekdaykbefore. k"He'skinkyourkcarriagekandkhasksurvivedkthektrip.kSokfar."kSallyksaidknokmore,k butkthekimplicationkthatkak longerkjourneykmightkdrivektheklastknailkintokhiskcoffinkhungkinkthekair. kJocelynkgazedkdownkatkthekringkhe'dkplacedkonkherkfinger,kexertingkhimselfktokt heklimitkofkhiskstrengthktok ensurekthatkhekdidn'tkfumble.kTillkdeathkuskdokpart. kGivenkDavid'skconditionkandkSally'skvehementkrejectionkofkanykfurtherkaid,kitkh adkneverkoccurredktokherktok bringkhimktokCromartykHouse.kButkherkunpleasantksister-in-lawkwaskright.kNokmatt erkhowkdisruptivekandk painfulkitkwouldkbektokhavekhimkhere,khekwaskherkhusband.kShekowedkhimkthis.kMor eover,kshekfoundkthatk shekwantedktokdokanythingkthatkwouldkeasekhiskfinalkdays. kShekyan edkthekbellkcord.kDudleykappearedksokquic lykthatkhekmustkhavekhadkhisk earkpressedktokthek eyhole.k"Mykhusbandkiskinkthekcarriagekoutside.kHekiskverykillkandkwillkneedkto kbekcarriedkin.kTa ekhimktok thekbluekroom." kAfterkthekbutlerkleft,kSallyksaidkbro enly,k"Than kyou,kLadykJocelyn." k"I'mknotkdoingkthiskforkyourksa e,kbutkforkhis."kTurningktokherkwritingkdes ,ks hekliftedkakjinglingkleatherkbagk andktossedkitktokSally.k"Ikwaskgoingktokhavekthiskdelivered,kbutksincekyou'rekhe re,kI'llkgivekitktokyoukink person.kYourkfirstkquarter'skincome." kSallykgaspedkatkhowkheavykthekbagkwas.kAskshekruggedkatkthekdrawstringktokloo k inside,kJocelynksaidk

tartly,k"Youkneedn'tkcountkthekmoney.kIt'skallkthere konekhundredktwenty-fivekpoun dskinkgold." kSally'skheadksnappedkup.k"Notkthirtykpieceskofksilver?" kJocelynksaidksoftly,keachkwordkcarvedkinkice,k"Ofkcourseknot.kSilverkiskforksel lingkpeople.kSincekIkwask buying,kIkpaidkinkgold." kAskSallykteeteredkonkthekvergekofkexplosion,kJocelynkcontinued,k"Youkmaykcomeka ndkgokaskyoukplease.k Therekiskaksmallkroomkadjoiningkyourkbrother's.kIkshallkhavekitkmadekupkforkyour kusekfor kforkasklongkask youkneedkit.kDoeskhekhavekakpersonalkservant?"kWhenkSallykshoo kherkhead,kJocely nksaid,k"Ikshallkassignk himkone,kpluskanykotherknursingkcarekhekrequires."k

kSallykturnedktokgo,kthenkturnedkbac ktoksaykhesitantly,k"Therekiskonekotherkthi ng.kHekthoughtkitkwaskyourk ideaktokbringkhimkhere,kandkthatkpleasedkhimkverykmuch.kIkhopekyoukwillknotkdisa busekhimkofktheknotion." kSallykturnedktokgo,kthenkturnedkbac ktoksaykhesitantly,k"Therekiskonekotherkthi ng.kHekthoughtkitkwaskyourk ideaktokbringkhimkhere,kandkthatkpleasedkhimkverykmuch.kIkhopekyoukwillknotkdisa busekhimkofktheknotion." kSallykbeatkakhastykretreat,ksha ingkinkreaction.kAnykdoubtskshekmightkhavekhadk thatkLadykJocelynkwaskak brass-heartedkviragokhadkbeenklaidktokrest.kButksurelykshekwouldkatkleastkbekcou rteousktokDavid,kwhok seemedktokcherishkthekillusionkthatkshekwaskakgoodkperson.kDiscoveringkthekwitch 'skrealkcharacterkwouldk distresskhim. kChapterk6k

Itktoo konlykakquarter-hourktokgetkthekmajorkandkhiskfewkbelongingsksettledkinka ksumptuouskroomkwithkak diagonalkviewkofkHydekPar .kItkappearedktokbekthekbestkguestkchamber,kandkSallyk againkconceded,kwithk enormouskreluctance,kthatkLadykJocelynkdidknotkdokthingskbykhalf-measures.kDavid kwaskwhite-facedkwithk painkfromkthekmove,kandkSallykwaskgratefulkthatkshekhadkcarriedkthekbottlekofkla udanumkoverkinkherk nittingk bag.kWhenkthekfootmankhadkleft,kshekgavekherkbrotherkanotherkdosekofkopium. kBuryingkherkownkfeelingskaboutkLadykJocelyn,kSallyksaid,k"Thoughkyourkwifekwask goodkenoughktokofferk mekakroomkhere,kIkthin kit'skbestkthatkIksleepkatkthekLauncestons'.kButkI'llkcom ekeverykafternoon,kaskIkdidkatk thekhospital,kandkRichardksaidkhe'llkcallktomorrow."kShekstraightenedkthekcovers koverkhiskthinkframe.k"Timek forkyouktokgetksomeksleep.kThektripkmustkhavekbeenkexhausting." kDavidksmiledkfaintly.k"True,kbutkI'mkfineknow,klittlekhedgehog." k"Nowkthatkyou'reksettled,kI'mkgoingktokSt.kBartholomew'skHospital.kDr.kRamseyks aidkthere'skakverykfinek surgeonkthere,ksomeonekwhokmightkbekablektokhelpkyou." k"Perhaps,"kherkbrotherksaid,kunimpressed. kSheknoticedkthatkhiskeyesk eptkdriftingktokthekdoor.kWaskhekexpectingkhiskso-ca lledkwifektokvisitkhim?k HopingkthatkLadykJocelynkwaskwell-bredkenoughktokdokthatkmuch,kSallyksaid,k"I'll kvisitkagainklater."kShek bentktok isskhiskforehead,kthenkleft. kHughkMorgankwaskapproachingkthekbluekroom.k"Herkladyshipkhaskassignedkmektokbek thekmajor'sk servant,"kheksaidkingenuously.k"It'skakrealkhonor." k"I'mksurekyoukwillksuitkhimkverykwell."kAskSallykleft,kshekfeltkunwillingkamuse

mentkatkthekperfectkpoetick justicekLadykJocelynkhadkvisitedkonkMorgan,kthekaccidentalkinstrumentkforkbringi ngkthekmajorktokthesek hallowedkprecincts.kCaringkforkakgravelykinjuredkmankwouldknotkbekeasy.kLuc ily, kthekfootmankseemedk li ekak ind,kconscientiouskyoungkman.kDavidkwouldkbekinkgoodkhands. kNowktokfindkthekmadkScotkatkSt.kBartholomew's.k

kItktoo kJocelynkakgoodkhalf-hourktokcalmkdown.kWhenkherkappallingksister-in-law karrived,kshe'dkbeenk admiringkthekflowerskCandoverkhadksentkthatkmorning.kTheknotekreadkonlykUntilkSe ptember,kandkwask signedkwithkakboldlykscrawledkC. kItktoo kJocelynkakgoodkhalf-hourktokcalmkdown.kWhenkherkappallingksister-in-law karrived,kshe'dkbeenk admiringkthekflowerskCandoverkhadksentkthatkmorning.kTheknotekreadkonlykUntilkSe ptember,kandkwask signedkwithkakboldlykscrawledkC. kThenkthatkunspea ablekfemalekhadkblunderedkinkwithkherkthreatskandkherkemotiona lkblac mail.kExceptkfork SallykLancaster'skvividkgreenkeyes,ktherekwasknokresemblancektokDavid,kwhokwaska kgentlemanktokthekcore. kJocelyn'skmouthkcurvedkinvoluntarilykaskshekrememberedkherkremar kaboutkbuyingk thekmajorkwithkgold.k AuntkLaurakwouldkhavekgonekintokakspasmkifkshekhadkheardkherknieceksaykanythingk sokunforgivablykvulgar,k butkSallykLancasterkhadkakgeniuskforkbringingkoutkthekworstkinkJocelyn'sknature. kJocelynksighed,kherkamusementkgone,kandkabsentlykscratchedkbetweenkIsis'skears. kHowkcouldkshekhavek thoughtkgettingkinvolvedkwithksomeone'sklifekandkdeathkwouldkbeksimple?kShekwoul dkratherknotkthin kofkthek major'skimminentkdeath,kandkshekcertainlykhadknotkintendedktokwitnesskit,kbutkth atkcouldknotkbekavoidedk now. kWheneverkshekthoughtkofkDavidkLancaster,kshekwantedktokcry.kItkwaskli ekakcandl ekgoingkout,kreducingk thekamountkofklightkinkthekworld. kShekpulledkherkmindkbac ktokpracticalkconsiderations.kFortunatelykMorgankhadkwe lcomedkthek opportunityktokservekthekmajor.kThekfootmankhadkakgoodkheartkandkaksteadykhand,k andkJocelynkhadkheardk fromkMariekthatkhekaspiredktokbekakvalet.kNowkhekcouldkgetksomekrealkexperience. kSummoningkthekbutlerkagain,ksheksaid,k"Orderktwokwagonkloadskofkstrawkandkhavek itkspreadkonkthekstreetk outside.kMa eksurekthatkit'sklayeredkthic ly Ikdon'tkwantkMajorkLancasterkdisturbe dkbyktheksoundkofk traffic.kAlso,ktellkCoo ktokpreparekfoodksuitablekforkankinvalid."kIfkthekmajork couldkbekinducedktokeat. kAfterkDudleykleft,kshekorderedkherselfktokbekmorekpatientkwithkSallykLancaster, ksincekitkwouldkbek impossiblektokavoidkherksister-in-lawkentirely.kSally'skirritabilitykwaskunderst andablekgivenkthatkshekwask devotedktokherkbrotherkandkhadknokonekelsektokcarekabout.kWithkherkloo skandkdis position,kshekprobablyk neverkwouldkagain. kJocelynkdidknotkevenkbotherkfeelingkguiltykforkthekuncharitablekthought. kSallykhadkbelievedkthatkthekYor khadkinuredkherktokhospitals,kbutkSt.kBartholom

ew'skseemedktenktimeskask crowdedkandktwentyktimeskasknoisy.kItkhadkbeenkfoundedkinkthekMiddlekAgeskbykmon skandkappearedknotk tokhavekbeenkcleanedksince.kBart'sktreatedkmanykofkLondon'skindigentkandkakclamo rous,kodorousklotktheyk were. kNonetheless,kthekhospitalktrainedksomekofkthekcountry'skbestksurgeons.kAskshekp assedkthroughkendlessk crowdedkwards,ksheksupposedkthatkwaskbecausektheksurgeonskhadksokmanykpatientskt okpracticekon. kItktoo khalfkankhourkofkwal ingkandkas ingkquestionsktoklocatekanyonekwhok newk anythingkaboutkIank Kinloc .kAtkfirstkshekwasktoldkthatkhekwasn'tkinkthekhospitalkbecausek"thiskwask 'iskdaykforkthekswells."k Anotherklistenerkchimedkinkthatkhe'dkseenkthekdoctork'imselfkthatkverykday.k

kAnotherkhalfkhourkofksearchingkbroughtkherktokthekdingyklittlekroomkwherekKinlo c kwaskallegedktokbek foundkafterkhe'dkdonekhiskday'skwor kinkthekcuttingkward.kSheksettledkdownktokwa itkonkankuncomfortablek woodenkchair.kAkjumblekofkboo s,kpapers,kandkanatomicalks etcheskcoveredkthektop kofkthekbatteredkdes k andkboo case,kwithkmorektotteringkinkstac skonkthekfloor.kBrilliantkKinloc kmigh tkbe,kbutkneatkhekdefinitelyk wasn't. kAnotherkhalfkhourkofksearchingkbroughtkherktokthekdingyklittlekroomkwherekKinlo c kwaskallegedktokbek foundkafterkhe'dkdonekhiskday'skwor kinkthekcuttingkward.kSheksettledkdownktokwa itkonkankuncomfortablek woodenkchair.kAkjumblekofkboo s,kpapers,kandkanatomicalks etcheskcoveredkthektop kofkthekbatteredkdes k andkboo case,kwithkmorektotteringkinkstac skonkthekfloor.kBrilliantkKinloc kmigh tkbe,kbutkneatkhekdefinitelyk wasn't. kAfterktidyingkthekdes ,kshekstartedkonkthekboo case,kwor ingkfromktopktokbottom .kOnkakclutteredkmiddlek shelf,kherkfingerskbrushedkwhatkfeltkli ekakchinakmug.kShekpulledkitkoutkandkfou ndkherselfkholdingkak hollow-eyed,kgrinningkhumanks ull.kShekgaspedkandkhastilykreplacedkthekghastlykr elic,kratherkproudkthatk shekhadn'tkdroppedkitkfromkshoc . kAnkimpatientkvoicekwithkakdefinitekScotskburrkgrowledkfromkthekdoorway,k"Thatks ullkbelongedktoktheklastk personkfoolkenoughktokmeddlekwithkmykoffice.kArekyouktryingktokbecomekakmatektok it?" kSallykjumpedkandkspunkaround,kma ingkaksoundkregrettablykclosektokaksquea .kThe kownerkofkthekvoicek waskakmankofkmiddlekheightkwithkmassivekshoulderskandkakblood-splashedksmoc .kHi skbushykdar kbrowsk providedkakstrongkcontrastktokakthic kshoc kofkwhitekhairkandkaddedkimpressively ktokakscowlkthatkwask alreadykfirstkclass. k"I kIkdidn'tkactuallykmovekanythingkfromkitskplace,"kshekstammered.k"You'rekIankK inloc ,ktheksurgeon?" k"Aye.kNowkgetkthekhellkoutkofkmykoffice."kHekdroppedkintokthekdes kchair,kunloc edkonekofkhiskdrawers,k andkpulledkoutkakbottlekofkwhatkloo edkli ekwhis ey.kIgnoringkhiskvisitor,khekun cor edkthekbottle,ktoo kak long,klongkdraft,kandkslumpedkagainstkthekchairkbac kwithkhiskeyeskclosed. kWhenkSallykapproached,kshekrealizedkthatkhekwaskyoungerkthankshekhadkfirstkthou ght,kcertainlykunderk forty.kThekhairkmightkbekprematurelykwhite,kbutktheklineskinkhiskfacekwerekfromk exhaustion,knotkage,kandk titlekcompactkbodykhadkthekleankfitnesskofkakmankinkhiskprime.k"Dr.kKinloc ?" kHisklidskbarelykliftedktokrevealkwearykbluekeyes.k"You'rekstillkhere?kOut.kNow. "kHektoo kanotherkpullkofk whis ey.

k"Dr.kKinloc ,kIkwantkyouktokexaminekmykbrother." kHeksighed,kthenksaidkwithkankelaboratekshowkofkpatience,k"MisskWhatever-the-dev il-your-namekis,kIkhavek seenkoverkfiftykpatientsktoday,kperformedksixkoperations,kandkjustklostktwokpati entskinkakrowkunderkthek nife.kIfkyourkbrotherkwaskPrinnykhimself,kIkwouldknotkseekhim.kEspeciallykifkhe kwerekPrinny.kForkthekthirdk andklastktime,kgetkout,korkIkwillkthrowkyoukout." kHekrankaktiredkhandkthroughkhiskwhitekhair,kaddingkaksmudgekofkbloodktokitskdis array.kDespitekhisk profanity,ktherekwaskakforcefulkintelligencekaboutkhim,kandkSallykfeltkakbreathk ofkhope.kEvenkmorek determinedktokgetkhimktokDavidkasksoonkaskpossible,ksheksaid,k"Mykbrotherkwaskwo undedkatkWaterloo.k He'skparalyzedkfromkthekwaistkdown,kinkconstantkpain,kandkwastingkawaykli ekakwr aith."k

kKinloc 'skeyeskshowedkonlykakbarekflic erkofkac nowledgment.k"Withkthatk indkof kinjury,khe'skakdeadk man.kForkmiracles,ktrykSt.kBartholomew'skchurchkacrosskthekstreet." kKinloc 'skeyeskshowedkonlykakbarekflic erkofkac nowledgment.k"Withkthatk indkof kinjury,khe'skakdeadk man.kForkmiracles,ktrykSt.kBartholomew'skchurchkacrosskthekstreet." kForkakmomentkshekfearedkthatkshe'dkgonektookfarkandktheksurgeonkwouldkmurderkhe rkonkthekspot.kThenk hiskangerkdissolved.k"I'llkma ekallowanceskforkthekfactkthatkyou'rekconcernedkab outkyourkbrother,"kheksaidk withkgreatkgentleness.k"Ikshouldkevenkbekcomplimentedkbykyourktouchingkfaithktha tkIkmightkbekablektokhelpk him.kUnfortunately,kthekamountkwek nowkaboutkthekhumankbodykisksokminusculekwhen kcomparedktokthek amountkwekdon'tk nowkthatkit'skakwonderkIkcankeverkhelpkanyone." kSheksawkthekblea nesskinkhiskeyeskandkrememberedkthektwokpatientskwhokhadkjustk died.kNokwonderkhek waskinkakfoulkmood. kKinloc ktoo kanotherkswigkofkwhis ey,kthenkcontinuedkinktheksamekreasonablekton e.k"Waterlookwask foughtkwhen?kThekeighteenthkofkJune?kSokit'skbeenkalmostkfivekwee s."kHekshoo kh iskhead,ktal ingktok himself.k"HowkmanykbedamnedkoperationskdidkIkdokoverkthere?kAndkhowkmanykmenkdid kIklose?" k"Youkcarekaboutkyourkpatients,"ksheksaidkquietly.k"That'skwhatkIkwantkforkDavid a ksurgeonkwhokcaresk passionately." kScowling,khekgulpedkmorekwhis ey.k"Withkakspinalkinjurykseverekenoughktokcausek paralysis,ktheksurprisekisk thatkyourkbrotherkiskstillkalive.kHalfkthekbodilykfunctionskarekdestroyed,kthere karekinfectionskandkulcerationk fromklyingkstillktooklong.kAkmankdoesn'tksurviveklongkli ekthat,kandkfromkwhatkI 'vekseenkinksuchkcases,kit'skak mercykwhenktheykdie.kSokta ekmykadvice:ksaykgood-byektokyourkbrotherkandkleavekm ekalone." kHekstartedktokturnktokhiskdes ,kbutkSallykreachedkoutktoktouchkhisksleeve.k"Dr. kKinloc ,knonekofkthosek thingskhavekhappenedktokmykbrother.kIt'skjustkthatkhekiskinksuchkpainkandkiskwas tingkaway.kCouldn'tkyoukjustk loo katkhim?kPlease?" kAtkherkwords,kKinloc 'skdar ,kbushykbrowskdrewktogetherkthoughtfully.k"Akgreatk dealkofkpain?kThat'sk odd,konekwouldkexpectknumbness "kHekponderedkakmomentklonger,kthenkrattledkoffkaks erieskofkmedicalk questions,khiskgazeksharplykanalytical. kSallykcouldkanswerkmostkofkthekquestionskduektokherkbadgeringkofkthekdoctorskat kthekYor kHospitalkfork information. kAfterkascertainingkwhatkDavid'skconditionkandktreatmentkhadkbeen,kKinloc kas ed

,k"Howkmuchklaudanumk iskyourkbrotherkta ing?" kSallyktriedktokestimate.k"AkbottlekofkSydenham'skeveryktwokorkthreekdays,kIkthi n ." k"Bloodykhell,knokwonderkthekmankcan'tkmove!kOpiumkiskakmarvelouskmedication,kbu tknotkwithoutk drawbac s."kHekfoldedkhiskarmskacrosskhiskchestkaskhekthought.kFinally,kheksaid, k"I'llkcomekbykandk examinekhimktomorrowkafternoon." kHerkheartkleaped.k"Couldkyoukma ekitktonight?kHe'sksokwea " k"No,kIkcouldknot.kAndkifkyou'dkwantkmektokafterkI'vekputkawaykthiskmuchkwhis ey ,kyou'rekakfool."k

kHiskhandskloo edksteadykenough,kbutksheksupposedkhekwaskright.k"Thenktomorrowkm orning,kfirstkthing?k I'llkgivekyoukonekhundredktwenty-fivekpounds."kReachingkthroughktheksidekslitkin kherkdressktokthekpoc etk shekworekslungkaroundkherkwaist,kSallykpulledkoutkthekpouchkofkgoldkandkhandedki tktokhim. kHiskhandskloo edksteadykenough,kbutksheksupposedkhekwaskright.k"Thenktomorrowkm orning,kfirstkthing?k I'llkgivekyoukonekhundredktwenty-fivekpounds."kReachingkthroughktheksidekslitkin kherkdressktokthekpoc etk shekworekslungkaroundkherkwaist,kSallykpulledkoutkthekpouchkofkgoldkandkhandedki tktokhim. kStungkbykthekdismissivekphrasek"littlekthing,"kSallyksaidktartly,k"I'vekalwaysk heardksurgeonskarekakcrude,k profaneklot.kSokgoodktok nowkthatkrumorkspo ektruekinkthiskcase." kInsteadkofkbeingkinsulted,kKinloc kgavekakcrac kofklaughter,khiskexpressionklig hteningkforkthekfirstktime.k "Youkforgotktokmentionkabrasive,kinsensitive,kandkuncultured.kThat'skwhyksurgeon skarekcalledkmisterk insteadkofkdoctor we'rekaklowklot,klass,kandkmindkyoukrememberkthat."kHekcor edkhi skwhis eykandksetk thekbottlekbac konkhiskdes .k"Bykthekway,kwhatkiskyourkname?" k"SallykLancaster." k"Aye,kyekloo kli ekakSally."kHiskScotskaccentkwaskthic eningkrapidly,kprobablyk becausekofkthekwhis ey.k "Writekdownkyourkbrother'skdirection,kandkI'llkcomekbyktomorrowkafternoon.kProba blyknotkearly." kWhilekSallykwrotekthekaddress,kKinloc kcrossedkhiskarmskonkthekdes ,klaidkhiskh eadkonkthem,kandk promptlykfellkasleep.kShekcarefullyktiltedkthekslipkofkpaperkagainstkhiskwhis ey kbottle,ksurekitkwouldkbek foundkinkthatkposition. kBeforekleaving,kshekstudiedkthekslumberingkfigurekwithkbemusement.kWhatkthekdev ilkdidkakSallykloo kli e?k AkmadkScotkindeed,kabrasive,kinsensitive,kandkallkthekrest.kButkforkthekfirstkti mekinkwee s,kshekfeltkak whisperkofkhopekthatkDavidkmightkhavekakfuture. k*k*k* kLadykJocelynkthrewkherkquillkacrosskthekdes kinkexasperation,kleavingkakscatter ingkofkin kblotskonkherk accountkboo .kIsiskraisedkakcontemptuousknosekatkherklac kofkself-control.kAllka fternoonkshe'dktriedktok attendktokcorrespondencekandkmonthlykaccounts,kbutkshekwaskunablektokconcentrate kforkthin ingkofkthek manklyingkupstairskinkthekbluekroom. kShekrestedkherkchinkonkherkpalmkandkthoughtkhowkridiculouskitkwasktokbeksokshyk aboutkvisitingkhim.kAfterk all,kshekwaskhiskhostess.kLord,khiskwife!kHiskpric lyksisterkhadkgonekoutkandkno tkreturnedkandkhadk

reportedlykturnedkdownkthekofferkofkakbedchamber,kforkwhichkJocelynkwaskthan ful .kAtkleastkthekwretchedk femalekwasn'tkentirelyklac ingkinksense.kIfktheykhadktokmeetkdailykoverkthekbrea fastktable,ktherekwouldkbek murderkdone. k"You'rekquitekright,kIsis.kSincekI'mknotkgettingkanykwor kdonekanyhow,kIkmightk askwellkchec kthatkthek majorkiskcomfortable."kOrkalive,kforkthatkmatter.kJocelynkpushedkherselfkawaykfr omkthekdes .k"Dokyouk thin khe'dkli eksomekflowers?"kThekcatkyawnedkluxuriously.k"Sokpleasedkyoukagree kwithkme.kI'llkgokcutk somekinkthekgarden." kAfterkgatheringkandkarrangingkankarmfulkofkcreamkandkyellowkroses,kwithksomekgr eenskforkcontrast,k Jocelynktoo kthekvasekofkflowerskupktokthekbluekroom.kShek noc edklightlykonkthe kdoor,kenteringkwhenk therekwasknokresponse.kThekmajorkappearedktokbekasleep,ksoksheksetkthekflowersko nkthektablekbykthekbed,k thenkturnedktokstudykhim.k

kInkrepose,khiskfacekremindedkherkofkakcarvedkmedievalk nightkrestingkonkakmarbl ektombkinkthekvillagek churchkatkCharlton.kGaunt,knoble,kremote.kHiskpallorkwaskintensifiedkbykakdar ks hadowkofkbeard.kMovedk byksomekimpulsekofktenderness,kshekreachedkoutktoktouchkhiskchee ,kfeelingkthekr aspkofkbristleskbeneathk herkfingers. kInkrepose,khiskfacekremindedkherkofkakcarvedkmedievalk nightkrestingkonkakmarbl ektombkinkthekvillagek churchkatkCharlton.kGaunt,knoble,kremote.kHiskpallorkwaskintensifiedkbykakdar ks hadowkofkbeard.kMovedk byksomekimpulsekofktenderness,kshekreachedkoutktoktouchkhiskchee ,kfeelingkthekr aspkofkbristleskbeneathk herkfingers. kHastilykshekdroppedkherkhand,kherkfingersktingling.k"Goodkday.kHavekyoukbeenkwe llkta enkcarekof?" k"Very.kItkwask indkofkyouktokinvitekmekhere." kWithkthatkpleasurekinkhiskeyes,kshekcouldknotkhavekdisabusedkhimkofkthekidea,ke venkifkSallykLancasterk hadn'tkwarnedkher.kStill,kinnatekhonestykcompelledkherktoksay,k"Mostkofkthekcred itkbelongsktokyourksister.kItk waskshekwhokthoughtkofkas ingkyourkdoctorkifkitkwasksafektokmovekyou." k"DoubtlesskRamseyksaidkthatkitkreallykdidn'tkmatterkonekwaykorkthekother."kHisk gazekcircledkthekroomkwithk itskhighkmoldedkceilingkandksil -cladkwalls.k"Yourkhousekiskankinfinitelykpleasa nterkplacektokdiekthankthek hospital." kShekpulledkakchairkupktokhiskbedsidekandksatksokthatktheirkfaceskwereknearlykle vel.k"Howkcankyoukbeksok calm,ktokspea kofkyourkdeathkaskifkitkwerekakchangekinkthekweather?" kHekgavekthekimpressionkofkshrugging,kthoughkhekscarcelykmoved.k"Whenkyou'vekspe ntkenoughktimek soldiering,kdeathkiskli ekakchangekinkthekweather.kI'vekbeenkonkborrowedktimekfo rkyears.kIkneverkreallyk expectedktokma ekoldkbones." k"Yourkexperiencekgoeskfarkbeyondkmykunderstanding,"ksheksaidkquietly. k"Wekarekallkproductskofkourkexperience.kMinekjustkhappensktokbekratherkmelodram atic,"kheksaidkabsently,k forkmostkofkhiskattentionkwaskonkLadykJocelyn.kWithkthekafternoonksunksculptingk herkperfectkfeatures,kshek waskexquisite.kHerkeyes,kakdelicatekgoldenkbrownkwithkgreenkflec s,kentrancedkhi m,kandkhekfoundkhekwask aklittleklesskresignedktokdyingkthankbefore. kWithkakpang,khekrealizedkthatkhekwouldkhavekli edktokmeetkandkcourtkthiskladykw henkhekwaskwellkandk whole.kButkevenkthen,khiskcircumstanceskwouldkneverkhavekmadekhimkaksuitablekmat ekforkakwomankofkherk station.

kTherekwaskakglimmerkofktearskonkherkchee s.kHekfoundkthatkbykconcentratingkallk hiskstrength,khekcouldkliftk hiskhandkandkbrushkthemkaway,khiskfingertipsklingeringkonkthekrose-petalksoftnes skofkherks in.k"Don'tkweepk forkme,kmyklady.kIfkyoukrememberkmekatkall,kIkwouldkratherkyoukdidkwithkaksmile. " k"Ikwillknotkforgetkyou,kDavid Ikcankpromisekthat."kThektearskdidn'tkentirelykdisa ppear,kbutkshekdidksmile,k raisingkherkhandktokcoverkhis.k"It'sksokstrangektokthin kthatkthreekdayskagokwek hadkneverkmet.kNow,ktherek iska kakuniquekconnectionkbetweenkus.kIkhadkthoughtkakmarriagekofkconveniencekwask justkakmatterkofk wordskspo enkandkpapersksigned,kbutkit'skmorekthankthat,kisn'tkit?" k"Itkhaskbeenkforkme."kTooktiredktokholdkhiskarmkupkanyklonger,khekletkitkrestko nkthekbed.kHerkhandk followed,kfingersktwiningkhis.kTherekwaskankintimacykinkherkclaspkthatkwarmedkhi skheart.kHekwishedkhekhadk hadkthekstrengthktoktouchkthekshiningkhair,ktokseekifkitkfeltkasksil ykaskitkloo ed.kThatkwouldkbekhighk romance,kgivenkthatknokotherkpartkofkhiskbodykwaskcapablekofkresponding.k"Ikamko nlyksorryktokbek

disturbingkyourkpeace." disturbingkyourkpeace." kHerksweetkmusicalkvoicektoo konkakbusinessli eknote.k"IskHughkMorgankacceptable ktokyoukaskakservant?k Ifknot,kI'llkfindkanother." k"Perfectlykacceptable.kIkdon'tkmeanktokbekakdemandingkguest,korktokoverstaykmyk welcome." kShekbitkherklip.k"Ifktherekiskanythingkyoukwish,kyoukhavekonlyktokas .kDokyouko bjectktokmykvisitingkyou?" kAmusedkthatkshekcouldkimagineksuchkakthing,khekas ed,k"WhykshouldkIkobject?" k"Thekimpropriety " kHeklaughedkatkthekabsurditykofkthat.kAfterkakstartledkmoment,kshekjoinedkin.k"T hatkwasksillykofkme,kwasn'tk it?kTherekcankbeknokimproprietykbetweenkhusbandkandkwife." k"Yourkreputationkiskquiteksafe.kEvenkifkwekweren'tkmarried,kI'mkinknokcondition ktokcompromisekyou."kHek grinned.k"More'skthekpity." kJocelynkloo edkuncertain,kthenksmiledkandkleanedkforwardktokbrushkakgossamerk i sskonkhisklipskbeforekshek turnedktokleavekthekroom.kHekadmiredkthekgracekofkherkwal kandkthekwayktheksunkb urnishedkherkchestnutk hairktokakshadekofkredkthatkwaskmorekprovocativekthankrespectable.kDidkthatkcolo rkhintkofkaktemperk concealedkbeneathkherkcool,kflawlesskfacade?kAkdelightfullykintriguingkthought.k Shekwasknotkonlykaklady,k butkakwoman.kOnekhekmightkhavekloved. kItkwaskironicktokthin kthatkifkhekhadn'tkbeenkdying,ktheykneverkwouldkhavekmet. k*k*k* kJocelynkclosedkthekdoorkbehindkher,kthenkleanedkagainstkit,kfeelingkaskdrainedk askthekmajorkloo ed.kDamnk thekman,kwhykdidkshekhavektokli ekhim?kEveryktimeksheksawkhim,kitkgotkworse.kStr ange,kthekfeelingkofk intimacykbetweenkthem,kperhapskbecausektherekwasknoktimekforkpolitekpreliminarie s. kTherekwaskscarcelykanyktimekatkall kChapterk7k

GratefulkthatkLadykJocelynkwaskout,kSallykspentkmuchkofktheknextkafternoonkhover ingkwithinkearshotkofkthek

frontkdoorkaskshekwaitedkforkIankKinloc ktokappear,kbutkthek noc erkstayedkinfer nallykquiet.kThekhourkwask wellkadvancedkwhenkankimpatientkrapkheraldedkakvisitor.kSallykreachedkthekdoorka tktheksamektimekthek butlerkdid. kSighingkwithkrelief,ksheksawkthatkitkwasktheksurgeon,kakblac kmedicalkbagkinkon ekhand.kTokthekbutler,kshek

said,k"Dr.kKinloc kiskherektokexaminekmykbrother,kDudley.kIkshallkta ekhimkup." said,k"Dr.kKinloc kiskherektokexaminekmykbrother,kDudley.kIkshallkta ekhimkup." kShekconsideredkexplaining,kbutkitkwaskjustktookcomplicated.k"No.kMykbrotherkisk akguest,kandkI'mkak governesskinkanotherkhousehold.kIkspendkaskmuchktimekherekaskIkcan." kTheykenteredkDavid'skroom.kFromkherkbrother'skexpression,khekdidn'tkanticipatek anythingkworthwhilek comingkfromkthiskvisit.kHekwaskonlykenduringkanotherkpainfulkexaminationkforkher ksa e.kAfterkthek introductions,ktheksurgeonksaid,k"Outkwithkyou,klassie.kI'llkexaminekyourkbrothe rkinkprivate.kIkalreadyk nowk howkyoukwouldkanswerkthekquestions.kIkwantktokhearkwhatkhekwillksay." kOffended,kshekopenedkherkmouthktokprotest,kthenkstoppedkwhenkDavid,kamusedkbykt heksurgeon'sk bluntness,ksaid,k"Gokon,kSally.kI'llkmanage." kRouted,kshekspentkankendlesskhalf-hourkpacingkaroundkthekgallerykthatkcircledkt hekopenkfoyer.kNotkakbadk placektokexercisekinkbadkweather,kshekdecided,kthoughkshekrapidlyktiredkofkthekm arblekbustskofkboringk gentlemenkwearingklaurelkwreaths.kPerhapskshekshouldkhavekas edkRichardktokstayk whenkhe'dkvisitedk earlier,kbutkshekhadn'tkevenkmentionedkthatkKinloc kwouldkbekcoming,kfromkaksupe rstitiouskfearkthatktal k wouldkta ekthekmagickofkhopekaway. kWhenkKinloc kopenedkthekdoor,kshekwaskonkhimkinkakflash.kHiskexpressionkseemedk lighterkthankwhenkhek hadkarrived.kHopingkthatkwaskakgoodksign,ksheksaid,k"Well?" k"Comekin,kMisskLancaster.kIkwantktokdiscusskthiskwithkbothkofkyou." kDavidkwaskwhite-lippedkfromkthekpainkofkthekexamination,kbutkhiskeyeskwerekaler t.kSallykcrossedktokhisk side,kseizingkhiskhandkandkholdingkitktightly. kKinloc kbeganktokpacekaroundkthekroom.kSallykwonderedkifkthekmankeverkrelaxed. k"First,kMajorkLancaster,ktherekiskstillkakshrapnelkfragmentkinkyourkbac ,kposit ionedklowerkthankthekonesk removedkafterkthekbattle.kThatkisktheksourcekofkmostkofkthekpain."kTheksurgeonks cowledkfromkunderkhisk bushykbrows.k"Basedkonkyourkresponses,kIkthin kyoukaren'tktrulykparalyzed.kSwell ingkaroundkthekshrapnelk wouldkhavekproducedkthatkeffectkinkthekdayskafterkthekinjury,kbutkthekswellingkh askabatedknow." kStartled,kDavidksaid,k"Halfkmykbodykwon'tkmove.kIfkI'mknotkreallykparalyzed,kwh atkthekdevilkiskwrong?" k"Ikthin kyou'reksufferingkfromkakcombinationkofkfactors.kThekshrapnelkcertainly kisn'tkinsignificant,kbutkIk believekthatkthekworstkofkyourkproblemskresultskfromktookmuchklaudanum,"kKinloc ksaidkbluntly.k"Youk werekgivenkmassivekdosesktokdullkthekpainkofkthekspinalkinjuries,kwhichkmustkhav

ekbeenkexcruciating.kThek opiumkhelpedkthat,kandkitkalsok eptkyoukfromkthrashingkaroundkandkdamagingkyours elfkfurther,kbutkIkbelievek you'reksufferingkfromkopiumkpoisoning,kandkyou'vekprobablykbecomekaddictedkaskwe ll.kOverdosingkonk laudanumkcankhavekmanykpossibleksidekeffects includingkextremekmuscularkwea ness,k andkthekinabilityktok eatkproperly." kAndkDavidkhadkbeenklivingkonkbrothkandklaudanumkforkwee s,kbecausekthekdoctorsk sawknokreasonkfork himktoklimitkhiskinta ekofkopiumksincekhekwaskdyingkanyhow.k"MykGod.kWhatkakvici ouskcircle.kThekworsek mykcondition,kthekmorektheykencouragedkmektokta eklaudanumktokalleviatekit,kandk thekmorekIkdeteriorated."k

k"Bykthektimekthekswellingkaroundkthekfragmentksubsidedktokakpointkwherekitkmigh tkhavekbeenkpossiblektok move,kyoukwerekstarvingkandksokwea enedkbykpainkandkopiumkthatkyoukseemedkparaly zed.kAskParacelsusk said,k'Dosekalonekma eskakpoison.'"kThekScotkshoo khiskheadkdourly.k"OrkaskIksay ,kanythingkpotentk enoughktokhealkcankalsokharm." k"Bykthektimekthekswellingkaroundkthekfragmentksubsidedktokakpointkwherekitkmigh tkhavekbeenkpossiblektok move,kyoukwerekstarvingkandksokwea enedkbykpainkandkopiumkthatkyoukseemedkparaly zed.kAskParacelsusk said,k'Dosekalonekma eskakpoison.'"kThekScotkshoo khiskheadkdourly.k"OrkaskIksay ,kanythingkpotentk enoughktokhealkcankalsokharm." kKinloc kfrowned.k"It'sknotkquitekthatksimple.kReducingkthekopiumkwouldkrestorek yourkappetitekandksavek youkfromkstarvation,kbutkthekpainkmightkbekunendurable.kIfkyoukbecamekstrongkeno ughktokwal ,kthere'skak ris kthekshrapnelkwouldkshiftkandkcausekgenuinekparalysis.kStill,kevenkifkthatkh appened,kyoukcouldkmanagek inkakwheelchair,kandkyourklifekwouldkbekinknokimmediatekdanger.kThatkwouldkbekth eksafestkcoursekofk treatment." kHisklastkwordskfellkintokabsolutekstillness.kGuessingkwhatktheksurgeonkwasn'tks aying,kDavidksaid,k"You'rek thin ingkofkakmorekradicalktreatment,karen'tkyou?" k"Thekalternativekiskankoperation.kSurgerykiskalwayskdangerous,kandkremovingkthe kshrapnelkmightkcausekthek indkofkspinalkdamagekit'skbeenkassumedkyoukalreadykhave.kInkaddition,ksurgeryki ncreaseskthekris kofk infection,kwhichkcouldkbeklife-threatening,kespeciallykwea enedkaskyoukareknow." k"Butkifkitkwor s?" k"Ifkitkwor s it'skpossiblekthatkyoukcouldkbekwal ingkinkakwee ." kSallykgasped,kherkhandktighteningkonkhis.kDavidktriedktokimaginekwhatkitkwouldk bekli ektoklive.kTokhavekak futurekagain.kEnjoykthekrobustkhealthkhe'dkta enkforkgrantedkhiskwholeklife.kTa ingkakdeepkbreath,khek as ed,k"Howksoonkcouldkyoukoperate?"

kKinloc 'skbrowskdrewktogetherkaskhekconsideredkhiskmedicalkbag.k"Ifkyou'reksure kthat'skwhatkyoukwant,kIk couldkdokitkrightknow.kIkhavekallkthekinstrumentskIkneed,kandkthekactualkoperati onkwouldn'tkta eklong." kDavidkandkSallykexchangedkglances,kcommunicatingkwordlessly.kTheklongerksurgery kwaskdelayed,kthek wea erkhekwouldkbe.kTerrifiedkatkthekris kbutk nowingkitkwaskhisklastkhope,kshek gavekakstiffknodkofk agreement. kHekturnedkbac ktoktheksurgeon.k"Thenkdokit.kNow."

k"Verykwell."kKinloc khesitated.k"Forkwhatkit'skworth,kinkyourksituationkandk no wingkthekris s,kI'dkma ek theksamekchoice." kThatkwasksomekcomfort,kDavidksupposed.kHiskgazekwentktokthekbottlekonkhiskbedsi dektablekaskhekthoughtk aboutkthekstrangekdreams,kthekdistortedkcolorskandksounds,kthekhazinesskhe'dkliv edkwithksincekregainingk consciousnesskthekdaykafterkhiskinjury. kIfkhe'dkbeenkstrongkenough,khekwouldkhavekgrabbedkthekbottlekandkhurledkitkacro sskthekroom.kYetkfork wee s,khe'dkwelcomedkthekdrugkaskthekonekthingkthatkmadeklifekbearable.k"Everksi ncekIkstartedkta ingk laudanum,kI'vekfeltkli e kli ekakstrangerkhaskta enkoverkmykmind.kIkthoughtkthatkw askbecausekIkwask dying."kHiskmouthktwisted.k"Opiumkiskakdamnablyktreacherouskfriend."k

k"Aye,kbutkyou'llkneedkitkforkthekoperation,"kKinloc kcautioned.k"After,kitkmigh tkbekbestktokcutkbac konkthek dosagekgradually.kIfkyoukstopkallkatkonce,kyou'llkhavekseveralkwretchedkdayskofk craving,ksha ing,ksweating,k andkGodk nowskwhatkelse." k"Aye,kbutkyou'llkneedkitkforkthekoperation,"kKinloc kcautioned.k"After,kitkmigh tkbekbestktokcutkbac konkthek dosagekgradually.kIfkyoukstopkallkatkonce,kyou'llkhavekseveralkwretchedkdayskofk craving,ksha ing,ksweating,k andkGodk nowskwhatkelse." kTheksurgeonkloo edktroubled.k"Ikhonestlykdon'tk now,kMajor.k'Tiskakhardkhabitkt okbrea .kIk newkank addictkwhoktriedkthekgradualkapproachkandkfailedkmiserably.kPerhapskhekwouldkhav ekfailedkanyhow,kork perhapskyourkmethodkwillkwor kbetter.kIkreallykcan'tksay.kButkyoukdon'tkhavektok decidekrightkaway.kTa ekak largekdoseknowkandkcontinuekta ingkitkforktheknextkfewkdays.kItkwouldkbektookmuc hkstrainkonkyourkbodyktok withdrawkthekdrugkatktheksamektimekasksurgery.kWhenkyou'rekfeelingkbetterkwillkb ekthektimektokstop."k ThoughkDavidknodded,khe'dkalreadykmadekupkhiskmindktokstopkta ingkthekmedicineka sksoonkaskpossible.k HekswallowedktheklargekdosekSallykgavekhimksokthatkhekcouldkendurektheksurgery.k ButkafterkKinloc kwask donekwithkhiskcutting,khe'dkneverktouchkakdropkofkthekwic edkstuffkagain. kKinloc kbec onedkSallykintokthekhall,koutkofkDavid'skhearing.k"I'llkneedktwokme nktokholdkhimkdown,kplusk someonektokhandkmekthekinstruments.kIkalsokneedktowels,ksheets,kandkplentykofkho tkwaterkandksoapkfork washingkup."kSeeingkherksurprise,khekexplained,k"Ikdon'tk nowkwhy,kbutkcleanline sskseemsktokreducek infection." kThatkmadeksensektokSally.kAfterkall,kcleanlinesskwasknextktokgodliness,ksokitko ughtktokhelpkwithksurgery.k "I'llkgetkeverythingkyoukneedkrightkaway." kTheksurgeonkgraspedkthekdoor nobktokreturn,kbutkpaused.k"Youksaidkyourkbrotherk iskakguestkhere.kWhok ownskthekhouse somek insman?" k"ItkbelongsktokDavid'skwife." k"Wife!kWhykisn'tkshekhere?"kKinloc kas ed. k"Thekmarriagektoo kplacekonlykakcouplekofkdayskagokandkwaskbasicallykonekofkcon venience.kTheyk scarcelyk nowkeachkother.kLadykJocelynkdoesn'tkevenk nowkyoukarekhere."kAsksheke xplained,kSallyk thoughtkforkthekfirstktimekofkhowkthekwitchkwouldkreactkifkDavidkmadekakmiraculo uskrecovery.kShekfeltkak surgekofkunholykglee,kdespitekthekhorridkpossibilitykthatkLadykJocelynkmightkbek permanentlykconnectedktok thekLancasters. kWithkaksnortkforkthekidiocieskofkthekupperkclasses,kKinloc kreenteredkthekbedro

om.kPuttingkawaykthek thoughtkofkLadykJocelyn'skreaction,kSallykhastenedktokcollectksupplies.kHerkrega lkladyshipkhadksaidktokas k forkanythingkrequired,kandkbykheaven,kshekwould. kSallykwaskgratefulkthatksurgicalkpreparationskincludedkcoveringkmostkofkDavid's kbodykwithksheets,kexceptk forktheksmall,knewlykscarredkareakofkhiskbac kwherekthekactualkincisionkwouldkbe kmade.kLoo ingkatkak squarekofks inkmadekitkaklittlekeasierktokforgetkthatkthekpersonksheklovedkmostk inkthekworldkwaskaboutktokbek slicedkopen kShekcutkoffkthekthoughtkandktoo kpositionkbykthekbed.k"I'llkassistkyoukwithkthe kinstrumentskmyself." k"Arekyouksure,klass?kItkmightkbekbetterktokhaveksomeoneknotkrelatedktokthekpati ent.kItkwouldn'tkdokifkyouk

faintkorkhavekthekvapors." faintkorkhavekthekvapors." kHeksmiledkaklittle.k"Verykwell."kSwiftlykheknamedkthekinstrumentskandkthekorder ktheykwouldkbekusedkin.k Thekscalpels,kprobes,kandkmorekmysteriousktoolskglitteredkwithkcleanliness,kandk razor-sharpkedges. kThektwokservantskwhokwerekassistingkmovedkintokposition,kHughkMorgankatkthekhea dkofkthekbed,kandkthek wiry,ktaciturnkcoachmankatkthekfoot.kQueasykbutkdetermined,ktheyktoo kholdkofkDa vid,kandkthekoperationk began. kSallykwaskamazedkatkhowkswiftlykKinloc kwor ed,kdeftlykcuttingkandkblottingkblo od.kFeelingkaklittlekfaint,k shekconcentratedkonkthekinstrumentskhekas edkfor,knotkloo ingkatktheksurgerykaga inkuntilkherkheadksteadied. kAfterkakhideouslyklongkintervalkofkmeticulouskprobingkofkthekopenkwound,khekmad ekaksmallksoundkofk satisfaction.kWithkakdelicacykthatkseemedkincongruouskforksuchklarge,kpowerfulkh ands,khekextractedkaksmallk fragmentkofkmetal.kAfterkdroppingkitkinkthekbasinkSallykheldkout,khekmuttered,k" Nowkwekloo karoundkakbitk more,kjustkinkcase." kWhenkhekwasksatisfied,khekclosedkthekincision.kThekservants'kassistancekwaskbar elykneeded,kforkDavidk hadkhardlykmovedkduringkthekoperation,kexceptkforkakgaspkandkakconvulsivekshudde rkatkthekinitialkcut. kWithkthekwoundkclosed,kKinloc ksaid.k"Givekmekthatkjar,klass." kSallykobeyed,kopeningkthekjarkforkhiskuse.kThekcontentskwerekakdisgustingkgraygreenkmasskthatksmelledk wretched.kTokherkhorror,kheksmearedksomekofkthekoozingkmaterialkoverkthekwound.k Howkcouldkakmank devotedktokcleanlinesskuseksuchknasty-loo ingkstuff?kShekclampedkherkjawkshutkon kherkprotest.kItkwasktook lateknotktoktrustkhimknow. kWithkthekoperationkover,kthekreleasekofktensionkwasksokgreatkthatkSallykwaskbar elykawarekofkKinloc k puttingkonkakdressingkandkgivingklow-voicedkinstructionsktokMorgan,kwhokwouldkst aykwithkDavid.kFeelingk faintkagainknowkthatkherkpartkwaskplayed,kSallykwentkoutsidekandkslumpedkboneles slykontokaksofaksetk againstkthekgallerykwall.kKinloc khadkbeenkrightktokwarnkherkthatksurgerykwaskup setting.kYetkitkhadkbeenk fascinating,ktoo. kWhenkthekScotkfinallykemergedkfromktheksic room,kshekglancedkupkfearfully.k"Do kd okyoukthin kthatk wentkwell?" kHekdroppedkontokthekoppositekendkofktheksofa,kaskwearykaskthekfirstktimekshekha dkseenkhim.kShekwask

frightenedkwhenkhekburiedkhiskheadkinkhiskhands,kuntilkhekloo edkupkwithkakreass uringksmile.k"Aye,kitkwentk verykwell.kThekfragmentkcamekoutkcleanly,kandkfromkthektestskIkjustkperformed,kh ekhasknormalksensationkink hisklegs.kTherekiskstillkakchancekofkinfection,kbutkGodkwilling,kIkthin khekwill ksurvive,kandkprobablykbekask goodkasknew." kSallykhadn'tkcriedkwhenktheykhadktoldkherkthatkDavidkwouldkdie,kbutkafterkheari ngkthatkhekwouldklive,kshek dissolvedkintokrac ingksobskthatkseemedkli ektheykwouldkneverkend.k"Than kGod,"k sheksaidkbro enly.k "Than kGod." kKinloc kputkankarmkaroundkherkshoulderskaskshekcontinuedktokweep.k"There,kthere ,know.kYou'rekakbrawk lassie,kandkyourkbrotherkiskluc yktokhavekyou."k

kShekturnedkintokhim,kburyingkherkfacekagainstkhiskchest.kHekfeltksokstrong,ksok solid.kAkfaintkscentkofk fragrantkpipektobaccokclungktokthekwoolkofkhiskcoat,kta ingkherkbac ktwentykyear sktokwhenkherkfatherkhadk heldkherkclose,ksafekfromkthekproblemskofkankeight-year-old'skworld. kShekturnedkintokhim,kburyingkherkfacekagainstkhiskchest.kHekfeltksokstrong,ksok solid.kAkfaintkscentkofk fragrantkpipektobaccokclungktokthekwoolkofkhiskcoat,kta ingkherkbac ktwentykyear sktokwhenkherkfatherkhadk heldkherkclose,ksafekfromkthekproblemskofkankeight-year-old'skworld. kRunningkoutkofktears,kshekfinallykpulledkawaykfromkKinloc kandkfishedkakhand er chiefkfromkherkpoc et.k "I'mksorryktokbeksuchkakwateringkpot.kIt'skjustkthatkwhatkyoukdidkseemsksokmuchk li ekakmiracle.kI kIkcan'tk quitekbelievekit." kKinloc kgavekaktiredksmilekthatkmadekhimkloo ksurprisinglykboyish.k"Well,kyoukw antedkakmiracle.kDidkyouk stopkatkSt.kBart'skchurchkthekotherkday?" k"No,kbutkIkcertainlykwillktomorrow!" k"Beksurekyoukdo.kEvenkGodkli esktokbekthan edkwhenkhe'skdonekwell." kSallykstood.k"Timekforkmektokgokbac ktokDavid.kArektherekanykspecialkinstructio nskaboutkwhatktokdokfork himkduringktheknight?" k"Mykonlykinstructionskarekforkyouktokgetkakgoodkdinnerkandkaksolidknight'skslee p,"kheksaidksternly.k "Doctor'skorders.kIfkyoukdon'tkstartkta ingkbetterkcarekofkyourself,kyou'llkbeka kpatientkinknoktime.kYouk needn'tkworrykaboutkMajorkLancaster.kMorgankwillkstaykwithkhim,kandkI'llkstopkby ktomorrow." kShekopenedkherkmouthktokprotest,kthenkhadksecondkthoughts.kWithkthektensionkend ed,kshekwaskwearyktok thekbone.kTherekwasknothingkshekcouldkdokforkDavidkthatkcouldn'tkbekdonekaskwell kbyksomeonekelse.k "Verykwell." kKinloc kgotktokhiskfeetkandkrolledkhiskshoulders,klooseningktautkmuscles.k"Woul dkthiskgrandkestablishmentk runktokwhis ey?" kIfkhekwantedktokbathekinkaktubkofkthekbestkport,kSallykwouldkma eksurekthatkhis kwishkwaskgranted.k"Shallk wekgokdownstairskandkfindkout?" kKinloc kcollectedkhiskmedicalkbag,kandktheykdescendedktokthekdrawingkroomksalon .kLadykJocelyn'sk well-trainedkbutlerkrespondedktokSally'sktugkonkthekbellkcord,kspeedilykproducin gkdecanterskofkwhis eyk andkbrandy.kShekhadktokgivekthekstaffkcredit.kNotkoncekhadkanyonekindicatedkcont emptkforkherklowlykselfk byksokmuchkaskthekflic erkofkankeye,kthoughknokdoubtktheykhadkplentyktoksaykinkt hekservants'khall.

kNoticingkthatkIankKinloc 'skhandskwereksha ingkaskhekpouredkhimselfkakwhis ey,k shekas ed,k"Arekyouk alwaysksokstrainedkafterksurgery?" kHekloo edkaklittlekshamefaced.k"Aye.kMykhandskareksteadykaskakroc kduringkankop eration,kbutkafterkIk havektroublekbelievingkIkwaskfoolhardykenoughktokdokit.kIt'skuncommonlykdifficul tktokcutkintokakhumank body,k nowingkhowkhardkitkiskonkthekpatient,kbutksometimesksurgerykiskthekonlykc ure.kLi ektoday."kHek tossedkbac khalfkhiskwhis ey,kthenkreplenishedkitkandksettledkonkaksofa,kdrin in gkatkakmorekmoderatekpace. kSallyksippedkherkbrandy.kVerykfine,kaskshe'dkexpected.k"Whatkwaskthekawful-smel lingkdressingkthatkyouk used?"k

kKinloc kgrinned.k"Arekyouksurekyoukwantktok now?" kKinloc kgrinned.k"Arekyouksurekyoukwantktok now?" k"Moldykbreadkandkwater." k"Goodkheavens!kAfterkma ingksuchkakpointkofkcleankinstruments,kyoukputkthatkfil thykstuffkonkDavid?"kSallyk exclaimed,kgenuinelykhorrified. k"Ik nowkitkseemskstrange,kbutkallkoverkthekworldktherekarekfol ktraditionskofku singkmoldykmaterialskfork dressings,"ktheksurgeonkexplained.k"InkChina,ktheykusekmoldyksoykcurd.kInkeaster nkandksouthernkEurope,k I'mktoldkthekpeasantsk eepkakloafkinkthekrafters.kIfksomeonekiskinjured,ktheykta ekdownkthekbread,kcutkoffk thekmoldkandkma ekakpastekwithkwater,kthenkapplykitktokthekwound." k"Howkremar able."kSallykhadkalwayskbeenkinsatiablykcurious,kakgoodktraitkforkak teacher.k"Dokyouk eepkak moldykloafkinkyourkattic?" kHekshoo khiskheadkreminiscently.k"Thiskparticularkspecimenkwaskgivenktokmekbyka kRussianksailorkwhok sworekthatkitkwaskthekbestkhe'dkeverkused.kIkgavekitkaktrykandkfoundkIklostkfewe rkpatientsktokinfectionkandk mortification.kI'vekbeenkfeedingkthekmixturekbreadkandkwaterkforktheklastkeightk years." k"Whatkmadekyoukdecidektoktryksomethingksokunorthodoxkinkthekfirstkplace?" k"I'vektraveledkwidely,kwhichkgavekmekankinterestkinkfol kmedicine.kMykmorektrad itionalkcolleaguesksneer,k butksometimeskitkwor s.kOnekofkmykaimskinklifekisktoktestksuchkpracticeskandkdis coverkwhichkarekvalid."kHek smiled.k"Forkexample,kI'vekseenknokevidencekthatkputtingkak nifekunderkakchildbe dkcutskthekpainkinkhalf,kbutk willowkbar kiskindeedkgoodkforkacheskandkfevers.kWhenkIkfindksomethingkthatkwor s,kIkusekit." kNowkthatkDavidkhadkbeenktreated,kSallykfoundkherselfkcuriouskaboutkKinloc kthek mankratherkthank Kinloc ktheksurgeon.k"Whatkarekyourkotherkaimskinklife?" k'ToksavekaskmanykpeoplekfromkthekReaperkaskIkcan,kforkasklongkaskIkcan.kInkthek end,kdeathkalwayskwins.k Butknotkwithoutkakstruggle,kbykGod."kHiskexpressionkwaskblea . kWantingktokerasektheksorrowkfromkhiskeyes,kshekraisedkherkglass.k"Aktoastkforkt oday'skvictorykoverkthek Reaper!" kExpressionklightening,khekclin edkhiskglasskagainstkhers,kandktheykdran .kSally kpouredkmorekforkeachkofk them,kandktheykdriftedkintokgeneralkconversation,kbothkenjoyingkthekpost-surgery keuphoria.kSallykspo ekofk herkgovernesskjob,kKinloc kaboutkhisktrainingkinkEdinburghkandkLondon.kAfterktra iningkaskbothkphysiciank andksurgeon,khe'dkbecomekakship'skdoctor,kwhichkhadkta enkhimktokmanykstrangekpa

rtskofkthekworld.k Later,khe'dkbeenkankarmyksurgeon,krefiningkhisks illskinkthekbloodykcruciblekofk battle. kSallykcouldkhearkhiskpassionkforkhiskcallingkinkeverykwordkheksaid.kMadkScotkin deed!kShekblessedkDr.k Ramseykforksendingkherktokthiskman,kwhokwasksurelykthekonlyksurgeonkinkEnglandkw hokcouldkhaveksavedk herkbrother. kChapterk8k

kHopingkthatkwaskthekcase,kshekopenedkthekdrawingkroomkdoor.kTokherkdisgust,kshe kfoundknotkherkaunt,k butkherkuncouthksister-in-lawkinkthekprocesskofkgettingkdrun kwithksomekrumpledk loo ingkfellowkJocelynk hadkneverkseenkbefore.kHerkfacekstiffenedkatksuchklibertieskbeingkta enkinkherkh ome.kHowever,k rememberingkherkresolutionktokbekmorekpatient,kshekquietlykstartedktokwithdraw.k Sallykmightkbekinkherk cups,kbutkshekprobablykwouldn'tkstealktheksilver,kwhichkwasn'tkinkthekdrawingkro omkanyhow. kBeforekshekcouldkescape,kSallykglancedkupkandksawkher.k"I'vekbadknewskforkyou,k LadykJocelyn." k"Oh,kno.kHe khekhaskdied?"kJocelynkfroze,kchilledktokherkmarrowkasksadnesskandklo ssksweptkoverkher.k SokDavidkwaskgone,khiskwastedkbodykgrowingkcoldkupstairs,kthekgreenkeyeskclosedk forever.kShekhadknotk evenkbeenkatkhome.kThatkbriefkvisitkyesterdaykhadkbeenkgood-bye.kNokwonderkSally khadkcalledkforkthek brandykdecanter. k"Onkthekcontrary,"kSallykcontinuedkinkherkstrongkschoolteacher'skvoice.k"Dr.kKi nloc kherekperformedkak ratherksplendidkbitkofksurgery,kandkitkseemskli elykthatkDavidkwillknotkonlyksur vive,kbutkrecoverk completely." kHekwaskgoingktoklive!kThekwordskwerekankevenkgreaterkshoc kthankhiskdeathkwould khavekbeen.kDizzyk fromktryingktokassimilateksuchkcontradictoryknews,kJocelynkmovedkforwardkandkgra spedkthekbac kofkak chairktoksteadykherself.kHowkwonderfulkifkwhatkSallykhadksaidkwasktrue.kDavidkde servedklifekandk happiness. kButkinkthekmidstkofkherkgladnesskonekpowerfulkthoughtkresonated:kAklivekhusband kwasknotkwhatkshekhadk bargainedkfor! k"Ik nowkyoukwantedkhimkdead."kSallykrosekandkapproachedkJocelyn,kherkeyeskglitt ering.k"PerhapskI'dk betterkstaykherektokguardkhimkuntilkhekcankbekremovedkfromkyourkhome.kSincekheki sn'tkaboutktokdiekonkhisk own,kyoukmaykwishktokremedyktheksituation." kJocelynkfeltkthekbloodkdrainkfromkherkface.k"Whatkakdespicablekthingktoksay!kWh ilekmykintentionkwasktok becomekakwidow,kIkdidn'tkwantktokseekDavidkdead.kIfkyoukarekcapablekofkappreciat ingkthekdistinction."k Blindlykshekfumbledkaroundkthekchairkandkdroppedkintokit,ktornkbetweenkfaintness kandkakdesirektokclawk Sally'skeyeskout. kShekfeltksomethingkcoolkinkherkhandkandkloo edkupktokseekthekdoctorkpressingkak glasskofkbrandykonkher,k hiskeyeskwatchingkwithkprofessionalkconcern.k"Drin kthat,kLadykJocelyn.kItkwillk

helpkwithkthekshoc ." kObedientlyksheksippedkfromkthekglass,kcho ingkaklittlekaskthekbrandykburnedkits kwaykdown.kButkthek surgeonkwaskright,kforkherkmindkbeganktokwor kagain.kShekstaredkdownkintokherkgl asskandktriedktoksortkoutk herkfeelings. kNothingkcouldkma ekherksorrykthatkDavidkLancasterkwaskgoingktoklive.kButkwhatkw ouldkthiskmeanktokherk

planskforkCandover?kEvenkifkthekdu ekfellkinklovekwithkher,kshekcouldn'tkmarrykh im.kThek nowledgekmadek herkwantktokweep. planskforkCandover?kEvenkifkthekdu ekfellkinklovekwithkher,kshekcouldn'tkmarrykh im.kThek nowledgekmadek herkwantktokweep. kBykthektimekhekfinished,kshekwaskablektokmanagekakgenuineksmile.k"Mykthan s,kDr .kKinloc .kYou'vekdonek akgoodkday'skwor .kIkhaven'tk nownkMajorkLancasterklong,kbutkIkdok nowkthatkthek worldkiskakbetterkplacek forkhisksurvival." kBeforekSally'skdisgustedkeyes,kKinloc kalmostkstartedktokpurrkunderkthekhundred -candlepowerkcharmkofk LadykJocelyn'sksmile.kEvenkthekmostkintelligentkofkmenkseemedkunablektokrecogniz ekakhighbredktartkfork whatkshekwas. kAsksoonkaskthekthoughtkformedkinkherkmind,kshekwaskashamedkofkherself.kThekbran dykmustkbekwor ingkonk herkemptykstomach.kHerkaccusationkthatkLadykJocelynkmightkharmkDavidkhadkcomekfr omktheksamek source.kAsksoonkaskshe'dksaidkthekwords,kshekwantedktokbitekherktongue,kandknotk onlykbecausekKinloc k hadkglancedkatkherkwithkdisapproval.kLadykJocelynkherselfkhadkloo edkstartlingly kvulnerable,kli ekak ic edk child,kwhenkSallykhadkmadekherkunthin ingkcharge.kWhokwouldkhavekthoughtkthekwit chkhadkfeelings?k Probablykshekwaskjustkupsetkatkthekinsultktokherkdignity. kNonetheless,kSallykhadkbeenkverykrudektokherkhostess.kThoughkapologieskwereknot konekofkherkspecialties,k sheksaidkstiffly,k"I'mksorrykforkwhatkIksaid,kLadykJocelyn.kI'mksurekDavidkwillk bekwellkcaredkforkherekuntilkIk cankmovekhim.kI'llkstartkloo ingkforkanotherkplacekimmediatelyksokyoukwon'tkbeku nnecessarilyk inconvenienced." k"There'sknokneedktokhurry.kThekhousekisklargekenoughktokhousekakregiment,korkat kleastkakcompany."k Wrappingkherselfkinkherkhabitualkcoolness,kLadykJocelynkrosektokherkfeet.k"Dr.kK inloc ,kyoukwillksendkmek akbillkforkyourkservices?kIktrustkyoukwillkma ekitkconsonantkwithkthekresults." kHekglancedkatkSally.k"MisskLancasterkengagedkme,kandkIkbelievekthatkshekintends ktokta ekcarekofkthekbill." k"Nonsense,kthekresponsibilitykiskmine."kShekgavektheksurgeonkanotherkwondrousks mile.kSallykhadktokadmitk thatkifkaksmilekli ekthatkeverkcamekherkway,kevenkshekmightkbekwillingktokoverlo o kLadykJocelyn'sk numerouskdefectskofkcharacter. kHerkladyshipkglancedkatkthekmantelkcloc .k"It'skgettingklate.kPraykletkmykcarri agekta ekyouktokyourkhomes.k Unlesskyoukwishktokstaykovernight,kMisskLancaster?"

kGuiltkatkherkearlierkrudenesskmadekSallykrefuse.k"Nokneed.kDr.kKinloc ksayskDav idkwillksleepkallknight,k andkMorgankiskherektokwatchkhim.kI'llkwal ktokmykemployers.kIt'sknotkfar,kandkit 'skstillklight." kShekhadn'tkthoughtkofkherkjobkinkseveralkhours,kbutkitksuddenlykstruc kherkthat kshekwouldkhavektokma ek surekthatkthekLauncestonskcontinuedktokbekhappykwithkher.kLadykJocelynkwaskbound ktokdisavowkthek financialksettlement,ksincekshekwasn'tkgoingktokreceivekthekquic kwidowhoodkshe' dkbargainedkfor.kNok matter.kDavid'sklifekwaskworthkeverythingkSallykowned,kandkaklifekofkleisurekwou ldn'tkhaveksuitedkher. kAfterkakswiftkglancekatkSally,kKinloc koverruledkher.k"We'llkbekhappyktokaccept kyourk indkoffer,kLadyk Jocelyn.kIkshallkma eksurekMisskLancasterkreacheskhomeksafely.kIfkyoukwillkcallk thekcarriage,kwekwillkbekonk

ourkway." ourkway." kTheksurgeonkchuc led.k"Inkmykprofessionalkopinion,kitkis.kHowkoftenkdokyoukdrin kbrandy?" k"Almostknever,"kshekadmitted.k"ButkIkamknotkinkthekleastkbitkfoxed."kHerkdignif iedkstatementkwaskundercutk bykakhiccup. kEyesktwin ling,kKinloc ktoo kakfirmkholdkofkherkarmkandkguidedkherkoutsidektokt hekcarriage.kSallykclimbedk inkandksan kgratefullykbac kintoktheksoftkvelvetksquabs.kShekwaskunaccountablyka klittlekdizzykandkinclinedk tokgiggle.kHowkodd. kShekhadknokmemoryklaterkofkwhat,kifkanything,ktheyktal edkaboutkonkthekshortkri de,kbutkbeforektheyk reachedkthekLauncestons'ktownkhouse,kKinloc ksignaledkthekdriverktokstopkandkset kthemkdown. kSallykblin edkowlishlykoutkthekwindow,krecognizingkaktavernkaboutktwokbloc skfr omkherkemployers'khome.k "Wekaren'tktherekyet." kHektoo kherkhandktokassistkherkfromkthekcarriage. k"Aye,kbutkthekfoodkiskgood,kandkIkintendktokseekyoukfedkbeforekIkreturnkyou.kOt herwise,kyourkemployersk willkbeksac ingkyoukforkdrun ennesskandkitkwillkbekmykfault." kHisktonekwaskamused,kbutkSallykstillktoo koffense.k"Ikamknotkdrun .kJus' kjustkak triflekwell-to-go.kDon'tk needktokeat." kHektuc edkherkhandkinkthekcroo kofkhiskarm.k"Youkmightknotkbekhungry,"kheksaidk diplomatically,k"butkIkam.k WillkyoukjoinkmeksokIkdon'tkhavektokeatkalone?" kWhenkhekputkitkthatkway,kshekcouldn'tkrefuse.kInkfact,kshekdidn'tkwantkto.kShek waskravenous,knowkthatkshek thoughtkaboutkit.

kAfterkdrainingkherkcoffee,ksheksaidkcandidly,k"I'mksorryktokbeksuchkaknuisance, kDr.kKinloc .kIkmustkhavek beenkakbitkdrun ,korkIkwouldn'tkfeelksokmuchkmoreksoberknow." kSmiling,kheksurgicallykslicedkankapplekintokeighths.k"Reliefkforkyourkbrotherkc oupledkwithkbrandykonkank emptykstomachkdidkhavekankinterestingkeffectkonkyou."

kThektavernkwaskakclean,kwell- eptkplace,kwithkenticingkodorskwaftingkfromkthek itchen.kThekownerk greetedkKinloc kli ekankoldkfriendkandkseatedkthemkinkakdar ,kquietkcorner.kSall ykrapidlykputkawaykbreadk andkcheese,kakhotkbeefkandkonionkpie,kakpeachkpudding,kandkthekstrongkcoffeekthe ksurgeonkorderedkherktok drin .

kShekrelaxedkagainstkthekhigh-bac edkoa ksettle,kfeelingkverykmuchkatkpeace.k"Ik don'tkthin kI'vekeatenkakfullk mealksincekIksawkthekcasualtyklistskafterkWaterloo." kThekspringkhadkseemedkendlesskwhilekEnglandkwaitedkforkakbattlekwithkthekCorsic ankMonster,k miraculouslykreturnedkfromkElbakandkwithkwholekFrenchkarmieskrushingktokhisksupp ort.kShe'dkreadkthek newspaperskcompulsively,khungrykforkeverykscrapkofknews.kPerhapskshe'dkhadkakpre monition,kbecausek

shekhadkneverkworriedksokmuchkduringkthekyearskthatkDavidkhadkfoughtkonkthekPeni nsula.kWhenktheknewsk ofkhiskseverekinjurieskfinallykreachedkher,kshekhadn'tkbeenksurprised.kSic kandk terrified,kbutknotksurprised.k Andkthenkthekwaitingkhadkbegun shekhadkneverkworriedksokmuchkduringkthekyearskthatkDavidkhadkfoughtkonkthekPeni nsula.kWhenktheknewsk ofkhiskseverekinjurieskfinallykreachedkher,kshekhadn'tkbeenksurprised.kSic kandk terrified,kbutknotksurprised.k Andkthenkthekwaitingkhadkbegun k"No,kIkhavekconsultingkroomskjustkakcouplekofkbloc skaway,konkHarleykStreet,kan dklivekinkroomskabove.kIk eatkherekoften."kHektracedkakcirclekinkaksmallkspillkofkale.k"What'skthekstorykb ehindkyourkbrother'skmarriage?k Notkthekusualkarrangement,kIkthin ." kSallyks etchedkoutkwhykLadykJocelynkhadkwantedktokbecomekakrichkwidow,kandkhowk Davidkhadkbecomek herkhusband.kThekstoryksoundedkbizarrekwhenkshekexplained,kbutktheksurgeonkshowe dknoksignskofkshoc .k Sheksuspectedkthatkitkwouldkta ekakgoodkdealktoksurprisekIankKinloc . kWhenkshekhadkfinished,khekshoo khiskheadkwithkakbemusedkexpression.k"Thekpoorkw oman.kNokwonderk thektwokofkyoukhavekbeenkatkdaggerskdrawn.kYourkinterestskinkthekmajor'skhealthk havekbeenkentirelyk different." k"Dokyoukblamekmekforkwonderingkifkshekmightkputkakperiodktokhiskunwelcomekexist ence?" k"Nonsense,klassie,kyoukdon'tkbelievekshe'skakthreatktokhimkanykmorekthankIkdo," khekscoffed.k"Didn'tkyouk seekherkexpressionkwhenkshekthoughtkhekwaskdead?" k"Shekdidkloo kdistressed,"kSallykconceded.k"Probablykshekwaskafraidkakdeathkink thekhousekwouldkupsetk thekservants." k"Shekmayknotkwantktokbekmarriedktokyourkbrother,kbutkhe'skakli ablekman,kandksh ekwaskgenuinelykhappyk tokhearkthatkhekwouldkbekwell.kItkwillkbekamusingktokseekhowkthektwokofkthemkwor kthiskout."

kDealingkwithklifekandkdeathkallkthektimekmustkgiveksurgeonskakmorbidksensekofkh umor.k"Thekthoughtkofk havingkLadykJocelynkaskakpermanentksister-in-lawkhasknokappealkforkme.kShe'skthe khaughtiestkfemalekI'vek everkmet." k"She'sknotksokbad,kforkallkshe'skakmemberkofkakclasskofkuselesskwastrels."kHeks licedkupkaksecondkapple,k havingkfinishedkthekfirst.k"Quitekakcharmingkwoman,kactually."

kSallykwiselykrefrainedkfromkcomment.kLadykJocelynkwasknotksomeonektheykwerekli elyktokagreekon.k Underkthekcircumstances,kpoliticskwouldkbekaksaferktopickofkconversation.k"Youks

oundkli ekakradical." k"Ifkit'skradicalktokdespiseklazykpeoplekwhokhavekneverkdonekakparticlekofkgoodk forkanyonekelse,kIksupposek Ikam.kWomenkwhokassassinatekcharacterkandkspendkmorekmoneykonkonekgownkthankthek averagekfamilyk seeskinkakyear,kmenkwhosekideakofksportkiskslaughteringkhelplesskanimalskandkgam blingkawayktheirk fortunes."kHeksmiledkwic edly.k"I'vekoftenkthoughtkhuntingkwouldkbekakgoodkdealk morekfairkifkthekfoxeskandk pheasantskwerekarmedkandkcouldkfightkbac ." kSallykpicturedkakfoxkaimingkakshotgunkandkbeganktoklaugh.k"Ikcankcertainlykthin kofkakfewkmemberskofkthek beaukmondekwhokwouldkbekimprovedkbykbuc shotkinkthekbreeches." kHiskgrinkmadekherkrecognizekthekimproprietykofkherkremar .kKinloc kwasksokuncon ventionalkthatkhekmadek herkforgetktokholdkherktongue.kShekstudiedkthekcraggykfacekshadowedkbykthekthic kshoc kofkwhitekhair,kthek

expressivekfeatureskthatkcouldkreflectksuchkextremeskofkangerkandkcompassion.kSh ekwouldkneverkbekablek tokrepaykhimkforkwhatkhekhadkdone. expressivekfeatureskthatkcouldkreflectksuchkextremeskofkangerkandkcompassion.kSh ekwouldkneverkbekablek tokrepaykhimkforkwhatkhekhadkdone. kShekimmediatelykwantedktokhidekunderkthektable,kbutkhekonlykslidkthekapplekpiec esktokher.k"You'vekquitekak bitkofkeatingktokcatchkupkon.kYou'vekgrownktookmanykboneskfromkworry." kHekthoughtkshekwasks inny,kshekrealizedkaskshekatektheklastktwokapplekslices.kH erknextkthoughtkwasktok wonderkwhykshekshouldkcare.kTokherkalarm,kshekrealizedkthatkshekwouldkli ekhimkt okseekherkaskakwomankink herkownkright,knotksimplyktheksisterkofkakpatient. kAcerbicallykshektoldkherselfkthatkthekstirringkofkexcitementkshekfeltkwaskonlyk becausekofkthekintimacykofkthisk relaxedkdinner.kInkthekwholekofkherkspinsterklife,kshe'dkneverkdinedkalonekwithk ankattractivekmankli ekthis,k exceptkforkDavid,kandkbrotherskdidn'tkcount. kOfkcoursekinkKinloc 'skeyes,kshekwaskaks innyklittlekgovernesskwhokhadkbecomekt ipsykandkinsultedkak beautifulkwomankwhokturnedkmenkintokentrancedkslaves.kHumiliatedkatkthekthought, kshekswallowedktheklastk ofkthekapplekandkslidkfromkthekoa ksettle.k"TimekforkmektokreturnktokthekLaunces tons'." k"Aye,kIkshouldkbekgettingkhomekaskwell." kAskhekgotktokhiskfeet,ksheksawkthatkforkthekfirstktimeksincekshe'dkmetkhim,khek seemedkcompletelykrelaxed. kWell,khekdeservedktokfeelkgoodkaboutkhiskday'skwor .kAskhekwal edkherktheklastk bloc sktokthek Launcestons',kshekluxuriatedkinkthek nowledgekthatktonightkshekwouldksleepkbette rkthankshekhadkinkmonths. kChapterk9k Jocelynksatkdrin ingkteakforkaklongktimekafterktheksurgeonkandkSallykLancasterkl eft.kHerkAuntkLaurakwouldk saykthatkendingkupkwithkankunwantedkhusbandkwaskakjustkrewardkforkherkimproperka ctions.kOnkthekwhole,k Jocelynkwaskinclinedktokagree. kDrawnkbykinstinct,kIsiskleapedkontokherklapkandknestledkdown,kpurringkandkbumpi ngkherktawnykheadkintok herkmistress'skribskinkakwelcomekdisplaykofkaffection.kStro ingkthekslee kfurkwa skakgoodkwayktokquellkthek panickthatkwelledkupkwheneverkJocelynkthoughtkaboutkthekfactkthatkshekwaskmarrie dktokakcompletek stranger.kAnkamiablekstrangerkwhomkshekhadkcomektokli ekandkadmire,kbutkstillkak stranger.kItkwaskenoughk tokgivekevenkthekcalmestkfemalekstrongkhysterics.

kRegainingkhiskhealthkmightkma ekthekmajorkakverykdifferentkmankfromkthekonekwho khadkwaitedkforkdeathk withksuchkquietkcourage.kHekhadn'tkbargainedkonkaklastingkmarriagekanykmorekthan kshekhad,kandkmightkbek equallykupsetkatkhavingklostkhiskfreedomktokmarrykaskhekchose.kPerhapsktherekwas kakwomankheklovedkandk wouldkhavekmarriedkifknotkforkthekapparentlykmortalkwoundskhe'dkreceivedkatkWate rloo. kDivorcekwaskoutkofkthekquestion,kofkcourse.kShe'dksufferedkallkherklifekfromkth ekghastlykscandalkofkherk

parents'kdivorcekandkwouldkneverkta ekthatkpath.kAkbillkofkdivorcementkrequiredk ankactkofkParliamentkandk couldkonlykbekgrantedkafterkakhumiliatinglykpublickairingkofkthekmostkintimatekd etails. parents'kdivorcekandkwouldkneverkta ekthatkpath.kAkbillkofkdivorcementkrequiredk ankactkofkParliamentkandk couldkonlykbekgrantedkafterkakhumiliatinglykpublickairingkofkthekmostkintimatekd etails. kShekgavekherkheadkakquic ksha e.kHerkimaginationkwaskrunningkawaykwithkher.kAkh ealthykDavidkmightkbek differentkfromkonekatkdeath'skdoor,kbutkshekcouldn'tkimaginekthatkhekwouldkturnk intokakmonster.kShekwouldk wagerkmoneykonkthekfactkthatkhekwaskakdecentkandkhonorablekman.kSheksimplykdidn' tkwantkhimkforkak husband. kEventuallykIsiskjumpedkdown,khittingkthekcarpetkwithkankaudiblekthumpkbeforekpr oceedingkaboutkherkownk concerns.kItkwasktimektokinquirekafterkthekmajor'skhealth. kInkthekbluekroom,kHughkMorgankwatchedkpatientlykoverkhisksleepingkcharge.kBecau sekofkthekincisionkonk hiskbac ,kthekmajorklaykonkhiskstomach,khiskbreathingksteadykandkhiskthinkfacekp eaceful. k"He'skdoingkwell?"kshekas edkquietly. kThekfootmankrosekandkjoinedkherkatkthekdoor.k"Sleepingkli ekakbaby,kmyklady,"kh ekassuredkherkinkaklowk voice. k"Good."kOnkthekvergekofkleaving,kshekrememberedktokas ,k"Andkyourkbrother.kIskh ekcomfortablekhere?" k"Oh,kyes.kHe'skli ekaknewkman,kandkthan kyoukforkas ing."kMorgankgavekakshyksmi le.k"Youkwerekrightk aboutkthekmaids,kmyklady.kThey'rekma ingkquitekakfusskoverkRhys,kandk'tiskdoingk himkakworldkofkgood." kThekcommentkgavekherkakmuchkneededksmile.kAtkleastkonekofkherkimpulsivekdecisio nskwaskhavingkgoodk consequences. kAfterkaksolitarykdinner,kJocelynktoo kherkanxietiesktokbed.kShektriedktokbekphi losophicalkaboutkherk unexpectedkhusband.kAfterkall,kinkakhundredkyearsktheykwouldkallkbekdead,kandkwh atkwouldkallkofkthisk matter?kNonetheless,kshektossedkforkhourskbeforekfallingkintokaktroubledksleep. kShekwaskawa enedkbykinsistentk noc ing.kIsis,kensconcedkinkherkusualkspotkatkth ekfootkofkthekbed,k pric edkherksharpkearsktowardkthekdoorkaskMariekentered,kwearingkaksimplekdressk thatkhadkobviouslyk beenkpulledkonkinkhaste.k"HughkMorgankas edkmektokwa ekyou.kThekmajorkiskverykre stless,kmilady,kandk it'skthatkworriedkMorgankis."

k"I'llkta ekakloo ."kInstantlykalert,kJocelynkswungkfromkthekbedkandkdonnedkthek wrapperkMariekheldkout.k Afterkslidingkintokslippers,ksheksteppedkoutside,kwherekMorgankwaitedkwithkakcan delabrum.k"DidkDr.k Kinloc kleavekhiskdirection?" k"Aye,kLadykJocelyn.kHeksaidktokfetchkhimkifknecessary." kShekbeltedkherkrobekasktheykhastenedkalongkthekgalleryktokthekbluekroom,kthekfl ameskofkthekcandleskflaringk behindkthekfootman.kItkwaskveryklate,kthekdar estkhourkofktheknight.k

kHopingktheykwouldn'tkhavektokdisturbkKinloc kneedlessly,kshekenteredkthekmajor' skroom.kHe'dkrolledkontok hiskbac kandkwasktwistingkwea lykunderkthekcovers.kShekcaughtkherkbreathkaskshek sawkhisklegskmove.k Onlykaklittle,kbutkgenuinekmovement.kKinloc khadkbeenkright therekwasknokparalysis . kHopingktheykwouldn'tkhavektokdisturbkKinloc kneedlessly,kshekenteredkthekmajor' skroom.kHe'dkrolledkontok hiskbac kandkwasktwistingkwea lykunderkthekcovers.kShekcaughtkherkbreathkaskshek sawkhisklegskmove.k Onlykaklittle,kbutkgenuinekmovement.kKinloc khadkbeenkright therekwasknokparalysis . kHiskrestlessnesskstilledkunderkherktouch.k"Jeanette,kmignonne?"khekmurmuredkwit hkankadmirablekFrenchk accent. kShekremovedkherkhandkandksaidkcrisply,k"No,kit'skJocelyn.kAkproperkEnglishwoman ,knotkonekofkyourk FrenchkorkBelgiankhussies." kHisklidskflutteredkopen.kAkmomentkofkconfusionkgavekwayktokrecognition.k"Howkdo kyouk nowkthatk Jeanettekwasn'tkmykhorse?" k"Youkwouldkcallkyourkhorsek'darling?'k" k"Aksoldierkandkhiskhorsekbecomekverykdearktokeachkother,"kheksaidkgravely,kbutk therekwaskhumorkinkhisk eyes. kShekhadktoklaugh.k"Ikdon'tkthin kIkwantktok nowkmore."kHerkexpressionksobered.k "Dokyoukrememberk whatkhappened?kDr.kKinloc ?kThekoperation?" kHiskexpressionktightened.kWithkakflashkofkinsight,kshekrealizedkthatkhekwaskafr aidktokas kaboutkthek outcome.k"Thekoperationkwentkwell,"ksheksaidkquic ly. k"Kinloc kthoughtkyoukmightkma ekakcompletekrecovery." kAtkfirstkhekwasksokstillkthatkshekwonderedkifkhe'dkheardkher.kThen,khiskfacekst rainingkwithkeffort,khekmovedk hiskrightkleg,kdrawingkthek neekupkakfewkinches.kTheksamekwithkthekleft.k"MykGod !"khekexclaimed,khiskvoicek sha ing.k"It'sktrue.kIkcankmove.kIkcankmove." kHekclosedkhiskeyeskagainkbeforekglintingktearskcouldkescape.kGuessingkatkhowkpo werfullykaffectedkhekmustk be,ksheksatkonkthekbedsidekchairkandktoo khiskhand,kthenksaidktokMorgankandkMari e,k"Youkcankleavekforkak bit.kMorgan,kperhapskyou'dkli ektokfindksomekteakandksomethingktokeat." k"I'dkli ekthat,kmyklady,"khekadmitted.kHekandkMariekexchangedkakglowingkglancek asktheykleft.kServantsk seldomkhadkmuchkprivacy,kandkthekopportunityktoksharekakmealkinkthekdepthskofkth eknightkwaskobviouslyk welcome.

kWhilekDavidkstruggledktokmasterkthekdramatickchangekinkhiskcircumstances,kJocel ynkcalmlykrepeatedkwhatk thekdoctorkhadktoldkherkearlierkinkthekday.kWhenkhiskeyeskopenedkagain,kshekas e d,k"Howkdokyoukfeel?" k"ComparedktokthekwaykI'vekfeltksincekWaterloo,kfairlykgood.kBykanyknormalkstand ard,kratherkrotten." kSmilingkatkhiskwhimsy,kshekas ed,k"Arekyoukinkmuchkpain?" k"OfkcoursekIkam!kWhatk indkofkakfoolkdokyoukta ekmekfor?"kTherekwaskakgiddyklig htkinkhiskeyes.kNotk fever,kbutkthekexhilarationkthatkcamekwithkmiracles.k

k"MajorkLancaster,kIkhavekakfeelingkyoukarekgoingktokbekverykdifficultknowkthatk youkarekconvalescing." k"MajorkLancaster,kIkhavekakfeelingkyoukarekgoingktokbekverykdifficultknowkthatk youkarekconvalescing." kThekeyes.kForkthekfirstktime,kthekgreenkeyeskloo edkalmostknormal,kwithoutkthek opium-inducedkpinpointk pupils.kTheklastkdosekofklaudanumkmustkhavekwornkoff.kShekliftedkthekbottlekfrom kthekbedsidektable.k"Dr.k Kinloc ksaidktokgivekyouksomeklaudanumkifkyoukwo ekupkinktheknight.kYoukneedkres tktokrecover." k"No!"kHiskarmkflailedkoutkwithkmorekstrengthkthankshekwouldkhavekdreamedkhekpos sessed,k noc ingkthek bottlekfromkherkhandktokshatterkinkakdar kstainkacrosskthekrichkOrientalkcarpet. kShekstaredkatkhimkaskthekspicykscentkofkcloveskandkcinnamonkwaftedkthroughkthek room.kHiskusualkhumork hadkbeenkreplacedkbykak indkofkdesperation.k"I'mksorry,"kheksaidkunevenly.k"Ikdi dn'tkmeanktokstri ekyou.k ButkIkwon'tkta ekanykmorekopium.kEver." k"Whyknot?" kDavidkmarshaledkhiskwhirlingkthoughts,k nowingkthatkhekmustkma ekJocelynkunders tand,korkshekwouldk haveksomekofkthekdamnedkdrugkdownkhimkforkhiskownkgood.k"DidkKinloc kexplainktha tkIkwaskdyingkofk opiumkpoisoning?" kWhenksheknodded,khekcontinued,k"Heavykopiumkusekdistortskthekmindkandktheksense s.kSight,ksound,k scent,kthought everythingkchanges.kItkwaskli e kli ekhavingkmyksoulkstolen.kIkwouldk ratherkdiekthankhavek thatkhappenkagain." k"Wouldkyoukreallykpreferkdeath?"kshekas edkquietly. kHektoo kaklong,kslowkbreath.k"No.kIkexaggerate.kIksupposekthatkifkta ingklaudan umkwaskthekdifferencek betweenklifekandkdeath,kI'dkta ekit.kButktonight,kforkthekfirstktimekinkwee s,kI kamknotkunderkthekinfluencekofk thekdrug,kandkIkfeelkbetterkthankatkanyktimeksincekthatkdamnedkartillerykshellkw entkoffkbesidekme.kStronger.k Saner." k"Whatkaboutkthekpain?" kHiskmouthktwisted.k"I'dkbeklyingkifkIkdidn'tkadmitkthatkitkfeelskaskifkaktigerk isktryingktokchewkmekinkhalf.kButk evenkso,kIkpreferkthatktokdruggedkdelirium." k"Verykwell,kMajor,kIkwon'tkforcekitkdownkyou,kthoughkIkma eknokpromiseskaboutkw hatkDr.kKinloc kmightk dokwhenkhekcallsktomorrow,"ksheksaidkreluctantly.k"Ifkhekfeelsklaudanumkiskessen tialktokyourkrecovery,kI'llk helpkholdkyoukdownkwhilekhekdoseskyou."

k"Yes,kma'am,"kheksaidkmee ly,khavingkwonkhiskbattle. k"Ifkyoukwon'tksleep,kwillkyoukeat?kYoukmustkbuildkupkyourkstrength." kHektoo kstoc kofkhiskinnards.k"Dokyouk now,"kheksaidkwithkwonder,k"Ikbelievekth atkIkamkhungry,kforkthek firstktimeksincekthekbattle." k"DoeskthekideakofkakroastkjointkwithkYor shirekpuddingkappealktokyou?"kThekmere kthoughtkmadekhisk mouthkwater.k"WhokdokIkhavektokbribe?"k

k"Preparekyourselfkforksoup,"ksheksaidksweetly.k"Ifkthatkseemsktoksettlekwell,kp erhapskankomeletkorkakbitkofk custard." k"Preparekyourselfkforksoup,"ksheksaidksweetly.k"Ifkthatkseemsktoksettlekwell,kp erhapskankomeletkorkakbitkofk custard." kShekpulledkthekbellkcord.kMorgankappearedkfairlykquic ly,kpantingkaklittlekafte rkracingkupkfromkthek itchen.k Askshekorderedkfood,kDavidkadmiredkthekpureklinekofkherkprofile.kThoughkherknigh tclotheskcoveredkmorek ofkherkthankmostkdaykdresses,ktherekwaskankalluringkintimacyktoktheksleepingkgar ments.kShekloo edk tantalizinglykhuggable. kThekfootmanksaidkwarningly,k"Coo kwon'tkli ekgettingkupkthisklate." kShekraisedkaristocratickbrows.k"IfkMonsieurkCherbonnierkobjectsktokthekconditio nskofkemploymentkinkmyk house,ktellkhimkthatkhekiskunderknokcompulsionktokcontinuekacceptingkthekexorbit antkwagekIkpaykhim.kIk expectktokbekservedkwithinkfifteenkminutes.kIskthatkclear?" kSuppressingkaksmile,kMorgankbobbedkhiskheadkandkleftktokobey. k"LadykJocelyn,kifkyoukeverkdesirekemployment,kyoukmightkbecomekaksergeant-major ,"kDavidkobserved.k "YoukhavekaktalentkforkputtingkthekfearkofkGodkintokyourkunderlings." kSheksmiled,kunabashed.k"Mykservantskleadkakfairlykeasyklife,kIkthin .kTherekisk nokgreatkharmkinktheirkbeingk challengedkoccasionally." k"Theykseemkakcontentedklot."kAndkwellktheykshouldkbe.kLadykJocelyn'skcool,klady li ekexteriorkcouldn'tk concealkherkunderlyingkwarmthkandkfairmindedness. k"Iskthereksomeonekyoukwouldkli eknotifiedkofkyourkimprovedkhealth?"kshekas ed.k "I'llksendkaknotektok RichardkDaltonkinkthekmorning,kbutkwhokelse?kSurelyktherekareksomekrelativeskwho kwillkbekgladkforkthek news." kUnthin ing,khekreplied,k"Mykbrotherskwouldkhardlykbekinterestedkinkmykcontinued kexistence." k"Youkhavekbrothers?"ksheksaid,ksurprised.k"Ikthoughtkyouksaidkyourksisterkwould kbekleftkalonekinkthekworldk whenkyoukdied." kNotkwantingkherktokthin khe'dklied,khekexplainedkreluctantly,k"SallykandkIkhave kthreekolderkhalf-brothers.k Mostlykwektryktokpretendktheykdon'tkexist.kMykmotherkwaskaksecondkwife,kmuchkyou ngerkthankmykfather.k Hisksonskbykhiskfirstkwifekdespisedkherkbecausekshekhadknokfortune,kandkbyktheir kstandardskherkbirthkwask inferior.kTheykdidn'tkdarekinsultkherkinkfrontkofkourkfather,ksoktheyktoo koutkt heirkresentmentkonkSallykandk

me."kHeksmiledkhumorlessly.k"Iklearnedktokfightkatkankearlykage,kakverykusefulks ill.kAfterkmykfatherkdied,k thekoldestksonkthrewkthekthreekofkuskoutkofkthekfamilykhouse." k"Howkdespicablektokdokthatktoktheirkfather'skwifekandktheirkownkbrotherkandksis ter!"kJocelynkexclaimed.k "Yourkfatherkhadkmadeknokprovisionskforkyou?" k"Hekwaskakratherkunworldlykscholarkwhokassumed,kwrongly,kthatkhiskheirkwouldkta ekcarekofkus.kLuc ilyk mykmotherkwaskentitledktokreceivekaksmallkjointure.kItkwaskenoughkforkakcottage, kandkakdecentkeducationk forkSallykandkme."kHekthoughtknostalgicallykofkthekcottage,kwherekthekhappiestkd ayskofkhisklifekhadkbeenk spent.k"Thekincomekendedkwithkherkdeath,kofkcourse,kbutkbykthenkIkwaskinkthekarm ykandkSallykwaskalmostk

throughkschool.kWekmanagedkwellkenough." throughkschool.kWekmanagedkwellkenough." k"Growingkup,kwekwerekeachkother'skbestkfriends.kWekplayedktogetherkandkstudiedk together."kHeksmiled.k "Shekwaskevenkmorekfunkthankmykpetkpony." kLoo ingkenvious,kshekremar ed,k"Ikalwayskwantedktokhavekakbrotherkorksister." k"I'dkofferkyoukonekofkmykhalf-brothers,kbutkIkdoubtkyou'dkgetkonkwithkthem.kThe ykdon'tkevenkgetkonkwithk eachkother.kTheykwerekakquarrelsomeklotkwhenkIk newkthem,kandkIkdoubtkthey'vekim proved."kImmaturityk couldkhavekbeenkoutgrown,kbutknotkthekmean-spiritednesskthatkwasksokmuchkakpartk ofkhiskelderksiblings.k "Theykmustkhavekresembledktheirkmother,kforktheykwereknothingkli ekourkfather." k"Ikseekwhykyourksisterkwouldn'tkfeelkshekcouldkcallkonkthemkinktimekofkneed."kJ ocelyn'skmouthktightened.k "Betrayalskbykfamilykmemberskarekthekcrudest,kIkthin ." kHekwonderedkwhosekbetrayalkhadkputkthatkshadowkinkherkeyes.kPerhapskshekwaskthi n ingkofkherkfather,k whokhadksoughtktokrulekherkfromkthekgrave.k"Akpitykwekcan'tkchoosekourkrelatives kaskwekdokourkfriends." k"Mykfamilykhaskitsksharekofkdirtykdishes."kSheksmiledkself-moc ingly.k"IfkIkhad n'tkbeenksokangrykwithkthek waykmykAuntkElvirakwaskcovetingkthiskhouse,kitkmightknotkhavekoccurredktokmektok ma eksuch ksuchkank impulsivekmarriage." kDavidkexhaledkroughly.kHerkwordskwerekaksoberingkreminderkthatkthekintimacykofk thisklateknightkinterludek waskonlykankillusion.kTherekwasknothingkbetweenkthemkbutkaklegalkcontractkmeantk tokbekfulfilledkandkoverkink akmatterkofkwee skatkmost.kInstead,ktheykwerekinkaksituationkneitherkofkthemkhad kbargainedkfor. kThoughkhek newkthatkthektopickmustkbekaddressedksoon,khekwaskfarktooktiredktokd iscusskitknow.k"Don'tk worry,kLadykJocelyn.kIkthin kthis kunintendedkmarriagekcankbeksortedkoutkwithoutkd amagektokeitherkofk us." kShekloo edksokpleasedkitkwaskalmostkinsulting.k"Really?kHow?" kBeforekhekcouldkreply,kMorgankenteredkcarryingkaktray.kCurbingkherkcuriosity,ks heksaid,k"Wekcankdiscussk thisktomorrow.kOrkrather,klaterktoday.kNowkit'sktimekforkyouktokeat." kDespitekthekconvenientkleggedktraykdesignedktokbekusedkbyksomeonekinkbed,kthatk provedkharderkthank expected.kWhatklittlekstrengthkDavidkpossessedkhadkbeenkexpendedkonkhiskconversa tionkwithkJocelyn.k Whenkhektriedktokraisekakspoonfulkofkchic enkandkbarleyksoupktokhiskmouth,khiskh andkwasksokwea kandk uncontrolledkthatkitksloppedkontokthektray.kThekfootmankhadkalreadykbeenksentkba

c ktokhiskownkinterruptedk meal,ksokJocelynkmatter-of-factlyktoo kthekspoonkandkdippedkitkintokthekbowl. k"Youkshouldn'tkbekdoingkthis,"khekprotested. kShekgavekhimkakreproachfulkloo .k"Don'tkyoukthin kIkwillkdokitkwell?" k"Youk nowkthat'sknotkwhatkIkmeant."kBeforekhekcouldksaykmore,kshekstilledkhimkw ithkakspoonkinkthek mouth.kHekswallowedkslowly,ksavoringkthekflavorskandktextures.kSoupkhadkneverkta stedksokgood.k"Itkisn'tk fittingkthatkyoukperformksuchkakmenialktas kforkme."k

kShekshoo kherkheadkmournfully.k"JustkbecausekIkhavekaktitle,knokonekthin skI'mk goodkforkanything.k PerhapskyoukshouldkjustkcallkmekJocelyn."kAskhekopenedkhiskmouthktokreply,kshekp oppedkthekspoonkink again.k"Thatkshouldkremovekanykexaggeratedkrespect." kShekshoo kherkheadkmournfully.k"JustkbecausekIkhavekaktitle,knokonekthin skI'mk goodkforkanything.k PerhapskyoukshouldkjustkcallkmekJocelyn."kAskhekopenedkhiskmouthktokreply,kshekp oppedkthekspoonkink again.k"Thatkshouldkremovekanykexaggeratedkrespect." kHerksmilekebbedkandkshekloo edkdown,kdippingkthekspoonkintokthekbowlkwithkunnec essarykcare.k"Myk father,kinktheklastkwee skofkhiskillness.kHe'dkalwayskbeenkrobustkandkenergetic, kandkhekmadekakterriblek patient.kHekbehavedkbestkwhenkIkwaskwithkhim." kAndkinkreturnkforkherkdaughterlykdevotion,kthekearlkhadkleftkthatkoutrageouskwi ll.kNokwonderkshekfeltk betrayed. kHekwouldn'tkhavekdonekjusticektokroastkbeefkandkYor shirekpudding.kHekdidn'tkev enkfinishkthekbowlkofk soupkbeforekhiskshrun enkstomachkdecidedkitkhadkenough.k"I'mksorry,"kheksaid,key eingkthekotherkcoveredk disheskwithkregret.k"Ikhaven'tkthekappetitekforkanythingkmore." kShekgrinned.k"Ikdidn'tkthin kyoukwould.kTokbekhonest,kIkorderedkthekomeletkandk custardkforkmyself.kBeingk upkatkthiskhourkma eskmekhungry." kShekliftedkthektraykawaykfromkhimkandksetkitkaside,kthenkmadekshortkwor kofkthe komelet.kHekenjoyedk watchingkthekgustokwithkwhichkshekate.kWaskitktruekthatkakwomankwhokenjoyedkherk foodkhadkequallyk strongkappetiteskinkotherkareas?kItkwaskakpleasantkthoughtktokponderkaskhekfaded kintokthekfirstknaturalksleepk inkwee s. kInkthekhazyklandkbetweenkwa ingkandkoblivion,khekthoughtkthatkJocelyn'skhandkbr ushedkhiskhair,kbutksurelyk thatkwaskonlykaklastktracekofkdelirium kChapterk10k

Jocelynkhadksuspectedkthatkwithinkakwee kMajorkLancasterkwouldkbekimpossiblektok eepkinkbed,kbutkshek waskwrong.kThekveryknextkmorningkshekstoppedkbykhiskroomkandkfoundkhimksittingko nkthekedgekofkhiskbedk askMorgankhelpedkhimkputkakdressingkgownkoverkhisknightshirt.k"MajorkLancaster!" kshekexclaimed.k"Arek youkoutkofkyourkmind?" kMorganksaidkplaintively,k"Afterkhekatekhiskbrea fast,khekinsistedkonksittingkup ,kmyklady.kRefusedktoklistenktok reason."

kPerhapskthekmajorkandkhisksisterkdidkhavekakresemblancekthatkwentkbeyondkeyekco lor,kshekthoughtkdryly.k Shekwasn'tksurekwhetherktokbekimpressed,kalarmed,korkamusedkbykhiskdetermination .k"Kinloc kwillkhavek yourkheadkforkakhaggiskifkyoukdon'tkshowksomeksense,kMajor.kRememberkthatktwenty -fourkhourskago,kyouk werekonkyourkdeathbed." kHekgavekherkankunevenksmile.k"IfkyoukwantkmektokcallkyoukJocelyn,kyou'llkhavekt okcallkmekDavid."kThek wordskwereklight,kbutkhiskvoicekwaskstrainedkandkhiskfacekwasksheenedkwithkpersp iration.k

kThin ingkhekloo edkverykunwell,kshekapproachedkthekbedktokfeelkhiskforehead.k"H askthekwoundkbecomek kThin ingkhekloo edkverykunwell,kshekapproachedkthekbedktokfeelkhiskforehead.k"H askthekwoundkbecomek kShekfrowned.k"Wouldn'tkitkbekbetterktokcontinuekta ingklaudanumkuntilkyou'rekst ronger?kSurelykrecoveringk fromksurgerykiskenoughkforknow."k "TheklongerkIkta ekopium,kthekharderkitkwillkbektokstop,"kheksaidktightly.k"Ikwa ntktokdokitknow,kbeforekthek addictionkbecomeskanykworse." kShekhesitated,kseeingkhiskpoint,kbutkvividlykawarekofkhowknearkdeathkhe'dkseeme dklesskthankakdaykbefore.k Seeingkherkdoubts,khekcaughtkherkgazekwithkhis.kHiskpupilskhadkexpandedkuntilkhi skeyeskwereknearlykblac .k "Jocelyn.kPleasektrustkthatkIk nowkhowkmuchkIkcankendure."k Hekdeservedkthekdignitykofkbeingktreatedkli ekakman,knotkakchild.k"Verykwell.kJu st kdon'tkoverestimatek yourkstrengthkandkwastekallkKinloc 'skgoodkwor ."k "Ikwon't."kHektoo kakshudderingkbreath.k"I kI'dkratherkyoukleftknow.kWithdrawingkf romkthekdrugkisn'tkak pleasantkprocess.kIkdon'tkwantkyouktokseekmekatkmykworst."k Shekwouldkfeelktheksamekinkhiskposition;kone'skdar estkmomentskwerekbestk eptkpr ivate.k"Verykwell."kShek glancedkatkthekfootman.k"Informkmekatkoncekifkyoukbecomekconcernedkaboutkthekmaj or'skcondition,k Morgan."k "Aye,kmyklady."k ThekyoungkWelshman'skeyeskshowedkhiskawarenesskofkthekresponsibilitykhekbore.kOd dkthatkhe'dkwor edk forkherkmorekthankakyear,kandkshe'dkneverksuspectedkthekdepthskofkhiskcaringkand kcompassion.kQuietkdailyk lifekdidn'tkrequirekthekdisplaykofksuchkqualities,ksheksupposed.k Askshekexited,kthekmajorkwhispered,k"Than kyou,kJocelyn.kFor keverything."k Shekhopedkshekwouldn'tklivektokregretkallowingkhimktokgoktokhellkinkhiskownkway. kHekexhaledkwithkreliefkafterkJocelynkleft,k nowingkhe'dkgainedkakformidablekall y.k"It'skakrarekwomankwhok nowskwhenknotktokargue." k"She'skrarekindeed,kMajor,"kMorganksaidkfervently.k Davidkglancedkatkthekfootman,kwonderingkifkhekwaskinklovekwithkhiskbeautifulkmis tress.kNo,kitkwasn'tk romanticklovekinkthekyoungkman'skeyes,kbutkdevotionktokakwomankhekrespectedkprof oundly.kThoughkwagesk couldkcommandkakservant'skduty,kitktoo kcharacterktokinspirektruekloyalty. kAkchillkshiveredkthroughkhim.kKnowingkwhatklaykahead,kheksaid,k"Helpkmekintokth ekchair,kplease."k "Wouldn'tkyoukbekbetterkoffklyingkdown,ksir?"k

k"Later.kForkasklongkaskIkcankmanage,kI'dkratherkfacekthisksittingkup." k"Later.kForkasklongkaskIkcankmanage,kI'dkratherkfacekthisksittingkup." kWhenkhiskwhirlingkheadksteadied,khekmanagedktokstaggerkthreekstepsktokthekwingk chair,kwithkMorgan'sk considerablekhelp.kHeksan kintokthekchairkandkleanedkhiskheadkagainstkthekbac ,k tremorskinkhisklimbskandk painkblazingkfromktheksurgicalkincision.kButkatkleast,kbykGod,khekwasknoklongerk lyingkinkbedkaskhelplesskaskak itten. kSittingkinkakchair,khelplesskaskak itten,kseemedkli ekankenormouskimprovement. kJocelynkhadksentkaknotektokRichardkDaltonkaboutkthekmajor'skhealth,kbutkthekmes sengerkcrossedkhim,kandk thekcaptainkarrivedkinkmidmorningknotk nowingkofkhiskfriend'skmiraculouskimprove ment.kTookdiscreetktok offerkinformationkhimself,kDudleykleftkRichardkinkthekmorningkroomkandknotifiedk Jocelynkofkthekvisitor. kShekfoundkRichardkstandingkbykakwindow,khisk nuc leskwhitekonkhiskcrutches.kExp ectingkthekworstkaskshek herselfkhadkdonekyesterday,khekas ed,khiskfacekaktautkmas ,k"IskDavid k?" k"Richard,khe'skmuch,kmuchkbetter,"ksheksaidkquic ly.k"Hekwaskoperatedkonkyester day,kandktheksurgeonk thin skhekhaskankexcellentkchancekofkfullkrecovery." kHiskeyeskwidened.k"Davidkiskgoingktoklive?" k"Withkluc ,khe'llkbekaskgoodkasknew." kThekcaptainkswungktokfacekthekwindowkandkstaredkout,khiskshoulderskrigid.kTokal lowkhimkakprivatektimektok collectkhimself,kshekscoopedkupkIsis,kwhokhadkfollowedkherkinkfromkthekstudy.kTh ekcatkcouldkabsorbk infinitekamountskofkpetting. kWhenkRichardkfinallykspo e,khiskvoicekwasksoklowkitkwaskbarelykaudible.k"Whenky ourkbutlerkbroughtkmek here,kIkwasksurekyoukwouldktellkmekthatkDavidkhadkdiedklastknight.kYou kyoukcan'tk imaginekwhatkthisk means.kWhenksokmanykhavekdied,ktok nowkthatkatkleastkonekfriendkwillksurvive,kag ainstkallkthekodds." k"Ikthin kIkcankguess,kaklittle,"ksheksaidkquietly. kRichardkturnedktokher.k"Whatkwillkthiskmeanktokyou?" k"Ikhonestlykdon'tk now,"ksheksaidkwryly.k"ButkIkhopekthatkunli ekSallykLancaste r,kyoukwillkacquitkmekofkak desirektokslipkpoisonkintokDavid'sksoup." k"Sallykneverksaidkthat!" k"Shekimpliedkitkquitekstrongly."kJocelynkscratchedkIsis'skchinkandkgotkakrumbli ngkpurrkinkresponse.k"Tokbek fair,kshekwaskfoxedkatkthektimekandkprobablykdidn'tkmeankit."

k"Ifkyoukwerekgoingktokmurderksomeone,kIkassumekitkwouldkbekverykdirect,kperhaps kpistolskinkBondkStreet.k Notksomethingkslykli ekpoison,"kRichardksaidkwithkakgrinkthatkmadekhimkloo kyear skyounger,kthekwaykhe'dk

appearedkwhenktheykfirstkmetkinkSpain. appearedkwhenktheykfirstkmetkinkSpain. kHekshiftedkonkhiskcrutches.k"IskDavidkwellkenoughktokreceivekvisitors?" k"SincekI'mkakmerekfrailkfemale,khekthrewkmekoutkofkhiskroomkthiskmorning,kbutkI kexpectkhe'llkbekhappyktok seekyou."kAsktheykleftkthekmorningkroom,kshekrepeatedkwhatkKinloc khadktoldkher. k"Sokitkwaskthekopiumkthatkbroughtkhimksoknearkdeath,"kRichardksaid,kamazed.k"Lo rd,kwhenkIkthin kofkhowk muchkIkgavekhimkwithkmykownkhands!" k"Everyone,kincludingkDavid,kthoughtkthatkforkthekbest.kButknowkthatkhek nowskbe tter,khe'skflatlykrefusingktok ta ekanykmoreklaudanum."kShekglancedkatkherkfriendkworriedly.k"Dokyouk nowkanyth ingkaboutkopiumk addiction?kI'mkconcernedkthatkhekmightkendangerkhiskhealthkbykstoppingksokabrupt ly." k"InkSpain,konekofkourkofficerskbecamekaddictedkafterkakseverekwound.kHekwaskuna blektokstopkta ingk opiumknokmatterkhowkhardkhektried.kHiskstatekwas kunenviable,"kthekcaptainksaidkbl untly.k"Havingk witnessedkthatkisksurelykakgoodkpartkofkthekreasonkthatkDavidkwantsktokstopkthek drugkasksoonkaskpossible.k Butkhe'sknotkakfool.kHekwouldn'tkinsistkonkdoingksomethingkthatkwouldkdestroykhi mkjustkaskhekiskonkthek vergekofkrecovering." kShekmustkhopekthatkRichardkwaskright.k"I'mktoldkyoukwerekherekyesterday,ksokyou kcankfindkyourkownkwayk up.kPleasekfeelkfreektokvisitkDavidkatkanyktimekandktokstaykasklongkaskyoukwant. kI'mksurekyourkpresencekwillk speedkhiskrecovery." kUnderstandingkherkunspo enksuggestion,kheksmiledkwarmly.k"Andkyourkhomekiskakmu chkmorekpleasantk placektokspendktimekthankthekhospital.kThan kyou,kLadykJocelyn." kAssumingkhekwouldn'tkwantkherktokwatchkhimkstrugglekupktwoklongkflightskofkstai rs,kshekdrapedkIsiskoverk herkshoulderkandkreturnedktokherkstudy.kShekhadklettersktokwrite.kLaurakKir patr ic kwouldkbekdelightedktok hearkaboutkMajorkLancaster'skimprovedkhealth.kAndkherkotherkaunt,kLadykCromarty, kwouldkbekenragedk toklearnkthatkherkniece'skfortunekwaskforeverkoutkofkreach.kAkpitykJocelynkwould n'tkbektherektokseekthek reaction. kShekwasksealingktheknotektokLadykLaurakwhenkDudleykappeared.k"ThekMisseskHalliw ellkarekhere,kmyk lady." kThekMisseskHalliwell?kDamnation,kinkthekmidstkofksokmuchkhighkdramakshe'dkforgo ttenkthiskwaskonekofkherk regularkat-homekdays.kTherekwouldkbekfewerkvisitorskthankduringkthekSeason,kbutk shekstillkfacedkseveralk

hourskofkbeingkcharming.kItkwouldknotkbekeasyktoday. kWithkslightlykgrittedkteeth,kshekwentkoffktokreceivekthekMisseskHalliwell,kthre ekharmlesskbutkslightlyk addlepatedkspinsterskmuchkgivenktokincompleteksentenceskandkpointlesskstories.kT imekmovedkwithktreaclek slowness.kOnkaksuperficialklevelkshekofferedktea,kca es,kandkamusingkstorieskwit hkpracticedkease,kbutk underneathkrankakriverkofkanxiety.kHowkwaskDavidkmanaging?kHadkhekcollapsedkfrom kpushingkhimselfktook hard?kWaskhekenduringkghastlyktormentskfromkthekdrugkwithdrawal? kGladkwhenktheklastkpairkofkguestskleft,kshektoldkDudleyktokdenykherktokanyklate comerskandkmarchedkupkthek stairsktokseekwhatkwaskhappening.kHerk noc kwaskgreetedkwithkakcheerful,k"Comeki n."k

kShekenteredktokfindkakgentlemen'skcardkpartykinkfullkswing.kHughkandkRhyskMorga nkhadkjoinedkRichardk DaltonkandkDavidkaroundkthektable,kandkakgamekwaskinkprogress.kOnlykRichardkacce ptedkherkappearancek casually.kHughkjumpedktokhiskfeetkwhilekRhyskduc edkhiskheadkwithkparalyzingkshy ness.kDavid,ksun kdeepk inkthekonlykwingkchair,kaimedkaksmilekinkherkdirection.kHekloo edkaskifkhekought ktokbeklyingkflatkinkhiskbed,k yetkakhecticklightkinkhiskeyesksuggestedkthatkhekwouldkbekunablektokrest. kShekenteredktokfindkakgentlemen'skcardkpartykinkfullkswing.kHughkandkRhyskMorga nkhadkjoinedkRichardk DaltonkandkDavidkaroundkthektable,kandkakgamekwaskinkprogress.kOnlykRichardkacce ptedkherkappearancek casually.kHughkjumpedktokhiskfeetkwhilekRhyskduc edkhiskheadkwithkparalyzingkshy ness.kDavid,ksun kdeepk inkthekonlykwingkchair,kaimedkaksmilekinkherkdirection.kHekloo edkaskifkhekought ktokbeklyingkflatkinkhiskbed,k yetkakhecticklightkinkhiskeyesksuggestedkthatkhekwouldkbekunablektokrest. kHughkMorgankstammered,k"I'mksorry,kmyklady,kbutkMajorkLancasterkinsistedkthatki fkIkwaskinkthekroom,kIk mustkjoinkthekgame." kKeepingkherktoneklight,ksheksaid,k"Major,kIkfearkthatkyoukarekcorruptingkmykser vants." kMatchingkherktonekdespitekthektremorkinkhiskhands,khekanswered,k"Onkthekcontrar y,kI'mkparticipatingkinkak salutaryklessonkonkthekevilskofkgambling.kNeverkplaykwithkRichard,kLadykJocelyn. kWekarekusingkbuildingsk forksta es,kandkbyknowkhekiskinkpossessionkofkthekHorsekGuards,kCarltonkHouse,kS t.kPaul's,kandk WestminsterkAbbey." k"WhokhaskwonkthekYor kHospital?"kshekas edkwithkinterest. k"Nonekofkuskwantedkit,"kRhyskblurtedkout,kthenkblushedksokhardkhiskearskturnedk red. kShekwaskpleasedktokseekhowkmuchkhappierkandkhealthierkthekcorporalkloo edkthank hekhadkinkthekhospital.k PerhapskshekshouldkturnkCromartykHousekintokakconvalescentkhome,ksincekwoundedks oldierskseemedktok flourishkhere.k"Thiskiskclearlyknokplacekforkakmerekfemale.kEnjoykyourselves,kge ntlemen.kI'llksendkupk refreshments." kShekwithdrew,kthin ingkthatkshekwaskbeginningktokunderstandkthekcomradeshipkofk arms,kandkhowkmenk whokhadkfoughtktogetherkloo edkoutkforkeachkother.kTherekwaskaktangiblekbondkbet weenkthekthreekmilitaryk men,kevenkthoughktwokwerekofficerskandkoldkfriendskwhilekthekthirdkwaskakstrange rkandkakcommonksoldier. kSomekfustykfellow,kperhapskSamuelkJohnson,khadkonceksaidkthatkeverykmankwasksor rykifkhekhadn'tkbeenkak soldier.kShekhadn'tkunderstoodkthekremar kbefore,kbutknowkshekhadksomekin lingko fkwhatkitkmeant.

kWhatkakpitykthatkmenkcouldn'tkfindksuchksatisfactionskwithoutk illingksokmanyko fktheirkfellows. k"Craving,ksha ing,ksweating,kandkGodk nowskwhatkelsek "kDavidkrealizedkthatkhekco uldknoklongerk eepkupkevenkaksemblancekofkplayingkcards.kInsteadkofkheartskandkspades,khekwask seeingkshiftingkpatternsk thatkwouldn'tkholdkstillklongkenoughktokdefine. kTimekhadkslowedkdownkuntilkitkceasedktokhavekmeaning.kAnkeonkago,kLadykJocelynk hadkpaidkankamusedk visit.kFoodkhadkappearedkshortlykthereafter.kThekappetitekhe'dkexperiencedkdurin gktheknightkhadkvanished,k andkhekcouldkneitherkeatknorkdrin . kAfterkhiskcompanionskfinishedktheklightkmeal,kheksaid,kvoicekmetallickinkhiskea rs,k"Sorry,kgentlemen,kit'sk timekforkmektokwithdrawkfromkthekgame."kSweatkdrippedkfromkhiskhand,kstainingkth ekcardskaskheklaidkthemk down,kandktheks inkofkhiskwristkhadkpric ledkintokgooseflesh.kWithkaksupremekeff ort,khekmanagedktokadd,k "Richard,kyou'llkhavektokwinkthekTowerkofkLondonkanotherktime."k

k"Justkaskwell.kIkcouldkneverkaffordktokmaintainkit."kRichard'skvoicekwaskwonder fullyksoothing,kandkitkmustk havekbeenkhiskhandkwarmkonkDavid'skshoulder.kButksurelykitkwaskHughkthatkgotkhim kontokthekblessedlyksoftk bed.kNeitherkRichardknorkthekcorporalkwouldkhavekbeenkablektokofferkmuchkhelpkfr omktheirkcrutches. k"Justkaskwell.kIkcouldkneverkaffordktokmaintainkit."kRichard'skvoicekwaskwonder fullyksoothing,kandkitkmustk havekbeenkhiskhandkwarmkonkDavid'skshoulder.kButksurelykitkwaskHughkthatkgotkhim kontokthekblessedlyksoftk bed.kNeitherkRichardknorkthekcorporalkwouldkhavekbeenkablektokofferkmuchkhelpkfr omktheirkcrutches. kSallykappeared,kherkfacekanxiouskevenkafterkhekassuredkherkthatkhekwaskfinekand kshekneedn'tkstay.kKinloc k wasktherektoo,kfrowningkoverkhiskpulsekratekandksayingkhekwaskakthrice-damnedkfo ol.kHazilykhekagreed,k butkarguedkthatksincekhekwaskalreadykwellkintokthekwithdrawalkperiod,kwhykwastek theksufferingkifkhekwouldk justkhavektokdokitkagainklater? kHisklogickmustkhavekwor ed Kinloc kdidn'tkforcekanykmoreklaudanumkonkhim.kAkreaso nablekmankforkak quac . kHourskdraggedkbykaskmuscleskspasmedkwithkpainkandkhekshoo kwithkcoldknokmatterk howkmanykblan etsk Hughkpiledkonkhim.kDuringkakdar khourkofktheknight,khekalmostkbro e.kHiskcraving kforkthekvelvetknumbnessk ofkthekdrugkwasksokfierce,ksokall-consumingkthatkhekburiedkhiskfacekinkthekpillo wsktok eepkhimselfkfromk beggingkforklaudanum.kJustkaklittle,ktoksoothekthekachekofkbonekandkmuscle. kSomeonekspongedkhiskfacekwithkblessedlykcoolkwater,kandkhek newkfromkthekjasmin ekscentkthatkitkmustk bekLadykJocelyn.kHektriedktokturnkaway,ktoktellkherkthatkshekshouldn'tkbekhere,k butkherkclearkvoicektoldkhimk firmlyknotktokbekaklac wit.kAkstrong-mindedkwoman,khiskwife.kWife?kImpossible.kS adly,kimpossible. kThenkblac kdepressionkseizedkhimkandksuc edkhimkintokendlesskdar .kPerhapskitkw asknight,korkperhapsk theksunkhadkdied.kHekfixedkhiskgazekonkakcandle,ksurekthatkifkhekblin edktherekw ouldkneverkbeklightkagain. kDawnkcame,ktangiblekevidencekthatktimekwaskindeedkpassing.kHekhadksurvivedkthis klong,khekcouldk continuektokendure. kHiskmindkconjuredkfeverishkvisionskofkthekburningkinteriorkplainskofkSpain,kgli tteringkcruellykbrown,kthenk brea ingkintokhardkyellowkshardskunderkthekimpactkofkmonsterkraindrops.kTheykwas hedkawaykinkakflashk floodkofkjanglingkpieces,kleavingkthekgreen,kbelovedkhillskofkHereford,kthekhill skhekhadn'tkseenkinktwentyk years. kHekhadkbeenktwelve,kstillkbearingkthekmar skofkakbeatingkfromkonekofkhiskbrothe

rs,kwhenkthekcarrier'sk wagonkhadkcomekforkhimkandkMotherkandkSally.kThoughkhekhadklovedkWestholmekaskmu chkaskhekhadk hatedkhiskbrothers,khekrefusedktokloo kbac kinkcasekanyonekwatchingkwouldkthin k itkwea ness. kHekrolledkfromkthekbedkandkstaggeredktowardkthekwindow,k nowingkthatkoutsidekhe kwouldkseek Westholme,kbutkHughkMorgankcaughtkholdkofkhim.kThoughkhekstruggledkdesperately,k surekthatksalvationk wasknearkatkhandkifkonlykhekcouldkreachkit,khekwasknokmatchkforkthekyoungkWelshm an'skgentlekstrength. kHekwasklyingkdownkagain.kIfkonlykhekcouldksleep kChapterk11k

kHowklongkwouldksuchktormentkgokon?kShe'dkas edkKinloc ,kwhokhadknokclearkanswer .kItkdependedkonk howkstrongkakgripkthekaddictionkhadkonkDavid'skconstitution.kAtkworst,kperhapskf ivekorksixkdays.kWithk luc ,klessktimekwouldkbekrequired. kItkwaskakreliefktokgokoutktokaksmallkdinnerkpartykthatkJocelynkhadkpromisedkfai thfullyktokattend.k("Mykdeark LadykJocelyn,kitkwillkbekallkofkmykhusband'skdirekrelations.kIksimplykmustkhavek someonektoklendksomek charm!")kShekwonderedkruefullykifkherkhostesskhadkreceivedkaskmuchkcharmkaskshek hopedkfor.kJocelyn'sk shimmeringkgreenktaffetakdresskwaskprobablyklivelierkthankthekwomankinsidekit. kStill,kitkwaskgoodktokgetkout.kDuringkthekcoursekofkthekevening,kshekmanagedkso metimesknotktokthin kofkherk sufferingkmajorkforkaskmuchkaskthirtyksecondskatkaktime. kItkwaskafterkonekinkthekmorningkwhenkshekletkherselfkinkherkfrontkdoor,kwavingk awaykthekcarriagekthatkhadk waitedkuntilkshekwasksafekinside.kShe'dktoldkherkservantsknotktokstaykupkforkher .kAskalways,kshe'dkhadkank argumentkonkherkhands.kFromkbutlerktokabigail,kthekstaffkappearedktokthin kherki ncapablekofkturningkak eyk inkakloc korkundressingkherself. kItkneverkoccurredktokanykofkthemkthatksometimeskshekmightkpreferktokbekalone. kAskshekpausedkatkthekfootkofkthekstairs,kherkabsentkgazekfellkonkthekdoorktokth eksalon,kremindingkherkofkthek nastyklittlekscenekthatkhadkta enkplacektherekearlierkinkthekday.kItkhadkbeenkan otherkclashkwithkherk sister-in-law.kSallykhadkurgedkthatkherkbrotherkbekgivenklaudanum,ktok eepkhiskm indkfromksnappingkorkhisk heartkfromkgivingkoutkunderkthekstrain. kJocelynkunderstoodkSally'skconcern;kindeed,ksheksharedkit.kButkthekotherkwomank hadn'tkbeenkpresentk whenkDavidkhadksmashedkthekbottlekofklaudanumktok eepkitkaway.kShekhadn'tkheardk thekdesperationkinkhisk voice. kRatherkthanktryingktokexplainksomethingksokprofoundlykprivate,kJocelynkhadkcool lykpointedkoutkthatkDavidk waskankadultkandkhiskdecisionskshouldkbekrespected.kSallykagainkaccusedkherkofkh opingkDavidkwouldkdie,k herkwordskspittingkoutkli ekhornets.kOnlykwhenkRichardksidedkwithkJocelynkhadkSa llykretreated,kherkeyesk dar kwithkthekfearkbehindkherkfury. kJocelynkfoundkshekwaskgrippingktheknewelkpostksokhardkthatkherkfingerskwerekimp rintedkwithkcarvedk acanthuskleaves.kWithkankeffort,kshekreleasedkthekpostkandkstartedkupkthektwoklo ngkflightskofkstairs. kStrangekhowkquietkthekhousekwaskatkthiskhour,kthekdar kthree-storykhighkfoyerkl itkonlykbyklandingklamps.kItk

waskalmostkpossiblektokbelieveksheklivedkherekalonekratherkthanksharingkherkroof kwithktenkotherkpeople.k Eleven,kcountingkherknewlykacquiredkhusband.k

kShekreachedkthekbedroomkfloorkandkwal edktheklengthkofkthekgalleryktokherkroom. kShekwaskalmostktherek whenksheksawkakshadow,kakdar erkshapekinktheknight,kmovingkaheadkofkher.kShekfro ze,kherkheartbeatk quic eningkaskshekwonderedkifkakburglarkhadkbro enkin. kShekreachedkthekbedroomkfloorkandkwal edktheklengthkofkthekgalleryktokherkroom. kShekwaskalmostktherek whenksheksawkakshadow,kakdar erkshapekinktheknight,kmovingkaheadkofkher.kShekfro ze,kherkheartbeatk quic eningkaskshekwonderedkifkakburglarkhadkbro enkin. kShekstared,kamazedkthatkhekcouldkma ekhiskwayksokfarkalone.kProbablykankexhaust edkHughkMorgankhadk fallenkasleepkduringkhisklongkvigil,kandkthekmajorkhadkwanderedkoffkwithoutkwa i ngkhim.kBlastkit,kthek footmankshouldkhavekcalledksomeonektokrelievekhim.kDevotionkwaskallkverykwell,kb utkgoodkjudgmentk mattered,ktoo. kKids inkslipperskmuffledkbykthekcarpetkrunner,kshekwal edktowardkhim.k"MajorkLa ncaster,kyoukreallyk mustkgokbac ktokbed." kHekswungkaroundkatktheksoundkofkhiskname.kHiskgazekwaskblan ,kaskifkhekwaskslee pwal ing.kSheksighed,k herkhopekthatkhekwaskthroughkthekopiumkwithdrawalkfading.k"Comekalongknow,"kshek said,kherkvoiceklowk butkfirm,kaskifkhekwaskakwaywardkchild.k"Youkmustkgokbac ktokbed." k"Who kwhokiskthere?"kHiskheadkmovedkbac kandkforthkaskhektriedktoklocatekherkinkt hekshadowskwithkhisk unfocusedkvision. k"Jocelyn." kReassuredkbykherkvoice,khekmovedktowardkher,kbutkhisklurchingkstepsksentkhimkcr ashingkintokthekrailingk thatkguardedkthekgallery.kShekgaspedkinkhorrorkaskhiskunbalancedkupperkbodyksway edkoutwardkoverkthek deadlykmarblekfloorkfarkbelow. kTerrified,kshekdartedkacrosskthekdozenkfeetkseparatingkthemkandkwrappedkherkarm skaroundkhim,kusingkherk momentumktokshovekhimkawaykfromkthektreacherouskrailing.kHekgaspedkandkstumbledk bac wardkatkthek unexpectedkimpact,kandkthektwokofkthemkreeledkacrosskthekgallerykandkintokthekwa ll.kAskhekwaveredkonk thekvergekofkfalling,kshektightenedkherkgrip,kta ingkadvantagekofkthekfactkthatk hekwaskpinnedkbetweenkherk andkthekwall. kHekwasksokthinkhiskribskcouldkbekcountedkthroughkthekbluekdressingkgownkandkshe kcouldkfeelkhiskheartk beating,kbutkhiskbodykfeltksurprisinglyksolid.kAndktall.kHiskheightkhadn'tkbeenk apparentkwhenkhekwasklyingk down.kHekwaskeasilyksixkfeet,kandkwithkankimpressivekbreadthkofkshoulder. kAskshekcaughtkherkbreath,khiskarmskcircledkherkstronglykandkhekmurmuredkwithkpl

easedksurprise,k "Jeanette!" k"NotkJean "kShekloo edkupktokcorrectkhiskmisapprehension,kandkhisklipskdescendedk onkhers. kShekgavekakstrangledksquea kofksurprisekatktheksheerkuninhibitedksensualitykofk thekembrace.kTheirktonguesk touched,kwic edlykerotic,kandkoneklargekwarmkhandkslidkcaressinglykdownkherkbare karm.kShekfelt k ravished.kCherished. kDesired. kHerk neeskwea enedkandkshekclungktokhim,kthekwallksupportingkthemkboth.kFromksh eerkcuriosity,kshe'dk

occasionallykallowedksuitorsktokstealkak iss,kandkbeenkpleasedktokdiscoverkthatk shekfeltklittlekresponse.k WaltzingkwithkCandoverkwaskfarkmorekprovocativekthankanyonekelse'sk isses.kUntil know,kwhenkthekheatedk intensitykofkaksoldier'skmouthkburnedkawaykpastkandkfuture,kleavingkonlyktheksea ringkpresent. occasionallykallowedksuitorsktokstealkak iss,kandkbeenkpleasedktokdiscoverkthatk shekfeltklittlekresponse.k WaltzingkwithkCandoverkwaskfarkmorekprovocativekthankanyonekelse'sk isses.kUntil know,kwhenkthekheatedk intensitykofkaksoldier'skmouthkburnedkawaykpastkandkfuture,kleavingkonlyktheksea ringkpresent. kThekthoughtkrevoltedkher,kjer ingkherkbac ktokankawarenesskofkherksituation.kSh ekwasktemptedktokpullk awaykandkletkthekblastedkmankcollapsekontokthekfloor,kbutksettledkforkturningkhe rkheadkandksayingkinkherk mostkaristocratickvoice,k"MajorkLancaster.kControlkyourself!" kHiskarmskloosenedkandkhekblin edkdownkatkher,kaskifkwa ingkfromksleep.k"GoodkLo rd!"khekexclaimedkask hekregisteredkthekfactkthatktheykwerekpressedkbodyktokbody.k"I kI'mksorry.kIkappea rktokhave khavek behavedkverykbadly." k"Sokyoukdid." kWithkaksmallkcho ekofklaughter,kheksaid,k"AndkI'mkalsoksorrykthatkIkdidn'tkappr eciatekmykmisdeedkwhenkIk waskmisdoingkit." kHekreallykhadkthekmostkappallingksensekofkhumor,kbutkitkwaskhardktokbekseverekw ithkakmankwhenkone'sk armskwerekwrappedkaroundkhim.kSheksettledkforksayingktartly,k"Whykarekyoukwander ingkaroundkatkthisk hour?kAndkinkakhousekfullkofkservants,kwhykiskthisklittlekdramakta ingkplacekink completeksolitude?" kHiskbrowkwrin ledkaskhekgavekherkquestionskseriouskthought.k"Perhapskeveryoneki skinkbed?kItkmustkbek veryklate." kSheksighedkwithkrelief.kThekclaritykofkhiskmindkindicatedkthatkthekdrugkwithdra walkwaskover,kandkhekhadk survived.k"Akprofoundkobservation,kMajor.kSokpleasedkyoukarekbac kinktheklandkof kthekliving." kButkwhatknow?kShekcouldkyellkuntilksomeonekwo ekandkcamektokhelpkputkthekmajork inkbed,kbutkshek wasn'tksurekhowkmuchklongerkshekcouldksupportkhisksubstantialkweight,kandkhiskro omkwaskatkthekfarkendkofk thekgallery.kThekdoorktokherkownkchamberkwaskonlykakfewkfeetkaway.k"IfkIkhelp,kd okyoukthin kyoukcank ma ekitktoktheknextkroom?" kHekcarefullykleveredkhimselfkawaykfromkthekwall.kAfterkankalarmingksway,khekcau ghtkhiskbalance.k"Ik believekso."

kWithksomekaw wardness,ktheykrearrangedkthemselves,kwithkhiskleftkarmkdrapedkacr osskherkshoulders,k thenklurchedkintokJocelyn'skroom,kthekmajorkopeningkthekdoorkwithkhiskfreekhand. kSoftklamplightkhelpedk guidekthemkacrosskthekchamber.kTurningkhimkaroundksoktheirkbac skwerektokthekbed ,kJocelynkletkgokandk allowedkgravityktokta ekover.kHekcollapsedkontokthekbedkli ekakmarionettekwhosek stringskhadkbeenkcut,khisk legsktrailingkoverkthekedgekofkthekmattress. kShekturnedkandksawkthatkhekwasktremblingkfromkthekeffortkexpended,kbutkhekmanag edkaktwistedksmile.k"Ik appearktokbekinkyourkdebtkoncekmore." k"Thin knothingkofkitkMajor."kJocelynkliftedkhisklegskupkontokthekcoverskandkhel pedkstraightenkhisklan yk form.kLuc ily,kshekhadkplacedkhimksokthatkhiskheadklandedknearkthekpillow.k"Youk haveknokideakhowkboringk myklifekwaskuntilkourkpathskcrossed."k

kShekstraightened,kpantingkaklittle.kEvenkhalfkstarved,kthekmankwasknoklightweig ht. kShekstraightened,kpantingkaklittle.kEvenkhalfkstarved,kthekmankwasknoklightweig ht. kShekcouldkwa ekthekfootmenkandkhavekhimkcarriedkbac ktokhiskroom,kbutkthatkwoul dkbekaknoisy,k time-consumingkprocess.kWorse,kthekmajorkwaskboundktokwa ekup,kwhichkwouldkbekak greatkpitykwhenkhek neededkrestksokbadly.kShekwincedkatkthekthoughtkofkdealingkwithksleepy,kapologet ic,kandkdistressedk servantskwhenkallkshekreallykwantedktokdokwaskgoktoksleepkherself. kYetkshekcouldn'tkretreatktokakguestkroomktokspendktheknight,kbecauseknonekofkth ekotherkchamberskwerek madekup.kThekmajor'skroomkwaskthekonlykonek eptkalwayskatkthekready.kShekglaredk atkhiskpeacefullyk slumberingkformkforkakmoment,kthenkyan edkthekpinskfromkherkhair.kSokwhatkifkhek waskinkherkbed?kAfterk all,ktheykwerekmarried.kMorekorkless. kShekundressedkbehindkthekscreenkusuallykusedkaroundkthekhipkbath.kItkfeltkoddkt okbekna edkinkakroomkwithk akman,kevenkonekwhokwaskdeadktokthekworld.kAfterkdonningkherkmostkopaqueknightgo wnkandkwrapper,k shekpulledkaklightweightkquiltkfromkherkwardrobekandkspreadkitkoverkherkguest.kT henkshekcrawledkunderkthek otherkhalf,kherkbac kturnedktokhimkandkherkbodykaskclosektokthekedgekofkthekbedk askshekcouldksafelyk manage.kFortunately,kitkwaskakveryklargekbed. kDavidkawo ekslowly,ksokwarmkandkatkpeacekthatkatkfirstkhekwonderedkifkhekwaskfl oatingkinkanotherk dream,k inderkthankthekoneskthatkhadkgonekbefore.kButkno,khiskheartkbeatksteadil ykandkhisklungskexpandedk andkcontractedkwithkconvincingkreality. kCautiouslykhekwiggledkhisktoes,kwantingkconfirmationkthatkallkhiskpartskwerekwo r ing.kThoughkhekachedkallk overkandkwaskexhaustedkfromktheklastkcrazedkdayskofkdrugkwithdrawal,ktherekwerek nokmorekagonizingk musclekcramps.kBestkofkall,knotkaktracekofkparalysis.kHe'dkneverkta ektoekwiggli ngkforkgrantedkagain. kHeklaykwithkhiskeyeskclosed,knotkwantingktokloseksuchkakdeliciouskfeelingkofkwe ll-being.kThekscentskofk cleanklinenkandkjasmine,khiskarmkdrapedkoverkakpillow akpillowkthatkbreathed?kHisk eyeskshotkopen,kandk hekfoundkthatkhekwasklyingkfacektokfacekwithkaksleepingkLadykJocelyn,khiskarmkar oundkher. kParalysiskofkanotherk indkstruc .kHeklaykabsolutelykstill,kscarcelykbreathingka skhektriedktokrememberkhowk he'dkarrivedkinkwhatkmustkbekJocelyn'skbedroom.kItkwaskverykearlykmorning,kandkt heklightkplayedkoverkherk lush,kloosenedkhair,kaccentingkthekredktones.kInksleep,kshekloo edkyoungkandkvul nerable,knotkatkallkli ekthek highlykcompetentkwomankwhokhadksweptkintokhiskhospitalkroom,kandkhisklife.

kNokwonderkhekfeltksokwell.kTherekwasknothingkli ekwa ingkupkwithkaklovelyklady, kevenkifkhekcouldn'tkquitek rememberkhowkhe'dkcomektokbekin no,kon kherkbed. kWithkreluctance,khekremovedkhiskarm.kThekmotionkwo ekher,kandkherkeyeskopened.k Thekchangeablekhazelk colorkwaskflec edkwithkgold,kandkherks inkhadkthekflawlesskpuritykofkankEnglishk rose.kAtkthiskrange,kthek impactkrivaledkthatkofkakcannonball. kHiskheartbeatkacceleratedkasktheykgazedkatkonekanother.kShekloo edkli ekakwaryk songbirdkwhokwouldkflyk awaykifkhekmadekthekwrongkmove,kyetktherekwasknoksurprisekatkhiskpresence.kWhatk thekdevilkhadk happenedktheknightkbefore? kHerkvoicekmorningkhus y,ksheksaid,k"You'rekbac kfromkthekabyss,karen'tkyou?"k

kThekabyss.kHowkaccuratekakdescription.k"Yes.kGodkwilling,kI'llkneverkhavektokgo ktherekagain."kHekmadekak gesturekthatkencompassedkthekroom.k"DarekIkas khowkIkcamektokbekinkthiskenviable kposition?" kThekabyss.kHowkaccuratekakdescription.k"Yes.kGodkwilling,kI'llkneverkhavektokgo ktherekagain."kHekmadekak gesturekthatkencompassedkthekroom.k"DarekIkas khowkIkcamektokbekinkthiskenviable kposition?" kHekgrinned.k"Verykwell.kWhatkdidkhappen?" k"Notkmuch.kDokyoukrememberkwanderingkoutkontokthekgallery?" kHerkwordskrecalledkimageskofklurchingkunsteadily,kthekrailingkcoolkunderkhiskha ndkaskitkguidedkandk supportedkhim.kAkwoman'sklight,kclearkvoice.kHe'dkturned kHiskstomachklurched.k"Damnation,kIkrememberkhangingkoverkthekrailingkandkthin i ngkhowkverykfarkdownk thekfloorkwas,kbutkmykwitskwereksokscrambledkthatkIkdidn'tkreallykcare."kThekmem orykwaskmorekupsettingk thankthekexperiencekhadkbeen.kFallingkoffkthekgallerykwouldkhavekbeenkankunforgi vablykstupidkwayktokdiek afterkallkhe'dkbeenkthrough.k"Youkdraggedkmekbac ktoksafety,kdidn'tkyou?" kAsksheknodded,kankinterestingkhintkofkpin kcoloredkherklovelykcreamyks in.kAbru ptlykhekrememberedk why.kHe'dk issedkher,kandkforkakfewkincrediblekmomentskshekhadkrespondedkwholehe artedly.kThenk commonksensekhadkreturned,kandkJocelynkhadkendedkthekembrace. kSuspectingkthatkshekwouldkpreferktokpretendkthatk isskhadn'tkhappened,kheksaidk withkgentlemanlyktact,k"Ik presumekyoukguidedkmekinkhere,kandkIkfellkasleepkrightkaway." k"Exactly,"ksheksaid,kloo ingkrelieved.k"Mykroomkwaskclosest,kandkthekonlykonekm adekup.kIkdidn'tkwantktok bekdrivenkfromkmykownkbed,kespeciallyksincektherekwaskroomkenoughkforktwo." kWhichkiskwhyktheykwereknowklyingktogetherkwithksuchkprovocativekintimacy.kHekst ro edkherkchestnutk hair,ktheksil ykstrandsktwiningkaroundkhiskfingertips.k"Youksavedkmyklifeklastkn ight.kSayingkthan kyoukseemsk quitekinadequate." kWithoutkmovingkakmuscle,kshekretreatedkslightly,kaskifkalarmedkbykthekwarmthkin khiskvoice.k"Ifkyou'dkfallen,k you'dkhavekmadekthekmostkdreadfulkmesskonkthekmarble." k"Whichkwouldkbekunmannerly,kwhenkyou'vekbeenksok ind."kFeelingkthatkhekhadkbeen kpolitelykchastised,khek withdrewkhiskhand.kLadykJocelynkmightkbekhiskwifekinklaw,kbutktheykwerekvirtualk strangers,kandkheksawknok evidencekthatkshekwaskaskattractedktokhimkaskhekwasktokher.kAndkattractedkhekwas ,kinkakpowerfulkbutk oddlyknonphysicalkway,ksincekhekwaskstillkaklongkwaykfromkfullykrecovered.kDesir ekwaskdormant.kAk powerfulkyearningkforkgreaterkcloseness,ktokunderstandkherklifekandkmind,kwaskno

t. kIfkhekwaskthiskattractedkwhenkhekwaskonlykakfewkdayskoffkhiskdeathbed,kwhatkwou ldkhekfeelkwhenkhek becamekakwellkmankagain? kShekinterruptedkhiskthoughts.k"Youkseemedkverykdeterminedklastknight.kDokyoukre memberkwherekyouk werekheading?" kGladktokbekonksaferkground,khekreplied,k"Hereford,kIkthin ." k"WhykHereford?"k

k"Whyknot?kIt'skakveryklovelykcounty."kBeforekhekcouldkstopkhimself,khekadded,k" Almostkasklovelykaskyouk are." k"Whyknot?kIt'skakveryklovelykcounty."kBeforekhekcouldkstopkhimself,khekadded,k" Almostkasklovelykaskyouk are." "k "Notkinkthekleast."kHekstudiedkherkgracefulkform,kwhichkherklooseknightwearkonly khintedkat.k"I'mkmerelyk statingkthektruth.kSurelykyouk nowkthatkyoukarekbeautiful." kHerkgazekdroppedkandkshekloo edkuncomfortable.kHekwonderedkwhy.kInkhiskexperien ce,kmostkwomenk lovedkbeingkadmired.kPerhapskJocelynkwaskinterpretingkhiskcommentskaskakhusbandl ykadvancektokak womankwhokhadknokinterestkinkbeingkhiskwife. kThatksoberingkthoughtkwaskinterruptedkwhenkJocelyn'skmaid,kMarie,khurriedkintok thekroom.k"Milady,kthek majorkiskmissing "kHerkeyeskroundedkaskshektoo kinkthekpicturekbeforekher.k"MonkDi eu!"k Askcoolkaskifkshekwasksittingkinkherkparlorkratherkthankinkdishabillekonkherkbed ,kJocelynksaid,k"Askyoukcank see,kthekmajorkisknotkmissing.kHekwaskwanderingklastknightkandkitkwaskeasierktok bringkhimkherekthanktok rousekthekwholekhouse.kIfkyourkslumberingkswainkiskawa e,kinformkhimkthatkhekcan kassistkMajorkLancasterk bac ktokhiskownkroom." kMariekbobbedkherkheadkandkbac edkoutkofkthekroom,kstillkstaring,kbutkwithkakhin tkofksmilekplayingkaroundk herklips.k Repressingkaksighkatkthekintrusionkofkreality,kDavidkcautiouslykswungkhisklegsko verkthekedgekofkthekbed,k thenkstood,kbracingkakhandkonkakbedpost.k"Ikthin kIkcankma ekitkbac ktokmykownkr oomkwithoutk assistance." kShekclimbedkfromkthekbedkalso.k"BestkwaitkforkMorgan,kMajorkLancaster.kYou'vekb eenkverykillkandkarek probablykstillkunsteadykonkyourkfeet." k"IkthoughtkIkhadkpersuadedkyouktokcallkmekDavidkthekotherknight."k Shektightenedkherkwrapperkaroundkher,kankunconsciouskactkintendingktokcoverkherk more,kthoughkinkfactkitk accentuatedkherkshapelykfigure.k"Itkwillkbekeasierktok eepkyoukatkakdistancekifk IkcallkyoukMajor." kUsingkthekbedpostkaskakpivot,khekswungkaroundktokfacekher.k"Ikwon'tkdokanything kthatkyoukdon'tkwant."k "I kIkdidn'tkreallykthin kyoukwould."kSheksighed.k"Butkwekarekinkthekverykdevilkof kakbind."k Whenktheksubjectkhadkfirstkbeenkraised,khe'dkavoidedkitkbykgoingkintokopiumkwith drawal.kThisktime,kthek

situationkmustkbekdiscussed.k"Ikbelievektherekiskakwaykoutkofkthis kunintendedkmar riagekthatkwillkpreservek yourkinheritancekandkallowkbothkofkusktokgokourkseparatekways."k Shekregardedkhimkwithkgreat,khopefulkeyes.k"Youkreallykthin kso?"k "I'llkhavektokloo katkthekwill.kDokyoukhavekakcopykinkthekhouse?" k"Ikbelievekso."k Hekrubbedkhiskchinkandkfeltkakheavykraspkofkwhis ers.kLord,khekwaskakmess,kunsha ven,kunwashed,kandk surelykshowingkthekeffectskofkhiskdayskofkdelirium.k"AfterkI'vekhadkakchancektok bathe,kshave,kandkbrea fast,k

I'llkta ekakloo katkthekwill.kOnekshouldkneverkloo katklegalkdocumentskonkankemp tykstomach."k Shekmadekakwrykface.k"Justkthin ingkaboutkmykfather'skwillkgiveskmekindigestion. "k HughkMorgankrushedkin,khiskexpressionkshowingkthekfearkhe'dkfeltkonkwa ingktokfi ndkhiskpatientkgone.k I'llkta ekakloo katkthekwill.kOnekshouldkneverkloo katklegalkdocumentskonkankemp tykstomach."k Shekmadekakwrykface.k"Justkthin ingkaboutkmykfather'skwillkgiveskmekindigestion. "k HughkMorgankrushedkin,khiskexpressionkshowingkthekfearkhe'dkfeltkonkwa ingktokfi ndkhiskpatientkgone.k hadkspentktheknightkafterkherkspotkonkthekbedkwaskusurped.k"Well,kpuss,kitkappea rskthatkourkmajorkhask definitelykrecovered.kButkwhatkarekwekgoingktokdokwithkhim?"k Isiskyawnedkdisdainfully.kCatskarrangedktheirkrelationshipskmuchkmorekneatly. kChapterk12k

WhenkJocelynkjoinedkMajorkLancasterksomektwokhoursklater,kitkwaskhardktokrecogni zekthekmankwhokhadk beenkatkdeath'skdoorkakhandfulkofkdayskbefore.kBathed,kshaven,kandksittingkatkea sekbykthekwindow,konlyk hiskdressingkgownkindicatedkhiskconvalescentkstatus.kHekstoodkaskshekenteredkand kexecutedkak commendablekhalf-bowkdespitekthekrecentksurgerykonkhiskbac . kShekseatedkherself,kplacingkaksheafkofkpaperskbykthekcoffeektraykthatkrestedkon ktheksmallktablekbetweenk them.k"Major,kyou'rekakwonder.kEvenkDr.kKinloc kthoughtkitkwouldkbekakwee kuntil kyoukwerekupkandk about." k"Healingkquic lykiskankexcellentktraitktokhavekinkthekmilitary,kwherektimekisko ftenkinkshortksupply.kCarekfork somekcoffee?kHughkMorgankjustkbroughtkakfreshkpot." k"Than kyou,kIkbelievekIkwill."kShekstudiedkhimkaskhekpouredktwoksteamingkcupsko fkthekfragrantkbrew.k Thoughkhekwaskstillkverykthin,khiskchee skalmostkhollow,khiskcolorkwaskhealthy.k Shekwaskamusedktokseek thatkevenkthoughkhiskthic kbrownkhairkhadkbeenkcombedkintokaksemblancekofkmilita rykorder,kitkwaskrapidly,k andkcharmingly,krevertingktokankunrulyknaturalkwave.kHekwaskyoungerkthankshekhad ksupposed,kcloserktok thirtykthankforty. kWhenkhekhandedkherkthekcup,kshekas ed,k"Spea ingkofkMorgan,kwherekiskheknow?" k"Ikthoughtkhekmightkwishktokcatchkupkonkhiskotherkduties,korkspendksomektimekwi thkhiskbrother."kCorrectlyk interpretingkherkraisedkbrows,kDavidksaidkreasonably,k"Ikreallykdon'tkneedkakful l-timeknursemaidkanymore."

k"Iksupposeknot.kHekhasn'tkmuchkcatchingkupktokdo,kthough.kLondonkiskverykthinko fkcompanykatkthisk season,ksokthekservantskhaven'tkbeenkbusy." kHekaddedkcreamktokhiskcup,kpouringkitkoverkthekbac kofkhiskspoonksokthatkitkcov eredktheksurfacekofkthek coffeekinkakrichklayer.k"Whenkyourkmaidkcamekearlier,kyoukreferredktokMorgankask herkswain.kArektheyk courting?" k"Ikbelievekso.kThekhouse eeperkassureskmekthatktheykarekbehavingkwithkdiscretio n,kbutktherekiskclearlyk

interestkonkbothksides." interestkonkbothksides." k"It'skhumanknaturekforkmaleskandkfemalesktokbekdrawnktogether.kEmployerskwhokde nykthatkmerelykforcek theirkservantskintokslyness.kAsklongkasknokone'skwor ksuffers,kitkwouldkbekfooli shktokissuekcommandskthatk won'tkbekobeyed." kHeksmiled.k"LadykJocelyn,kIkdokbelievekthatkyoukarekakromantic." k"Notkinkthekleast.kMerelykpragmatic."kAlthoughkshekmustkhavekakromantickstrea , korkshekwouldn'tkbek yearningkforkthekDu ekofkCandover,kwhichkhadkledkherkintokthiskdistressingksitua tion.kShekhandedkoverkthek papers.k"Herekiskthekcopykofkmykfather'skwillkthatkyoukrequested." k"Withkyourkpermission?"kDavidkbegankscanningkthekdocument.kTheklastkwillkandkte stamentkofkakwealthyk peerkwasknecessarilyklong,kbutkhekmadekshortkwor kofkit,kreturningktokstudykonly koneksectionkwithkgreaterk care. kHeklaidkthekdocumentkonkthektable.k"Therekareknokconditionskattachedktokyourkin heritancekapartkfromkthek simplekonekofkmarriagekbykyourktwenty-fifthkbirthday.kEvenkdivorcekorkmurderkwou ldknotkdisinheritkyouk nowkthatkyou'vekmarried." k"Arekthosekthekonlyktwokoptions?"kshekas ed,kalarmed. k"Notkatkall.kWekcouldklivekinkakstatekofkpermanentkseparation,kbutkthatkwouldkb ekverykunsatisfactorykfork bothkofkus.kCertainlykitkwouldkbekforkme.kThekbestksolutionkisktokhavekourkmarri agekannulled." kHerkbrowskdrewktogether.k"Whatkdoeskthatkmean?" k"Annulmentskarekgrantedkbykecclesiasticalkcourts,kandktheykdissolvekthekmarriag e,kleavingkbothkpartiesk freektokmarrykagainklater,"khekexplained.k"Theykarekverykrare,kbutkifkgroundskar eksufficient,kankannulmentk wouldkbekfasterkandklesskexpensivekthankakdivorce,kandkfarklesskscandalous,ksinc eknokmisconductkisk involved." k"Thatkwouldkcertainlykbekdesirable,kbutkwhatkgroundskarekrequired?kTheykmustkbe kstringent,kork annulmentskwouldkbekverykcommon." kHekregardedkherksteadily.k"Akmarriagekcankbekannulledkbecausekofklac kofkconsen t,kbigamy,klunacy,kbeingk underkthekagekofkconsent,kandkseveralkotherkreasons.kWhatkwouldkwor kinkthiskcas ekwouldkbe k impotence." kItktoo kakmomentktokabsorbkhiskwords.kThenkshekstaredkatkhim,kherkeyeskrounding kwithkshoc .k"Youk

meankthatkbecausekofkthekparalysis,knowkyoukcan't k?" k"Youkneedn'tkloo ksokappalled,kLadykJocelyn.kInkfact,kIkhaveknokreasonktokbelie vekthatkiskthekcase,kbutk givenktheknaturekofkmykrecentkinjuries,kitkwillkbeksimplektokclaimkthatkthekmarr iagekcannotkbekconsummatedk andkshouldkbekannulled.kThekincapacitykmustkhavekexistedkatkthektimekofkmarriage ,kandkmedicalkwitnessesk wouldkhavektokswearktokmykinjuries,kbutkthatkshouldn'tkbekakproblem." kBlushing,kshekappliedkherselfktokthekcoffee.kShekhadn'tkrealizedkhowkuncomforta blekthiskdiscussionkwouldk

become.kShekwaskdimlykawarekthatkmenktoo ktheirkamatorykperformancekverykserious ly.kSurelykDavidk waskunusualkinkhiskmatter-of-factkofferktokclaimkankembarrassingkdisability.k"Yo ukwouldn'tkmindkma ingk suchkakclaim?" become.kShekwaskdimlykawarekthatkmenktoo ktheirkamatorykperformancekverykserious ly.kSurelykDavidk waskunusualkinkhiskmatter-of-factkofferktokclaimkankembarrassingkdisability.k"Yo ukwouldn'tkmindkma ingk suchkakclaim?" kShekmadekherselfkloo kupkandkmeetkhiskgaze.k"It'skverykgallantkofkyouktokbekwil lingktokdoksomethingkthatk willksurelykbekhumiliating." k"Therekwillkbekenoughkembarrassmentktokgokaround.kAmongkotherkthings,kyoukwould khavektokbekcertifiedk askvirgokintacta."kHekhesitated,kthenksaid,k"Forgivekme,kbut kwouldkthatkbekakprob lem?" k"OfkcoursekI'mkakvirgin!"kshekexclaimed,kflushingkviolently.kThoughktherekwaskn ok"ofkcourse"kaboutkit;kevenk amongkherkownkclass,kitkwaskhardlykun nownkforkbridesktokgoktokthekaltarkwhenkth eykwerekalreadyk breeding.kButkJocelynkhadkpreferredktokholdktokakhigherkstandard.kBesides,kshe'd kneverkreallykbeenk tempted. kCharitablykoverloo ingkherkfluster,kheksaid,k"ThenkIkthin kitkverykli elykankan nulmentkwillkbekpossible." kShekcertainlykhopedkso.kReadyktokchangektheksubject,kshekas ed,k"Howkdidkyoukle arnksokmuchkaboutkthek law?" k"Ikreadklawkforktwokyears.kItkwaskthoughtktokbekaksuitablekprofessionkforkme." kIntrigued,kshekas ed,k"Whykdidn'tkyoukcontinuekinkthekprofession?" kHekgrinned.k"IkdecidedkthatkIkquitekliterallykpreferredkdeathktoklifekaskaklawy er,kandkjoinedkthekarmy." k"You'rekconfirmingkmykprejudices.kSinceklawyerskarekusuallykprosykoldkbores,kth eklawkmustkbekboring." k"Notkatkall.kThekgreatkbodykofkAnglo-Saxonkcommonklawkiskpartkofkwhatkma eskour knationkunique.kIt'sk derivedkfromkprecedentkandkcommonksensekandkiskquitekdifferentkfromkthekFrenchkC odekNapoleon,kfork example,kwhichkwaskbasedkonkthekRomankJustiniankCode.kCommonklawkhaskthekadmirab lekabilityktokgrowk andkchangekwithkthektimes.kIkhaveknokdoubtkthatkakthousandkyearskfromknowkourkde scendantskwillkstillkbek governingkthemselveskwithkakrecognizablekformkofktheklawkthatkruleskusktoday." k"Whatkakwonderfulkthought,"ksheksaidkadmiringly.k"You'vekalsokjustkdonekthekimp ossible,kandkmadekthek lawksoundkromantic.kPerhapskyoukshouldkhavekbecomekakbarristerkorkadvocatekafter

kall." k"Thekday-to-daykpracticekiskankindoor,kpaper-shufflingkbusiness.kIkwouldkhavekh atedkit."kHektappedkherk father'skwill.k"Thoughkthiskiskcertainlykankinterestingkdocument.kWhatkonkearthk waskyourkfatherkthin ingkof?" k"Isn'tkitkobvious?"ksheksaidktartly.k"Ikbelievekhekdescribedkmekask'akheadstron gkwench,kandktookparticulark inkmyktastes.'" k"Mostkunhandsomekofkhim,"kthekmajorksaid,kvoiceksoberkbutkeyesklaughing. kShekdidn'tkblamekhimkforkbeingkamused.kTheksituationkwaskhilariouskforkeveryone kexceptkher.k"Inkfairness,k Ik nowkmykfatherkwasksincerelykconcernedkforkme.kHekreallykbelievedkthatkforkakw omanknotktokmarrykwask akghastlykfate.kAlso,kwhilekhekwaskperfectlykhappyktokseekthektitlekgoktokhiskbr other,kWilloughby,khekdidn'tk

wantkhiskownklinektokdiekoutkifkIkchoseknotktokmarry." wantkhiskownklinektokdiekoutkifkIkchoseknotktokmarry." k"Perhaps,kbutkitkdoesn'tkmeankIkwillkacceptkcoercionktamely."kHerkmouthktwisted .k"It'skparadoxical.k Becausekofkthekwaykhekraisedkme,kIkcankneverkbekcontentkwithkthekladyli eklifekh ekwantedkmektokhave." kDavidkliftedkthekcoffeepotkandkpouredkmorekforkbothkofkthem.k"Howkwerekyoukrais ed?" k"HektreatedkmekaskifkIkwouldkbekhiskheir.kWekrodekthekestatektogetherkdiscussin gkdrainagekandklivestoc k andkcropkrotation,kallkthekthingsktheklordkofkthekmanorkmustk now.kThekKendalkes tate,kCharlton,kiskinkmyk bloodkandkmindkandksoul."kHerkvoicekfaltered.k"But kCharltonkcankneverkbekmine." k"Itkwon'tkbektheksame,kbutknowkyoukarekinkakpositionktokbuykanotherkestate.kWit hktimekandklove,kyoukcank ma ekitkaskmuchkyourkownkaskCharltonkwas." kShekglancedkatkhimkshyly.k"Youkunderstand,kdon'tkyou?kI'vekseldomktal edkofkthi s.kMerekfemaleskareknotk supposedktokbeksokattachedktokthekland." k"Anyonekwhoksayskthatkiskakfool." k"Tokbekhonest,kI'vekalwayskfeltkthat,kbutkfewkmenkagree,"ksheksaidkcandidly.k"N owkthatkmykinheritancekhask beenksecured,kIkshallkstartkwatchingkforkaksuitablekestatektokcomekontokthekmar et.kItkmaykta ekyears,kbutk inktime,kIkwillkfindkwhatkI'mksee ing."

k"Becomingkakwomankofkpropertykiskakworthykambition,kandkIkdon'tkdoubtkthatkyouk shallkachievekit."kHek studiedkherkface.k"Butkwhatkaboutkmarriage?kThekfirstktimekwekmet,kIkbelievekyou ksaidktherekwaskakmank youkhadkhopeskof." kShekconcentratedkonkmoundingktheksugarklumpskhighkinkthekbowlkwithktheklittleks ilverkspoon,kwonderingk howkmuchktoksay.kConfiningkherselfktokthekbarekfacts,ksheksaid,k"Thekrelationshi pkwaskonlykjustkbeginningk tokdevelop.kIkrankoutkofktimekbeforekIkcouldkdeterminekifkwekmightkhavekakfuture ktogether." k"Whatkiskthekgentlemankli e?" k"Verykgrandkandkworldly,kandkverykunimpressedkbykpeoplekwhokworshipkhisktitleka ndkwealth.kHekhaskak greatkdealkofkwit,kbutk indness,ktoo.kHe'skankadmirableklandlordkandkakmuchkresp ectedkmemberkofkthek HousekofkLords."kShekhesitated,k nowingkthatkshekcouldn't,kandkshouldn't,kexplai nkthekyearningkshekfeltk wheneverkshekthoughtkofkCandover.k"I kIkenjoykhiskcompanykgreatly." k"Heksoundskli ekakworthykandksuitablekhusband."

kDavidkscannedkher,khiskgazekenigmatic.k"Andkhe'dkhavektokbekakcompletekfoolknot ktokappreciatekyou." k"Hekseemsktokenjoykmykcompany,ktoo,kbutkhe'skalwayskbehavedkwithkthekutmostkpro prietykbecausekIkam,k orkwas,kakwell-bornkspinster,"ksheksaidkwryly.k"Hekhaskakreputationkforkpreferri ngkwomenkwhokarekas kask worldlykaskhekis." kUnderstandingkherkimplication,kthekmajorksaid,k"Suchkbehaviorkisknotkuncommonka mongkmenkwhokareknotk yetkreadyktokmarry.kNokdoubtkhekhaskbeenkwaitingkforkthekrightkwoman."k

k"That'skwhatkIkhavekbelieved."kShektoyedkwithkherkdelicatekchinakcupkinkankunch aracteristickdisplaykofk nervousness.k"NokdoubtkIksoundkverykfoolish,ktokbeksokinterestedkinkakmankwhokma ykneverkreturnkmyk regard." k"That'skwhatkIkhavekbelieved."kShektoyedkwithkherkdelicatekchinakcupkinkankunch aracteristickdisplaykofk nervousness.k"NokdoubtkIksoundkverykfoolish,ktokbeksokinterestedkinkakmankwhokma ykneverkreturnkmyk regard." k"You'rekakverykunderstandingkman.kIkwishkyoukwerekmykbrother,kbutkIksupposekMis skLancasterkwouldkbek loathktoksharekyou."k Hisksmilekwaskwry.k"Youkwouldkli ekmekforkakbrother?"k "Ik nowkthat'skimpossible,kbutkIkwouldkhopekwekcankbekfriends.kTookmuchkhaskhapp enedkinktheseklastk dayskforkusktokbekstrangers."k "You'rekcertainlykcorrectkaboutkthat."kHekofferedkherkhiskhand.k"Friends,kthen." k Shekwaskstruc kbykthekwarmthkandkstrengthkofkhiskclasp.kInkfact,kshekfeltksometh ingka inktokthektinglek experiencedkafterkcrossingkakcarpetkonkakcoldkday.kHekwaskwellkonkthekroadktokre covery.k Afterktheirkhandsha e,kheksaid,k"Spea ingkofkmyksister,kIkpresumekthatkyou'llkwa ntktokrevo ekthekannuityk youksettledkonkSally,ksincekIkdidn'tkfulfillkmykhalfkofkthekbargain."k Forkakmomentkshekwasktempted.kFivekhundredkpoundskakyearkwaskakconsiderableksum, kandkSallyk Lancasterkwaskhardlykankendearingkobjectkofkbenevolence.kButkshekhadkmadekakbarg ain.k"OfkcoursekIk won'tkrevo ekit.kYoukmarriedkme,kwhichkwaskthekessencekofkourkagreement."k "You'rekverykfair."k Hiskgazekwaskapproving,kbutkhiskfacekandkposturekwerekshowingksignskofkfatigue.k "I'mktiringkyou,"ksheksaidk apologetically.k"I'mksorry,kyoukseemksokwellkthatkIk eepkforgettingkhowkillkyouk havekbeen.kDokyoukwishktok liekdown?"k "PerhapskIkshould."kHekleveredkhimselfkcarefullykfromkhiskchair.k"IkimaginekIksh allkdoklittlekbutkeatkandk sleepkforktheknextkwee korktwo." kShekrosekalso,kwonderingkifkshekshouldksummonkMorgan.k"Dokyoukneedkassistance?" k "Ikcankmanage,kLadykJocelyn.kThan kyoukforkyourkconcern."k Thekatmospherekhadkbecomekoddlykformalkforktwokpeoplekwhokhadkjustkpledgedkfrien dship.k"Untilklater,k

then."k Herkhandkwaskalmostkonkthek nobkwhenkthekdoorkswungkopenkandkthekCountesskofkCro martykexplodedk intokthekroom,kherkflushedkfacekakclosekmatchkforkthekfuchsiakplumeskbobbingkove rkherkhead.kFixingk Jocelynkwithkakfulminatingkstare,ksheksnarled,k"Whatkiskthekmeaningkofkthis?" kChapterk13k

Startled,kJocelynksaidkfeebly,k"Ikbegkyourkpardon?"k Startled,kJocelynksaidkfeebly,k"Ikbegkyourkpardon?"k kJocelynkgaspedkatkthekwavekofkvitriol.kThoughkshekandkthekcountesskhadkneverkbe enkfondkofkeachkother,k theykusuallykmaintainedkatkleastkthekappearancekofkcivility.kButkthen,kElvirakha dkneverkbeenkdeprivedkofkak fortunekbefore. kHerkauntkwaskdrawingkherkbreathkforkanotherkbarragekwhenkakcoolkvoicekcutkacros skthekroom.k"Wouldk youkbeksok indkasktokintroducekus,kJocelyn?" kShe'dkforgottenkDavid'skpresence,kbutknowksheksteppedkasideksokthatkherkauntkco uldkseekthatkshekhadk invadedkakgentleman'skbedroom.kUnfortunately,kthekcountesskwaskbeyondkquestionsk ofkpropriety.kThek sightkofkMajorkLancasterkproducedkaklowkgrowlkinkthekbac kofkherkthroat. kWishingkshekcouldksparekhimkthiskscene,kJocelynksaid,k"David,kthiskiskmykaunt,k thekCountesskofkCromarty.k AuntkElvira,kMajorkDavidkLancaster."kShekdeliberatelykintroducedkherkauntktokDav id,k nowingkthatkthek status-consciouskcountesskwouldkseekitkaskthekinsultkitkwas. k"Sokyou'rekthekonekta ingkpartkinkthiskfarce,"kElvirakbitkout.k"I'vekneverkeven kheardkofkyou.kYou'rek nobody." kDavidkgavekthekcountesskankimpeccablekbow.k"Ofkcoursekyoukcan'tkapprovekofkthek factkthatkyourkniecek haskthrownkherselfkawaykonksomeonekofknokgreatkran korkwealth.kWithkherkbeauty,k birth,kandkcharm,kshek couldkloo ktokthekhighestkinkthekland.kIndeed,kIkhavekpointedkthatkoutktokmykdea rkgirlkmanyktimes." kLoo ingkveryktallkandkverykdistinguished,kheksteppedkforwardkandkputkhiskarmkar oundkJocelyn'sk shoulders.k"Ikcouldknotkagreekwithkyoukmorekaboutkthekunsuitabilitykofkthekmatch .kHowever,kthek attachmentkhaskstoodkthektestkofktime.kSincekourkfeelingskwerekunaltered,kIksucc umbedktoktemptationkandk as edkJocelynktokmarrykme." kHiskdearkgirlkwaskstaringkatkhimkwithkblan kastonishment,ksokhekgavekherkakdoti ngksmilekandkank unobtrusivekwin .k"It'skaktributektokyourkperceptionkthatkyoukrealizeknokmankcou ldkbekgoodkenoughkfork yourkniece,kLadykCromarty.kIkcankonlykswearkIkwillkspendkmyklifektryingktokbekwo rthykofkher." kJocelyn'skastonishmentkalmostkturnedktokuncontrollablekgiggles.kWithkheroickwil lpower,kshekcooed,k "David,kdarling,kyoukdoksayktheksweetestkthings!kAskifkanykwomankwouldn'tkbekpro udktokbekyourkwife."k Turningktokherkaunt,ksheksaidksoulfully,k"Suchknobilitykofknature,ksuchkhighkpri nciples,karekbeyondkprice.k

Andkthekheartkofkaklion hekiskakherokofkWaterloo,kyouk now."kShekslippedkherkarmka roundkhiskwaistkandk laidkherkheadkagainstkhiskshoulder.k"Ikamkthekmostkfortunatekofkwomen." kElvirakstaredkinkstupefaction.kWhateverkshekhadkexpected,kitkwasknotkthiskpictu rekofkmutualkadoration.k AndkwhilekshekmightknotkhavekheardkofkMajorkLancaster,khekwaskundeniablykakgentl eman.k"Youkhavek beenkattachedkforksomektime?" k"Oh,kwekhavek nownkeachkotherkthiskage,"kDavidksaidkblandly.k"Butkthekdifferenc ekinkourkstationskandkthek warkconspiredktok eepkuskapart."kHekgavekElvirakakseraphicksmile.k"Ikhopekyoukwi llkwishkuskhappy."k

k"Itkseemskli ekakdeucedkhole-in-cornerkbusinessktokme,"kElviraksnapped.k"Nokann ouncement,knokbanns,k nokonekfromkthekfamilykpresent.kAtkthekverykleast,kyoukshouldkhavekinvitedkWillo ughbykandkme.kAskheadkofk thekfamily,khekshouldkhavekgivenkyoukaway." k"Itkseemskli ekakdeucedkhole-in-cornerkbusinessktokme,"kElviraksnapped.k"Nokann ouncement,knokbanns,k nokonekfromkthekfamilykpresent.kAtkthekverykleast,kyoukshouldkhavekinvitedkWillo ughbykandkme.kAskheadkofk thekfamily,khekshouldkhavekgivenkyoukaway." kUnconvinced,kElviraksaid,k"Thiskiskallkverykpretty,kbutkhowkdidkyouktwokmeet?" kDecidingkthekperformancekhadkgonekonklongkenough,kJocelynksaidkfirmly,k"Itkwask verykthoughtfulkofkyouktok paykyourkrespects,kAuntkElvira,kbutkIkcannotkallowkyouktoktirekmykhusbandkanyklo nger."kSheksteppedkawayk fromkDavidktokpullkthekbellkcord. kDudleykarrivedkalmostkimmediately.kJocelynkassumedkthatkclosekinspectionkwouldk revealkthekshapekofkak eyholekimprintedkonkhiskear.k"Pleasekshowkthekcountesskdownstairs.kIkamksorrykn otktokaccompanykyou,k Aunt,kbutkmykhusbandkandkIkwerekdiscussingkmatterskofksomekimportance."kShektoo kDavid'skarm,kbattingk herklasheskoutrageously. kRouted,kthekcountesskturnedkandkbrushedkbykDudleyksokquic lykherkplumeskhitkhim kinkthekface. kJocelynkwaitedkuntilkthekfootstepskhadkdiedkawaykbeforekcollapsingkintokakchair kandkgivingkinktokwhoopsk ofklaughter.k"Ik nowknowkwhykyoukdidn'tkdiekofkyourkwounds,kMajor,"kshekgasped.k "Youkwerekobviouslyk bornktokbekhanged.kIkhavekneverkheardksuchkakstringkofkhalf-truthskinkmyklife.k' Wekhavek nownkeachkotherk thiskage,'kindeed!" k"It'skthekadvantagekofklegalktraining,kmykdear.kAnyklawyerkworthkhisksaltkcankc hoosekwordsksokeffectivelyk thatkhekcankconvincekakreasonablekmankthatkblac kiskwhite.kIfkyoukthin kbac ,kyo u'llkseekthatkIkdidn'tk actuallyktellkanyklies."kDavidksatkonkthekedgekofkthekbed,kaksmileklur ing.k"Ifk Ikwaskbornktokbekhanged,kyouk werekbornkforkDrurykLane.kYoukenteredkintokthekspiritkofkthingskratherkquic ly." k"Itkwaskverykbadkofkme,"kJocelynksaidkwithoutkregret.k"ButkthatkAuntkElviraksho uldkspea ktokmeksokinkmyk ownkhouse!" k"Dokyoukalwayskclash?" k"ShekmarriedkmykunclekwhenkIkwasktwo.kI'mktoldkthatkwhenkwekfirstkmet,kshekscoo pedkmekupkinkherkarmsk inkankeffortktokprovekherkmaternalkinstincts,kwhereuponkIkbitkherkonktheknose.kO urkrelationshipkhaskbeenk deterioratingkeverksince."

kHekgrinned.k"LadykCromartykwaskright.kYou'rekakshamelesskbaggage." kJocelynksmiledkbac ,kunabashed.k"Whilekthekdesirektokbuyklandkwaskthekstrongest kreasonktokretainkmyk fortune,khonestykcompelskmektokadmitkthatkwantingktokthwartkAuntkElvirakcamekakc loseksecond."kAkthoughtk occurredktokher.k"Ifkwekgetkankannulment,kcankshekcontestkmykinheritancekonkthek groundskthatkIkwaskneverk reallykmarried?" kDavidkshrugged.k"Onkakgivenkday,kanyonekcanksuekanyonekforkanything.kIkdon'tkth in kshekwouldkwin,kbutk youkwillkwantktokdiscusskthekwholekmatterkwithkyourksolicitor.kIskyourkunclekthe ksortktokchallengekyoukink court?kEvenkifktheksuitkfails,kfightingkitkwouldkbekexpensivekandkpainful."k

k"WilloughbykwillkprobablykdokwhateverkElvirakwishes.kHe'skakpleasantkman,kbutkt horoughlykunderkthek cat'skpaw."kUneasilykshekconfrontedkthekpossibilitykofkaklawsuit.kItkwasktimekto kconsultkwithkJohnkCrandall,k herklawyer.kAtkleastkakcivilksuitkwouldn'tkbekaskhorriblekaskakdivorce. k"WilloughbykwillkprobablykdokwhateverkElvirakwishes.kHe'skakpleasantkman,kbutkt horoughlykunderkthek cat'skpaw."kUneasilykshekconfrontedkthekpossibilitykofkaklawsuit.kItkwasktimekto kconsultkwithkJohnkCrandall,k herklawyer.kAtkleastkakcivilksuitkwouldn'tkbekaskhorriblekaskakdivorce. k"I'mknotksure.kReturnktokthekarmy,kprobably.kThekthoughtkofkgarrisonkdutykdoesn 'tkexcitekme,kbutkI'mknotk surekwhatkelsekI'dkbekqualifiedktokdo."kHeksmiledkwithoutkhumor.k"Ofkcourse,kthe karmykmightknotkwantkme.k TherekarekboundktokbektroopkreductionsknowkthatkBonapartekiskgonekforkgood." kShekscowled.k"ItkseemsksokunfairkthatkthekmenkwhoksavedkEnglandkwillkbekdiscard edkli e kli ekoldkshoesk nowkthatktheykareknotkneeded." k"Lifekiskakgoodkdealkmorekcomfortablekifkonekdoesn'tkexpectkitktokbekfair." kAk noc ksoundedkatkthekdoor,kandkDudleykentered.k"Dr.kKinloc kiskherektokseekMa jorkLancaster." kMovingkwithkhiskusualkimpatience,kKinloc kenteredkonkthekbutler'skheels.kHiskbu shykeyebrowskraisedkatk thekcozykscenekinkfrontkofkhim.k"IkthoughtkI'dkbetterkstopkbykearlyktoday,kbutki tkloo skli ekmykconcernkfork yourkwelfarekwaskmisplaced." kDavidkrosekatktheksurgeon'skentrance.k"Ikmayknotkbekreadykforkridingkorktwentymilekmarcheskforkanotherk fewkwee s,kbutkIkfeelkwell.kWhole." kKinloc kgrinned.k"Yourkopinionkdoesn'tkcount,kMajor.kI'mkthekdoctor,ksokI'llkte llkyoukwhetherkorknotk you'rekwell." kSeeingkthatktheksurgeonkwantedktokperformkankexamination,kJocelynkrose.k"I'llks eekyouklater,kMajork Lancaster.kShallkIkas kmyklawyerktokcallkonkusktomorrow?" kHeksighed.k"Theksoonerkthekbetter,kIksuppose." kAskshekleft,kshekrealizedkthatkshe'dkspentkmuchklongerkwithkDavidkthankshekhadk intended.kHekwaskveryk easykcompany.kAkpitykthatkshekcouldn'tkadoptkhimkaskakbrother,kbutkthatkwouldkma ekSallykLancasterkherk sister,kwhichkwouldkneverkdo. kDavidkandkKinloc kbothkadmiredkthekelegancekofkJocelyn'skdepartingkfigurekasksh ekglidedkfromkthekroom.k "She'skakbrawkbonnieklassie,"ktheksurgeonksaidkinkonekofkhiskstrongerkScottishka ccentskbeforekhekbegank po ingkandkproddingkhiskpatient.

kAfterkakthoroughkexaminationkthatkincludedklisteningktokthekheartkthroughkakrol ledktubekofkheavykpaper,k Kinloc ksaid,k"Youkhavekthekconstitutionkofkankox,kMajor.kTheksurgicalkincisionk isknearlykclosedkwithknok signkofkinfectionkandkyou'vekcomekthroughkthekopiumkwithdrawalkwithoutkdamage.kI 'llkadmitkthatkIkwask quitekconcernedkyesterday." k"SokwaskI,"kDavidksaidkwryly. k"Ikwon'tkwastekmykbreathkonkinstructionskforkyourkconvalescenceksincekyoukwillk dokaskyoukpleaseknok

matterkwhatkIksay."kTheksurgeonkscowledkfromkunderkhiskbushykbrows.k"Iktrustktha tkyoukhavekenoughk sensektokeatkwell,krestkoften,kandknotkpushkyourselfkbeyondkyourkstrength?" matterkwhatkIksay."kTheksurgeonkscowledkfromkunderkhiskbushykbrows.k"Iktrustktha tkyoukhavekenoughk sensektokeatkwell,krestkoften,kandknotkpushkyourselfkbeyondkyourkstrength?" k"Don'tkthan kme,kthan kyourksister.kWhenkeveryonekelsekhadkgivenkupkonkyou,kshe kdidn't.kShe'skak fearsomeklass.kHadkmektremblingkinkmykboots."kKinloc ksmiled,kwarmthkinkhiskeyes .k"Ikdidknothingkspecial,k exceptktokexaminekyoukclosely.kUnfortunately,kthekdoctorskatkthekYor kHospitalkh adkalreadykdecidedkyouk werekhopeless." k"Youkundervaluekyourkownks ills."kDavidktiedktheksashkofkhiskrobe,kgladkthekexa minationkwaskover.kThek factkthatkhekwaskhealingkwellkdidn'tkmeankthatkpo ingkdidn'tkhurt.k"Ikpresumekyo ukwon'tkbekcallingkagain?" k"I'llkremovektheksuturesknextkwee ,kbutkapartkfromkthat,kyoukhaveknokneedkofkme ,kMajor."kKinloc kclosedk hiskmedicalkbagkwithkaksnap.k"IkmustkbekoffktokBart's.kIkhavekseveralksurgeriesk tokperformktoday." kDavidkofferedkhiskhand.k"It'skbeenkakpleasure." kTheksurgeon'skgripkwaskpowerful.k"Thekpleasurekwaskmine.kAmongkallkthekfailures kofkakphysician'sklife,kitkisk rewardingktokhavekaksplendidksuccessknowkandkthen."kHekgavekakquic ,kboyishkgrin .k"Besides,kLadyk JocelynkhaskalreadykpaidkthekoutrageouskbillkIksentkher.kItkwillk eepkmykfreeksu rgeryksuppliedkwithk medicineskforktheknextkyear.kGoodkdayktokyou." kAfterkKinloc kleft,kDavidkstretchedkoutkonkthekbed,kcarefulkofkhiskstill-sorekb ac .kSokLadykJocelynkhadk evenkpaidkthekmedicalkbill.kThekmoneykitselfkmightkbekinsignificantktokakwomanko fkgreatkwealth,kbutkitkwask anotherksignkofkherkgoodksportsmanshipkinkthekfacekofkthekjestkfatekhadkplayedko nkher.kShekwaskakladykink everyksensekofkthekword. kHekclosedkhiskeyes,kfeelingkenormouslykweary.kShekwaskeverythingkhekhadkdreamed kofkinkakwoman,kshek waskhiskwife andkhekwaskhelpingktokridkherkofkhiskunwelcomekpresence.kHekwaskakdam nedkfool. kButkhekhadknokchoice,kreally.kThekLadykJocelynkKendal,konlykandkwealthykdaughte rkofkankearl,kwasknotk forkakhalf-paykofficerkwithoutkpropertykorkprospects. kWhenkSallykLancasterkenteredkherkbrother'skroomkinkmidafternoon,kshekwasksokdel ightedktokseekhimkupk andkwellkthatkshekbarelykrefrainedkfromkgivingkhimkakhugkaltogetherktookenergeti ckforkankinvalid.kSheksettledk forkgrabbingkhiskhandskandkholdingkthemktightly.k"You'rekgoingktokbekallkrightkn ow,karen'tkyou?"

kHekchuc led.k"Askofkthiskmorning,kIkamkfarktookhealthyktokinterestkDr.kKinloc k anyklonger.kAkfewkwee sk ofkseriouskeatingkandkIkshouldkbekaskgoodkasknew.kAndkIkowekitkallktokyou,kSally .kEveryonekelsekhadkgivenk up,kmekincluded.kButkyoukdidn't." kSheksmiledkteasingly.k"Ikhelpedkyoukforkmykownkbenefit,kDavid.kWhokelsekwouldkt oleratekmekaskwellkask youkdo?" k"Plentykofkmenkwouldkbekdelightedktokdokso."kHekgesturedkforkherktokta ekakseat .k"Nowkthatkyoukhavekank independentkincomekandkdon'tkneedktokteach,kwhatkdokyoukwantktokdo?kHavekyoukeve rkconsideredk marriage?"k

kSurprisedkatkthekquestion,ksheksaid,k"Surelykthekannuitykwillkbekcanceled,ksinc ekdearkLadykJocelynkdidn'tk getkthekdeadkhusbandkshekhadkbargainedkfor." kSurprisedkatkthekquestion,ksheksaid,k"Surelykthekannuitykwillkbekcanceled,ksinc ekdearkLadykJocelynkdidn'tk getkthekdeadkhusbandkshekhadkbargainedkfor." k"Iskmarriagekjustkakmatterkofkcontractklaw?"kSallykas edkindignantly.k"Thatkwom ankhaskicekinkherkveins." kDavid'skbrowskdrewktogetherkatkherkvehemence.k"Dokyoukdisli ekLadykJocelyn?" kRememberingkthatkherkbrotherkhadn'tkseenkthekblastedkwoman'sktrueknature,kSally ksaidkstiffly,k"We'vekhadk littlekopportunityktokbecomekacquainted."kSheksearchedkforksomethingkpositivekto ksaykaboutkherk sister-in-law.k"LadykJocelynkhaskbeenkmostkconsideratekaboutkthekusekofkherkhous ekandkherkservants.kShek alsokveryk indlyksentkmekaknotekthiskmorningktokinformkmekthatkyoukhadkrecovered kfromkthekopiumk withdrawal,kwhichkwaskakgreatkrelief." kInkspitekofkherkresolutionktokbekhigh-minded,kSallykcouldknotkhelpkadding,k"But khonestly,kthekthoughtkofk beingkrelatedktokherkforkthekrestkofkmyklifekma eskthekbloodkcurdlekinkmykveins. " kDavidkfrowned,kbutkbeforekhekcouldkreplykakcoolkvoiceksoundedkfromkthekdoorway. k"Youkneedkhaveknok fearskonkthatkscore,kMisskLancaster."kLadykJocelynkenteredkthekroomkcarryingkakn ewspaper.k"Yourk brotherkandkIkhavekalreadykdiscussedksee ingkankannulment,ksokyourkbloodkmaykcon tinuektokflowk uncurdled." kSallykflushedkbeetkred,kfeelingkhorriblykgauche.kUnfortunatelykshe'dkalwayskbee nkbetterkatkattac kthank apology,ksokherkwic edktonguekspatkout,k"Splendid.kIfkankannulmentkiskpossible,k IkpresumekDavidkiskinknok dangerkfromkyou." k"Sally!"khekexclaimed. k"Don'tkworry,kMajor,"kLadykJocelynksaidkwithkakmaddeningkdisplaykofktolerance.k "It'sknotkthekfirstktimek yourksisterkhaskmadeksuchkaccusations.kHerkconcernkforkyoukseemsktokhavekoversti mulatedkherk imagination."kShekplacedktheknewspaperkonkthektable.k"Ikthoughtkyoukmightkenjoyk catchingkupkonktheknews.k Excusekmekforkthekinterruption." kDavidksaid,k"Akmoment,kplease,kLadykJocelyn." kRespondingktoktheknotekofkcommandkinkhiskvoice,kherkladyshipkturnedkherkcoolkga zekbac ktokherkguests.k "Yes,kMajorkLancaster?" kSallykhadktokadmirekLadykJocelyn'skbone-deepkhaughtiness.kOnekcouldkalmostkseek

invisiblekran skofk long-deadkKendalsklinedkupkbehindkher,kallkofkthemkmasterskofkpridekandkvastlykp leasedkwithktheirk descendant. kDavid,khowever,kwasknotkeasilykintimidated.k"Whykarekyouktwokatkdaggerskdrawn?" kAnkuncomfortableksilencekfell,kuntilkLadykJocelynksaid,k"Yourksisterkhaskta enk itkintokherkheadkthatkIkamkak dangerkeitherktokyourkcontinuedkexistence,korkpossiblyktokherkrelationshipkwithk you.kApparentlykshekenjoysk seeingkthreatskwhereknonekexist."k

kSally'skprecariouskholdkonkherktemperksnapped.k"k"Threatskwhereknonekexist!'kDa vid,kIkhadn'tkmeantkyouk tok now,kbutkIkhadktokforcekherktokletkyoukcomekhere.kOncekshekwaskinkpossession kofkherkmarriageklines,k shekwaskperfectlykwillingktokletkyoukdiekinkthatkghastlykhospital,ksokyoukwouldn 'tktroublekherkselfishk existence." kSally'skprecariouskholdkonkherktemperksnapped.k"k"Threatskwhereknonekexist!'kDa vid,kIkhadn'tkmeantkyouk tok now,kbutkIkhadktokforcekherktokletkyoukcomekhere.kOncekshekwaskinkpossession kofkherkmarriageklines,k shekwaskperfectlykwillingktokletkyoukdiekinkthatkghastlykhospital,ksokyoukwouldn 'tktroublekherkselfishk existence." kJocelynkgavekakreluctantknod. kSallykwasn'tkfinishedkyet.k"Whenkshekgavekmekthekfirstkquarter'skallowance,kIka s edkwhykitkwasn'tkthirtyk pieceskofksilver."kShekglaredkatkherksister-in-law.k"Yourkdearkwifektoldkmekthat ksilverkwaskforksellingk people,kandksincekshekwaskbuying,kshekpaidkgold!" k"Didkyoukreallyksaykthat?"kDavidkas edkinkastonishment. kJocelyn'skfacekflamed.k"I'mkafraidkso"kSuddenlykshekloo edkmorekli ekakchildkca ughtkinkmischiefkthankak proudkladykwithkicekinkherkveins. kTokSally'skshoc ,kherkbrotherkburstkintoklaughter.k"Really,"khekgaspedkaskhekat temptedktokcollectkhimself,k "Ikhavekneverkseenksuchkfoolishkfemales." kBothkpairskofkwatchingkeyeskgrewkfrosty.kSallykas edkinkakdangerousktone,k"Just kwhatkdokyoukmeankbyk that?" k"Youkarektwokofkthekmostkcapable,knotktokmentionkimperious,kwomenkI'vekeverkmet .kNaturallykyoukbringk outkeachkother'skworstknatures."kHekshoo khiskheadkinkmoc kbemusement.k"Whoeverk claimedkfemalesk werekthekwea erksexkdidn'tk nowkyou.kAllkakpoorkmalekcankdokiskagreekquic lykand khopektokescapek unscathed." k"Don'tkbelievekakwordkofkit,"kSallyksaidkacidlyktokherkladyship.k"Davidkiskgene rallykquitekreasonable,kforkak man,kbutkwheneverkhekhaskankobjectkinkmind,konekmightkaskwellkwavekthekwhitekfla gkimmediatelykbecausek hekiskgoingktokdokexactlykwhatkhekwants,kandkthekdevilkta ekthekhindmost." k"Ikhavekseenksignskofkthat."kJocelyn'skmouthkquir edkup.k"Ikbelievekthatkiskthe kfirstktimekyoukandkIkhavek agreedkonkanything." kSallykfeltkankansweringksmilektugkatkherklips.k"Whatkankalarmingkthought." kDavidktoo khisksister'skhand.k"Sally,kIkgatherkthatkbecausekofkthekcircumstance

skofkourkweddingkyou'vek assumedkthatkLadykJocelynkiskmykenemy,kbutkshe'sknot.kIfkshekhadkmeantkmekill,ks hekcouldkhavekallowedk mektokfallkoverkthekrailingkoutsidekmykbedroomklastknight,kwhichkwouldkhavekmade kherkakwidowkonkthek spot." kSallykgaspedkaskshekenvisionedktheklethalkdrop.k"Youkwouldkhavekbeenk illed!" k"Mykwitskwerekwandering,kandkapparentlykIkdecidedktokfollowkthem.kJocelynkpulle dkmekclearkandkputkmek tokbedksafely."kHekbec onedkhiskwifekforward,kta ingkherkhandkaskwell.k"Duringkt hekworstkofkmykillness,k shektendedkmekwithkherkownkhandskevenkthoughkwekwerekalmostkstrangers.kShekcould knotkhavekbehavedk betterkhadkwekbeenkmarriedktwentykyears."k

kIncredulous,kSallykas ed,k"Youkreallykhelpedknursekmykbrother,kLadykJocelyn?" kIncredulous,kSallykas ed,k"Youkreallykhelpedknursekmykbrother,kLadykJocelyn?" kSally'skmindksnappedkbac ktokthekmorningkofkthekwedding,kwhenkshekhadkflatlykre fusedkallkfuturekhelpk fromkLadykJocelyn.kUnderkthekcircumstances,kitkwaskhardlykfairktokblamekthekwoma nkforknotkhavingk thoughtkofkta ingkDavidkintokherkhome.kSallykhadkbeenkakthrice-damnedkfool.kWith keffort,kshekforcedk herselfktokmeetkherksister-in-law'skgaze.k"Ikowekyoukankabjectkapology.kWhatkIks aidkwaskquitek abominable." kThekevil-temperedkaristocratkofkSally'skimaginationkwouldkhavekrubbedksaltkinkt hekwound.kInstead,kLadyk Jocelynksaidkruefully,k"Yes,kbutkyoukhadkconsiderablekprovocation.kIkshouldknotk havekspo enkaskIkdid." kWarilykthektwokwomenkregardedkeachkotherkoverkthekheadkofkthekmankwhokstillkhel dkbothkofktheirkhands.k Jocelynkbro ektheksilence.k"Youkhavekthekmostkmagnificentktalentkforkcausingkmek toklosekmyktemperkandk saykdreadfulkthings.kIfkmykAuntkLaurakhadkheardkme,kshekwouldkhaveksentkmektokbe dkwithoutkanyksupperk forkakmonth.kShallkwekpretendkthatktheklastkwee kneverkhappenedkandkbeginkoverka gain?"kSmiling,kshekheldk outkherkhand.k"Goodkafternoon.kHowknicekitkiskthatkyoukcouldkvisit." kSallykhadkbeenkrightkinkherkpreviouskspeculation:kLadykJocelynkKendalkwaskirres istiblekwhenkshek unleashedkthekfullkpowerkofkherksmile. kSmilingkbac ,kshektoo kthekprofferedkhand.k"Goodkday,kLadykJocelyn.kMyknamekisk SallykLancaster.kIk believekyoukarekmarriedktokmykbrother.kSokpleasedktokma ekyourkacquaintance." kAskthektwokwomenkclaspedkhands,kSallyksilentlykthan edkherkbrotherkforkgivingkt hemkthekchancektokstartk over.kAlreadykshekcouldkseekthatkitkwouldkbekmuchknicerktokhavekLadykJocelynkask akfriendkthankankenemy. kChapterk14k Thekcessationkofkhostilitieskwaskcelebratedkwithkteakandkca es.kNowkthatktheykha dkdecidedknotktokbek adversaries,kSallykrecognizedkthekwarmthkunderkJocelyn'skcoolkmanner.kTokherksha me,kshekrealizedkhowk muchkofkherkoriginalkbadkopinionkstemmedkfromkherkownkprejudices.kBeingkwell-bor nkdidn'tknecessarilyk ma eksomeonekselfishkandkcruel,kanykmorekthankpovertykcreatedknobilitykofkspirit . kAfterkankhourkLadykJocelynkexcusedkherself,kclaimingkobligationskoutkofkthekhou se.kSallykstayedkwithkherk brotherkakwhileklonger,kbutkrosektokleavekwhenksheksawkthatkhekwasktiring.k"Didk Dr.kKinloc ksaykwhenkhek wouldkcomekagain,kDavid?"kshekas edkaskshekpic edkupkherkreticule.

k"He'llkremovekthekstitcheskinkakfewkdays,kbutkotherwisekhekwon'tkcomekagainkunl esskIkhavekakrelapse,k whichkIkhaveknokintentionkofkdoing." kCrossingktokthekbed,kDavidkdidn'tknoticekhowkherkfacekfell.k"Oh.kHowkunfortunat e.kI kIkneverkproperlyk than edkhim."k

k"YoukcankbeksurekthatkIkdid."kHerkbrotherklaykdown,kwincingkaklittle.k"He'skank interestingkmankaskwellkaskak fineksurgeon.kI'llkbeksorryknotktokseekhimkagain,kbutkhe'sknotktheksortktokwaste ktimekonkhealthykpeople." k"YoukcankbeksurekthatkIkdid."kHerkbrotherklaykdown,kwincingkaklittle.k"He'skank interestingkmankaskwellkaskak fineksurgeon.kI'llkbeksorryknotktokseekhimkagain,kbutkhe'sknotktheksortktokwaste ktimekonkhealthykpeople." k"LadykJocelynkhaskalreadykta enkcarekofkwhatkKin-loc kassureskmekwaskankoutrage ouskbill." k"Thatkdoesn'tkseemkright.kWekshouldkpaykit."kSallykbitkherklip.k"ThoughkIkwould khavektokusekthekmoneyk LadykJocelynkgavekme." k"I'mkinclinedktokagreekwithkyou,kbutkI'mknotkupktokarguingkwithkherkatkthekmome nt.kYoukmaykquarrelkwithk herkaboutkthekbillkifkyoukwish."kHiskeyeskdriftedkshut. kShekshouldn'tkbektiringkhimkwithktrivialkmatters.k"Nokmorekfighting.kBesides,kI kfindkthatkIkobjectktokherk ladyship'skgenerositykmuchklessknowkthatkI'vekmadekmykpeacekwithkher."kShek isse dkherkbrotherkonkthek forehead.k"I'llkseekyouktomorrowkafternoon." kSallykturnedkleftktokHydekPar kwhenkshekexitedkCromartykHouse.kThekLauncestonsk believedkthatkduringk theksummerkthekchildrenkshouldkhaveklessonskonlykinkthekmorning,ksokshekdidn'tkn eedktokreturnktokwor .k Shekwaskverykfortunatekinkherkemployers.kNonetheless,knowkthatkshekhadkakchoice, kitkwaskonlykakmatterkofk timekuntilkshekgaveknotice.kTherekwaskmuchkshekhadkenjoyedkaboutkbeingkakgoverne ss,kbutkshekwaskreadyk forksomethingkdifferent.kWhat,kshekdidn'tk now. kDespitekthekbeautykofktheksummerkday,kaskshekstrolledkthroughkthekpar 'skgreenk expanseskshekbroodedk aboutktheksharpkpangkofkregretkshe'dkfeltkwhenkDavidksaidkthatkKinloc kwouldknot kreturn.kWhykhadkshek reactedksokstrongly?kMisskSarahkLancasterkwaskakparagonkofkthekpracticalkvirtues ,kwithoutkakromantick bonekinkherkbody. kTokbeksure,kshek eptkthin ingkofkthekdoctor'skpowerfullykmuscledkfigure,kthekla rgekhandskthatkcouldkmovek withksuchkdelicacy,kbutkthatkwaskmerelykadmirationkforktheksurgeon'skstrengthkan dks ill.kAndkwhilekthek imagekofkhiskprematurelykwhitekhairkandkitskcontrastkwithkhiskdar ,kshaggykbrows k eptkrecurringktokher,k thatkwaskonlykbecausekhiskappearancekwasksokstri ing. kShekgavekaksnortkofkexasperation.kWhokdidkshekthin kshekwaskdeceiving? kHerkstepskhadkledkherktokthekSerpentine,ksokshekfoundkankunoccupiedkbenchkandkg azedkunseeingkoverkthek placidkwaterskofktheklittlekla e.kShekwasknotkinkthekhabitkofkhidingkfromkunplea santktruths,ksokshekmustkfacek

thekfactkthatkIankKinloc kappealedktokherkinkwayskthatkhadknothingktokdokwithkhi skremar ableks ills.kShek li edkthekman.kLi edkhiskpassionatekcommitmentktokhiskwor ,kli edkhiskroughktong ue,kandkdeucekta ekit,k li edkthekwaykhekmoved,kthekquic ,kimpatientkstrengthkofkhim. kSheksighed.kHowktypicalkthatkthekfirstkmanktokta ekherkfancyksincekshekleftkthe kschoolroomkwasksok inappropriate.kIankKinloc klivedkforkhiskwor .kAskDavidkhadksaid,khekhadknokinte restkinkhealthykbodies.k Andkevenkifkhekdid,kplainkbrownkSarahkLancasterkwasknotkthekwomanktokdistractkhi mkfromkthekseriousk businesskofksavingkLondonkfromkthekReaper. kWaskthatkonekofkthekreasonskshekhadkresentedkLadykJocelyn,kwhosekbeautykandkcha rmkevenkthekgoodk doctorknoticed?kSallyktwistedkherkgloveskintok notskaskshekrealizedkthatkenvykha dkcontributedktokherk hostility.kHowkdishearteningktokadmitkthatkonekwasknotkreallykakveryknicekperson .k

kItkhadkbeenkgratifyingktokscornkLadykJocelynkaskakcold-bloodedkfemmekfatale,kbu tkbasedkonktheklastkfewk days,kherkbrother'skwifekwasksuperiorkinkcharacterkaskwellkaskinkloo s.kThatkfla wlessksocietykbeautykhadk caredkforkDavidkwithkherkownkhands,kevenkthoughkhekwaskvirtuallykakstranger.kItk waskaksoberingklessonkink notkbeingkruledkbykappearances. kItkhadkbeenkgratifyingktokscornkLadykJocelynkaskakcold-bloodedkfemmekfatale,kbu tkbasedkonktheklastkfewk days,kherkbrother'skwifekwasksuperiorkinkcharacterkaskwellkaskinkloo s.kThatkfla wlessksocietykbeautykhadk caredkforkDavidkwithkherkownkhands,kevenkthoughkhekwaskvirtuallykakstranger.kItk waskaksoberingklessonkink notkbeingkruledkbykappearances. kRisingkfromkthekbench,kshektriedktokrememberkhiskschedule.kThiskwaskonekofkhisk dayskatkBart's,kandkshek hadkseenkhowkexhaustingkthatkwas.kHowkmightkshekhelpkalleviatekthat? kAkmoment'skthoughtktoldkherkexactlykwhatktokdo. kWhenkIankKinloc kreturnedktokthekgrubbyklittlekcubiclekthatkwaskhiskBart'skoffi ce,khekwasksokdepletedkhek couldkbarelykopenkthekdoor.kAfterkleavingkMajorkLancaster,khe'dkexaminedkakroomf ulkofkhospitalkpatients,k followedkbyktragedykonkthekcuttingkwardkaskonekwomankhadkdiedkunderksurgery.kAno therkwouldn'tklastkthek nightkdespitekhiskbestkefforts.kAtktimeskli ekthis,khekwonderedkwhykhekdidn'tkpu rsuekakfashionablekpracticek thatkwouldn'tkdemandksuchkreserveskofkemotionalkandkphysicalkstrength. kAsksoonkaskhekenteredkthekroom,khekheadedktowardkhiskdes kandkthekloc edkwhis e ykdrawerkevenk thoughkhek newkthatkspiritskwerekakdamnedkpoorkantidotekforkwhatkailedkhim.kHekd idn'tkrealizekthatkhekhadk companykuntilkaklight,kfemininekvoiceksaid,k"You'llkbekablektokdrin kmorekifkyou keatksomethingkfirst." kBlin ing,khekturnedkandkdiscoveredkthatkMisskLancasterkwasksittingkinkthekonlyk visitor'skchair.kSettingkasidek thekboo kshe'dkbeenkreading,kshekliftedkakbas et.k"Ikthoughtkyoukwouldkbekhungry ,ksokIkbroughtksomek food." kBemused,khekpulledkoutkthekdes kchairkandksatkdown.k"AtkthekendkofkakdaykatkBar t's,kIkgenerallykcan'tk rememberkwhenkIkateklast." kShekhandedkhimkakmeatkpiekstillkwarmkfromkthekoven.kThekcrustkcrumbledkintokric hkfla eskaskhekbitkintokit.k Beefkandkmushroomkpie.kDelicious.kHektoo kanotherkbite,kandkcouldkfeelkstrengthk returning.kItkwaskfoodk thatkhe'dkneeded,knotkwhis ey.kNourishmentkinsteadkofkoblivion. kAskshekproducedkakjugkofkalekandkpouredkhimkaktan ard,kheksaid,k"Aren'tkyoukgoi ngktokeat,ktoo?" k"Ikwaskhopingkyou'dkas kmektokjoinkyou."

kTogetherktheykexploredkSally'skcapaciouskbas et.kBesideskmeatkpieskandkale,kshe khadkbroughtkbread,k cheese,kpic ledkonions,kandkwarmkpeachktarts.kAllkwerekexcellentkandkdesignedkfo rkeasykeating. kAfterkfinishingktheklastkofkhisktart,kIankreplenishedkhisktan ardkofkale.k"Nowk thatkI'mkhalfwaykhumankagain,k itkoccursktokmektokwonderkwhatkyou'rekdoingkhere." kSallykbeganktokclearkupkthekremainskofkthekmeal.k"WhenkDavidksaidkyoukwouldn'tk bekcomingkbac ,kIk realizedkthatkIkhadn'tkproperlykthan edkyoukforksavingkhim." k"Ikli ekthan skthatkta ekakpracticalkform."kHeksmiled,kmorekrelaxedkthankhekhad kbeenkinkwee s.k"Whatkyouk saidkatkthektimekwaskquitekadequate.kIkwaskjustkthekinstrument,kyouk now.kIkdokm ykbest,kbutkhealingkcomesk

fromkaklevelkbeyondkmyks ills." fromkaklevelkbeyondkmyks ills." k"Ikmaykbekakrationalistkonktheksurface,kbutkunderneathkI'mkakwild,kmysticalkCel t."kHeksurveyedkherkneat,k well-groomedkfigure.k"AkrespectablekEnglishkladykli ekyoukwouldn'tkunderstandkth at." kSallykclosedkherkbas etkandkgotktokherkfeet.k"WatchkwhomkyoukcallkEnglish,kladd ie.kMykmotherkwask Welsh,kandkasktruekakCeltkaskyou."kShekwal edktokthekdes kwithkakpac age.k"I'vek wrappedkthekbreadkandk cheesekinkpaperksoktheykshouldk eepkforkseveralkdays.kItkwouldn'tkhurtkyourkpati entskifkyoukateknowkandk then." kShekwaskloo ingkforkakclearkspotkonkthekclutteredkdes ktokputkthekfood,knotkwan tingkthekcheesektokstaink hiskpapers,kwhenkherkeyekwaskcaughtkbykankenvelope.kHerkbrowskrosekaskshekread,k "ThekHonorablekIank Kinloc ." kShekliftedkthekenvelopekandktiltedkitktowardkhim.k"Sorry,kIkcouldn'tkhelpkseein gkthis.kArekyouksurekyou'rekak wildkCelt?" kTheksurgeonkactuallykblushed.kShekwouldn'tkhavekbelievedkitkpossible. k"Mykmotherkinsistskonkaddressingkmekthatkway,"khekexplained.k"Mykfatherkiskthek LairdkofkKintyre.kMyk motherkwriteskregularlyktoksuggestkthatkIkgivekupkthiskmedicalknonsensekandkcome khomektoklivekli ekak properkKinloc ." k"Sokyoukcankslaughterkhelplesskanimalskandkgamblekawaykyourkfortune?"kshekremar ed,krememberingk whatkhekhadksaidktheknightktheykdinedkatkthektavern. k"Aye,kmykbrotherskarekakdabkhandkatkthatksortkofkthing.kTokbekfair,knonekofkthe mkhavekactuallykgambledk awaykakfortune,kandktheykarekverykgoodkfellowskinktheirkway.kTwokarekarmykoffice rskli ekyourkbrother.kButk we'rekaskunli ekaskchal kandkcheese." k"Ikcankwellkimagine."kShekwaskfascinatedkbykthiskunexpectedkglimpsekofkthekgruf fkdoctor.k"Ikshouldkthin k thatkthekgentlemanlyklifekwouldkcausekyouktokperishkofkboredomkinkakfortnight." k"Exactly.kMykmotherkhaskneverkunderstoodkthat."kHeksighed.k"Shekiskalsokconvinc edkI'llksuccumbktokthek charmskofksomekhopelesslykineligiblekfemale.kBlesskher,kshekassumeskthatkallkofk herkfiveksonskarek irresistible.kShe'skneverkreallykacceptedkthatkIkamkoutkofkleadingkstrings,keven kthoughkI'vekmorekwhitekhairk thankmykownkfather." k"Sheksoundskratherkdear."

k"Shekis.kHopeless,kbutkdear."kHektuc edkthekfoodkpac etkintokakdrawer.k"Shallkw ekgokoutsidekandkfindkak hac ney?kI'mktooktiredktokwal kyoukhome." kNotkwantingktokbekakburden,kshekassuredkhim,k"Youkneedn'tkconcernkyourself.kIt' skstillklightkout,kandkI'vek livedkinkLondonkforkyears." k"Ikmaykhaveknoktalentkforkbeingkakgentleman,kbutkIkcertainlykwon'tkletkakladykw al khomekinkthekdar ."kHek grinned.k"Besides,kyoukonlyklivekthreekbloc skfromkme."k

k"Yes,kDr.kKinloc ,"ksheksaidkdemurely,kthoughkinsidekherkpulsekquic enedkatkthe kprospectkofkmorektimek withkhim.kJustkbreathingktheksamekairkmadekherkfeelkmorekalive. k"Yes,kDr.kKinloc ,"ksheksaidkdemurely,kthoughkinsidekherkpulsekquic enedkatkthe kprospectkofkmorektimek withkhim.kJustkbreathingktheksamekairkmadekherkfeelkmorekalive. k"JustkaskIkgrowkwearykofkbeingkMisskLancaster,kparagonkofkvirtuekandkhighlykqua lifiedkgoverness."kShek gavekhimkakslantingkglance.k"Bykthekway,kwhatkdoeskakSallykloo kli e?" kHekchuc ledkasktheyksteppedkintokthekmildksummerkevening.k"Loo kinkthekmirror,k lass,kandkyou'llkfindkout." kHekflaggedkdownkakhac kandkhandedkherkintokit.kAsksheksettledkonkthekdingykseat ,kshekfeltkwellkpleasedk withkherkexpedition.kTherekwasknothingkloverli ekinktheksurgeon'skattitudekandkp robablykneverkwouldkbe,k butkhekseemedkwillingktokbekfriends. kAsktheykrodekthroughkthekLondonkdus ,kshekunobtrusivelykstudiedkthekcraggykface kunderkthekshoc kofk whitekhair.kHekmightkbekwillingktokacceptkherkfriendship butkwouldkthatkbekenoughk forkher? kChapterk15k

Jocelyn'sklawyerkcalledktheknextkday.kShekgavekhimkcreditkforknoblykrefrainingkf romksayingk"Iktoldkyoukso"k aboutkthektroublekcausedkbykherkimpetuouskmarriage,kthoughkhiskexpressionkwaskgl oomy.kTheklawyerk brightenedkwhenkDavidkoutlinedkhiskthoughtskonkannulment.kWhenkhekdiscoveredktha tkthekmajorkhadkreadk law,khiskexpressionkbecamekpositivelykapproving. k"Ikshallkhavektokdiscussktheksituationkwithkakproctor kthatkis,kaklawyerklicensed ktokpracticekinkthek ecclesiasticalkcourts,"kCrandallksaidkthoughtfully.k"Ikbelievekthatkthekcanonkla wkcoveringkthisksituationk requireskthatktheksuitkbekbroughtkbykyou,kLadykJocelyn.kYoukmustkcohabitkforkakt imekfirstkto kumm,kverifyk thatkthekproblemkiskpermanent.kHowever,koncekthekprocesskiskstarted,kankannulmen tkcouldkbekgrantedkink fivekorksixkmonths,ksincektheksuitkwillkbekuncontested." kThekbetterkpartkofkakyearkbeforekshekwouldkbekfree?kThatkwouldkraisekmerrykHade skwithkherkplans,kbutk sheksupposedkitkcouldkbekworse.k"Verykwell,kMr.kCrandall." kWithkakreturnkofkgloom,kheksaid,k"Youkunderstandkthatkwhilekyourklegalkposition kisksecure,kankannulmentk willkleavekyoukvulnerablektokaklawsuitkclaimingkthatkyoukwerekneverkreallykmarri ed,kandkhencekhaveknotk fulfilledkthektermskofkyourkfather'skwill?" k"I'mkawarekofkthekpotentialkproblems."

k"Thoughkyoukshouldkwinkanyksuchksuit,ktheklegalkfeeskwouldkbekconsiderable,kand ktherekcouldkbek unwelcomeknotoriety."kHekpeeredkatkherkoverkhiskspectacles.k"Youkwouldknotkconsi derkremainingk married?kItkwouldkbekbykfarktheksimplestksolution." kPatiencekatkankend,ksheksaidkbris ly,k"Simplekanswerskarekseldomkthekbest,kMr.k Crandall,kespeciallykink regardsktoksomethingkaskimportantkaskmarriage."k

kWithkaksigh,ktheklawyerkleft.kAfterkthekdoorkclosed,kJocelynkas ed,k"Dokyouksup posekhekbecamekak solicitorkbecausekhe'skglumkbyknature,korkthatkbeingkaksolicitorkhaskmadekhimkgl um?" kWithkaksigh,ktheklawyerkleft.kAfterkthekdoorkclosed,kJocelynkas ed,k"Dokyouksup posekhekbecamekak solicitorkbecausekhe'skglumkbyknature,korkthatkbeingkaksolicitorkhaskmadekhimkgl um?" k"ThenkI'mkgladkyoukchosekthekarmy.kRis ingkdeathkseemsktokbekmuchkbetterkforkth ekdispositionkthank drawingkcontracts." kAk noc katkthekdoorkheraldedkthekarrivalkofkRichardkDalton.kAfterkgreetingkhim, kJocelynkexcusedkherselfk tokleavekthektwokmenktogether. kAskRichardkloweredkhimselfkintokakchair,kDavidkrosekandkbeganktokmovekrestlessl ykaroundkthekroom.k "Don'tkmindkme afterkmeetingkwithkLadykJocelyn'sklawyer,kIkfeelkthekneedkforkactiv ity."kHekstumbledkandk hadktokma ekakquic kgrabkatktheknearestkbedpostktoksavekhimselfkfromkfalling.k"I 'llkhavektokseekifkMorgank cankfindkmekakcanektokusekuntilkIkregainkthek nac kofkwal ing." k"Goodkidea."kRichardkofferedkonekofkhiskcrutches. k"Inkthekmeantime,kta ekthis.kJocelynkwillkbekmostkdispleasedkifkyoukbrea kyours elfkwhilekIksitkidlyk watching." kThekcrutchkhelpedkhiskbalancekconsiderably.kHekfellkintokakregularkcircuitkarou ndkthekroom,kgratefulkforkthek chancektokusekhiskwea enedkmuscles. kWithklesskofkhiskconcentrationkonkstayingkupright,kDavidknoticedkthatkhiskfrien dkloo edkstrained.k"Isk somethingkwrong?" kRichardkgrimaced.k"Ikdecidedktokvisitkyourkmiracle-wor ingksurgeonktokseekifkhe kcankdokmorekforkmyk blastedklegkthanktheksurgeonskatkthekhospitalkhavekmanaged.kKinloc ksayskhekmigh tkbekablektokhelp,kbutkthek procedurekhekhaskinkmindkwouldkbekankexperiment." k"EvenkwithkKinloc ,kI'mknotksurekI'dkvolunteerktokbekaktestkcase,"kDavidksaidkw ithkakfrown.k"Whatkwaskhisk diagnosis?" k"Thekboneskinkmyklegkwerekbadlyksetkafterkthekbattle.kNoksurprise,kIksuppose,kg ivenkhowkoverwor edkandk exhaustedktheksurgeonskwere."kRichardksurveyedkhisktwistedkrightklegkwithoutkent husiasm.k"Theklegkisksok croo edkthatkI'llkbekseriouslykcrippledkforkthekrestkofkmyklife.kIfkI'mkvery,kve rykluc y,kIkmightkbekablektok managekwithkakcanekinsteadkofkcrutcheskonkakgoodkday.kAnd kitkhurtskli ekhell." kDavidkwinced.kThey'dkneverkdiscussedkRichard'skinjury,kandkhe'dkassumedkitkwask

onlykakmatterkofktimek untilkhiskfriendkrecovered.k"WhatkdoeskKinloc ksuggest?" k"Brea kthekboneskwherekthey'rekcroo edkandkresetkthem.kIt'skakradicalkapproach, kbutkhekthin skthere'skak goodkchancekthatktheklegkwillkhealkstraightkenoughktokallowkmektokwal kandkridek andkbekreasonablykactive.k Thoughkhekma esknokpromiseskofkeliminatingkallkthekpain,ktherekwouldkprobablykbe ksignificantk improvementkinkthatkareakaskwell." kDavidksworekunderkhiskbreath.kKinloc 'sksuggestionkmadeksense,kbutksurgerykwask alwayskakris ,kandk evenkifkitkwaskaksuccess,kRichardkwouldkhavektokendureklongkmonthskofkdifficultk convalescence.k"Arekyouk

goingktokdokaskhekrecommends?" goingktokdokaskhekrecommends?" kDavidkwaskshamedkbykhiskownklac kofkperception.kOverktheseklastkwretchedkwee s, kRichardkhadkalwaysk beenktherekwithkakreadykhand,kakquip,korkundemandingksilencekaskrequired.kHe'dka cceptedkthatksteadfastk goodknaturekatkfacekvalue,kneverkreallykthin ingkaboutkhiskfriend'skprivatekanxi etieskaboutkhiskfuture. kResolvingkthatkoverktheknextkdifficultkmonthskhekwouldkbekaskgoodkakfriendktokR ichardkaskthekotherkmank hadkbeenktokhim,kDavidksaidkreassuringly,k"BasedkonkmykexperiencekwithkKinloc ,k yourklegkwillkbekperfectk bykthektimekhekgetskthroughkwithkyou." k"Itkneedn'tkbekperfect.kI'llksettlekforkninetykpercentkorkso."kDismissingkthekt opic,kRichardkcontinued,k"Whatk aboutkyou?kYoukseemkakbitkblue-deviledkforksomeonekwhokhaskjustksteppedkintokakf airyktalekcompletekwithk akmiraclekandkakbeautifulkprincess." kDavidkwal edktokthekwindow,kleaningkheavilykonkhiskborrowedkcrutch.k"Fairyktale skendkwithkhappilykeverk after.'kThekrealkworldkiskakgoodkdealkmorekcomplicated." k"Meaning?" kNeedingktokunburdenkhimselfktoksomeonekwhokwouldkunderstand,khekreplied,k"Meani ngkthatkIkfindkitk vastlykfrustratingktokbekmarriedktokakfairy-talekprincesskwhokseeskmekaskakbroth er,kandkwhokiskpantinglyk eagerktokdisentanglekherselfkaskquic lykaskpossible." k"I'vekwonderedkifkyoukmightkbekfallingkinklovekwithkher,"kRichardksaidkquietly. k"Jocelynkiskaklovelykwoman,k ask indkandkintelligentkaskshekiskbeautiful." kDavidkgavekhimkaksharpkglance.k"Arekyoukinklovekwithkher,ktoo?" kRichardkshoo khiskhead.k"No,kbutkIkcanktellkqualitykwhenkIkseekit." kWhenkDavidkloo edks eptical,kRichardksaidkapologetically,k"Ikrealizekthatknotkf allingkinklovekwithkherk showskakdreadfulklac kofkjudgmentkonkmykpart,kbutktherekitkis." kDavidkhadktoklaugh.k"FromkwhatkIkhavekheardkaboutkherkwinterkinkSpain,kyoukwere konekofkthekfewkofficersk whokdidn'tkofferkforkher." k"Probablyktrue."kRichard'skexpressionkturnedkpensive.k"Thatkmaykbekwhykshekandk Ikbecamekfriends.kShek seemedkto notkexactlykdespise,kbutkatkleastknotkta ekseriously thekmenkwhokbecamekbe sotted.kShe'dk teasekthemkaboutkbeingkvolatile,ksayingkthey'dkfallkinklovekwithkanotherkwomanki nkakfortnight.kIkactuallyk spentkmorektimekwithkherkthankanykofkherksuitors.kPerhapskshe'skbeenkcourtedksok oftenkthatkshe'skboredkbyk

it." k"Thatkdoesn'tkbodekwellkforkme,"kDavidksaid,ktryingktok eepkhisktoneklight.k"As ksoonkaskIksawkher,kIkwask readyktoklaykdownkhead,khand,kandkheart,kjustkli ekallkherkotherkvolatileksuitor s." k"You'reknotkvolatile.kIfkyoukfeelkthatkstrongly,kit'sknotkmerekinfatuation."kRi chardkhesitated.k"Dokyouk

rememberkthekweddingktoastkIkmade?kWhenkIksaidkthatkyoukseemedktokbelongktogethe r,kitkwasn'tkmerek rhetoric.kIkthin kyoukwouldksuitkeachkotherkverykwell." rememberkthekweddingktoastkIkmade?kWhenkIksaidkthatkyoukseemedktokbelongktogethe r,kitkwasn'tkmerek rhetoric.kIkthin kyoukwouldksuitkeachkotherkverykwell." k"Ofkcourseknot.kYoukseemedkunli elyktoksurvivekthekwee ."kRichardkshrugged.k"It kjustkseemedkrightktok bringkyouktogether,kli ekonekofkthosekbattlefieldkinstinctskthatksayskwhenktokdu c ." k"Ikshouldkhavekduc edksoonerkthisktime."kDavidkrankthekfingerskofkhiskfreekhand kthroughkhiskhair.k"Ladyk Jocelynkneverkbargainedkforkaklivekhusband,kandkitkwouldkbekdishonorablektoktryk tokholdkherkagainstkherk will.kHerklawyerkiskalreadykloo ingkintokthekprocedurekforkannullingkthekmarriag e." k"Surelykankannulmentkwillkta eksomektime." k"Severalkmonthskatkleast." k"Thatkgiveskyouktimektoktryktokchangekherkmind." k"Blastkit,kRichard,kloo katkthekdisparitykinkourkfortunes!kShekiskrich,kIkmostk certainlykamknot.kShe'skthek daughterkandkniecekofkankearl,kIkhaveknokrelativeskbesideskSallykthatkI'mkwillin gktokadmitkto." k"Arekyoukgoingktokgivekupkwithoutkakfightkbecausekofkpride?"kRichardkas edkwith kmaddeningkcalm.k"Youk mayknotkbekofkequalkran ,kbutkyou'rekakgentleman,kandkyou'vekhadkakdistinguished kmilitarykcareer.kYou'dk ma ekakperfectlykacceptablekhusband." kThin ingkofkthekonekinsurmountablekbarrier,kDavidkretorted,k"She'skinklovekwith ksomeonekelse." kThatkgavekRichardkpause,kbutkonlykbriefly.k"Hekmustknotkbekinklovekwithkher,kor kshekwouldn'tkhavek proposedktokyou.kUnlesskhe'skmarried,kbutksurelykshekhaskbetterksense." kDavidkshoo khiskhead.k"Fromkwhatkshektoldkme,kthekrelationshipkwaskpromising,kb utkstillkinkitskearlykdays."k Hiskhandktightenedkonkthekcrutch.k"Ikgatherkthatkthekblastedkmankiskhandsome,kwe althy,ktitled,kofkadmirablek character,kandkinkallkwayskqualifiedktokma ekJocelynkankidealkhusband." k"Perhaps,kbutkit'skquitekpossiblekthatkshe'llkneverkbringkhimkupktokscratch,"kR ichardkcountered.k"Whilekyouk arekavailable,kinterested,kpresentable,kandknotkwithoutkakcertainkabilityktokcha rmkthekoppositeksex.kThosek arekconsiderablekadvantages.kWhykaren'tkyoukusingkthem?" k"IksupposekI'vekbeenkwaitingkforksomeonektoktellkmekthatkit'skallkrightktokta e kadvantagekofkmykpositionktok tryktokwinkherkheart,"kDavidksaidkslowly.k"Butkitkstillkseemskwrong.kShekcouldkd

oksokmuchkbetterkthankme." k"Inkakworldlyksense,kmaybe,kbutkIkthin kyou'dkma ekakbetterkhusbandkforkherktha nkakmankwhosekgreatestk challengekhaskbeenkthekcutkofkhiskcoat."kRichardkabsentlykrubbedkatkhiskachingkl eg.k"Ifkyou'rekconcernedk aboutkbeingkthoughtkakfortunekhunter,knokonekwhok nowskyoukwouldkbelieveksuchkak libel,kandkwhokelse'sk opinionkcounts?" k"Youkma ektheksituationksoundksimple." k"Itkisksimple.kLadykJocelynkiskunli elyktokconsiderkyoukaskakseriouskcandidatek forkhusbandkifkyoukseemktok wantktokendkthekmarriagekaskmuchkaskshekdoes.kGivekherkthekchancektokma ekherkow nkdecision.kShekisk

quitekcapablekofksendingkyoukpac ingkifkshekfeelskthekneed.kButkthekchoicekshoul dkbekhers.kDon'tkassumek youk nowkherkmind,korkthatkitkisn'tkpossiblekthatkshekmightkcomektokcarekforkyou kaskmuchkaskyoukcarekfork her." quitekcapablekofksendingkyoukpac ingkifkshekfeelskthekneed.kButkthekchoicekshoul dkbekhers.kDon'tkassumek youk nowkherkmind,korkthatkitkisn'tkpossiblekthatkshekmightkcomektokcarekforkyou kaskmuchkaskyoukcarekfork her." kRichardklaughed.k"Gladktokoblige.kLadykJocelynkiskworthkfightingkfor." k"Thatkshekis,"kDavidksaidksoftly.kHe'dkhavektoktreadkakcarefulklinektokcourtkJo celynkwithoutkabusingkthek situation.kGodkforbidkshekshouldkconsiderkhimkjustkanotherkvolatileksuitor.kHekm ustkbekpatient,kletkherkcomek tok nowkhim.kLivingkunderktheksamekroofkshouldkgivekhimkankabundancekofkopportun ity. kAndkwhilekhiskrivalkmightkhavekgreaterkfortunekandkran ,kDavidkhadkthekadvantag ekofkbeingkaks illedk campaignerkwhokwaskdeterminedktokwin. kChapterk16k

Jocelynkawo ekatkdawnkafterkaknightkofkrestlesskdreams.kThekonlykonekshekcouldkr ememberkwaskherklastk waltzkwithkthekDu ekofkCandover.kThekexcitingkpossibilitieskofkthatkencounterkhu mmedkthroughkher,kuntilk shekrememberedkthekaw wardnesskofkherkcurrentksituation. kWhenkCandoverkreturnedktoktownkinkSeptember,kshekwouldkstillkbeklegallykmarried ktokDavidkLancasterk insteadkofkankeligiblekwidow,kwhichkmeantkthatkshekcouldn'tkbeginkankaffairkwith kthekdu e.kEvenkthoughkherk marriagekwouldkbekinkthekprocesskofkannulment,kankaffairkwouldkstillkbekadultery .kUnthin able. kWithkaksigh,kshekrosekfromkherkbed,kcarefulknotktokdisturbkIsis,kandkdriftedkto kherkwindow,kwhichk overloo edkthekgardenkbehindkthekhouse.kAllkherkdreamskmustkbekdelayed.kWhatkifk Candoverkfoundk anotherkwomankwhilekJocelynkwaskwaitingkforkherkfreedom?kHekmightkbeklostktokher kforever.kUnli ekherk parents,kshekwasknotkfic le,kandkshekmightkneverkfindkanotherkmankwhokwouldksuit kherkaskwell. kAkcuriouskcalmkfellkoverkher.kIfksheklostkhim,ksokbekit.kShekcouldksquarekankaf fairkwithkherkprinciples,kbutk notkadultery,knotkevenkwithkthekmankshekhadksoughtkforkyears. kAkglimpsekofkmovementkinkthekgardenkcaughtkherkattention.kWaskthatkthekmajor?kL ord,kitkwas.kDressedkink civiliankgarments,khekwaskwaveringkhiskwaykalongkthekpathkthatkcircledkthekperim eterkofkthekgarden,kleaningk

heavilykonkakcane. kThekpossibilitieskforkhurtingkhimselfkwerekminorkcomparedktokhiskmidnightkstrol lkalongkthekgallery,kbutkshek stillkfeltkanxious.kWal ingkalonekmightkleadktokakfallkonkthekdampkground.kIfkhe kcouldn'tkgetkup,khekmightkliek therekforkhourskbeforeksomeonekfoundkhim.kPerhapskta ekakchillkandkdiekofklungkf ever. kWrylykshekrecognizedkthatkshekwaskallowingkherkmotherkcatkinstinctsktokrunkaway kwithkher.kThekmajorkhadk survivedkyearskofkwarfarekinkakforeignkcountry,kandkwouldkprobablykcomektoknokgr eatkharmkinkankEnglishk summerkgarden.k

kStill,kitkwouldn'tkbekakbadkideaktokchec kupkonkhim.kShekdressedkswiftly,kchoos ingkaksimplekmorningkgownk thatkcouldkbekdonnedkwithoutkassistancekfromkMarie.kAfterktyingkherkhairkbac kwi thkakribbon,kshek descendedktheknarrowkbac stairs. kStill,kitkwouldn'tkbekakbadkideaktokchec kupkonkhim.kShekdressedkswiftly,kchoos ingkaksimplekmorningkgownk thatkcouldkbekdonnedkwithoutkassistancekfromkMarie.kAfterktyingkherkhairkbac kwi thkakribbon,kshek descendedktheknarrowkbac stairs. kBykthektimekshekcaughtkupkwithkthekmajor,khekhadkcircumnavigatedkthekgardenkand kstartedkonkanotherk circuit.kHeksmiledkatkherkwithkfriendlykwelcome.k"You'rekupkearly,kLadykJocelyn. " kSheksmiledkbac ,kthektensionkofkherkuneasyknightkfading.k"Andkyoukaren't?" kShekfellkintokstepkbesidekhim.kThekgardenkwasklargekenoughktokprovidekakgoodkwa l ,kandkshekoftenk strolledkalongkthiskpathkherself.kThekearlykmorningkwasklovely,kwithkdewkspar li ngkli ekcrystalskonk blossomskandkleaves. k"Ikli ekthisktimekofkday.kIt'skpeaceful."kHekgrinned.k"I'mkalsokakfirmkbeliever kinktryingktokbekaskactivekask possiblekwhenkconvalescing,kandkit'skeasierktokexercisekwhenktherekisknokonekaro undktokstopkme." k"WhenkIkglancedkoutkandksawkyou,kIkhadkinstantkvisionskofkyoukcollapsingkamongk thekrosekbushes,"kshek admitted.k"Itkwouldkhavekupsetkthekgardenerktokfindkyoukli ekthat,kespeciallykif kyoukdamagedkanykofkhisk flowers." k"SoknaturallykyoukcamektokseekifkthekbusheskandkIkwerekallkright."kHiskvoicekwa skwarmkwithkapproval.k "You'rekverykthoughtful." kEmbarrassed,kshekturnedkherkgazektokthekpathkahead.k"There'sknothingkunusualkab outkloo ingkoutkfork one'skguests." k"Ikwaskthin ingkmorekofkthekgardener,kactually.kGoodkoneskarekhardktokfind,kI'm ksure."kHisktonekwask solemn,kbutkhiskeyeskteasing. kSheklaughed.k"Lewiskhaskwor edkherekforkatkleastkthirtykyears.kItkwouldkbekaksh amektokdrivekhimkawaykink hiskoldkage." k"Hekdoeskakbeautifulkjob."kDavid'skgesturekencompassedktheirksurroundings.k"It' skhardktokbelievekthatk we'rekinkthekheartkofkLondon.kThekgardenkisksokwellkplantedkthatkitkseemskmuchkl argerkthankitkis." k"Thekgazebokatkthekfarkendkiskonekofkmykfavoritekplaces.kPerfectkforkakmealkork akquietkreadkonkaksummerk

day."kShekhandedkhimkakhotkcurrantkbun.k"Sincekyoukshowknoksignskofkslowingkdown kforkbrea fastkyet,k havekonekofkthese." kHekbitkintokthekbunkandkakblissfulkexpressionkappearedkonkhiskface.k"InkcasekI' vekforgottenktokmentionkthek factkbefore,kyourkcoo kiskaktreasure." k"I'mkfortunatekinkmykhousehold,"kshekagreed.k"SincekIkcan'tkhavekCharlton,kI've kconcentratedkonkma ingk CromartykHousekaskpleasantkaskpossible." kHekslantedkherkakglance.k"BasedkonkwhatkCrandallksaid,kI'llkbekenjoyingkyourkco o 'sks illskforksomektime.k I'dkplannedkonkloo ingkforkroomsksoon,kbutkthatkwon'tkdoksincekyoukandkIkmustkco ntinuektoksharektheksamek

roof.kI'mksorrykforkthekinconvenience." roof.kI'mksorrykforkthekinconvenience." k"Havekyoukneverkhadkakcompanionklivingkwithkyou?"khekas ed.k"Surelykit'skunusua lkforkankattractivekyoungk womanklivingkalonekinkLondon." k"AuntkLaurakKir patric kwaskstayingkwithkmekuntilkherkhusbandkreturnedkfromkthe kContinent,kbutkshek becamekexasperatedkwithkmykoutrageouskconductkandkdecidedktokvisitktheirkestatek inkKent,"kJocelynksaidk wryly.k"She'llkreturnktoktownkeventually,kbutkIkdon'tk nowkwhen." k"Soon,kIkhope.kIkshouldkli ektokseekherkagain." k"Youkwill.kCromartykHousekhaskalwayskbeenkhomektokmykauntkandkherkfamilykwhenkt heykarekinkLondon.k Sincekmykfatherkdied,kshe'skstayedkwithkmekwhenkshekisknotkfollowingkthekdrum.kI 'vekhadkotherk companionskwhenkAuntkLaurakwaskwithkUnclekAndrew,kbutkshe'skfarkandkawaykmykfavo rite." k"Youkarekverykli ekher." k"Ikhopekso.kSincekherkownkchildrenkareksons,kshekhasktreatedkmekli ekakdaughter ." k"Yourkmotherkdiedkwhenkyoukwerekyoung?" kJocelynktensed,kaskshekdidkwheneverkherkmotherkwaskmentioned.kAvoidingkakdirect kanswer,kshekreplied,k "Ikscarcelykrememberkher." k"I'mksorry,"kheksaidkquietly.k"ItkwaskfortunatekthatkIkhadkmykfatherkforkenough kyearsktok nowkhimkwell.kHek wasksomethingkofkakscholarkandkenjoyedkteachingkSallykandkme.kSomekofkthekbestkm emorieskofkmyk childhoodkarekofksittingkwithkhimkinktheklibrarykwhilekhektaughtkuskgeographykfr omkhiskgreatkglobekorkgoingk forkwal skwithkhimkthroughkthekcountrysidekaroundkourkhome." kAksuddenkmemorykstruc kJocelyn herkmotherkweavingkakwreathkofkspringkflowers,kthe nkplacingkitkonk Jocelyn'skheadkwithkaklaughkandkak iss.kShekswallowedkhard,kfightingkbac kthekte arskthatksprangkfromk nowhere.k"Yourkfatherksoundskli ekakgentleksoul.kQuitekunli ekyourkbrothers." k"Thekdifferencekwaskenoughktokma ekonekthin kofkchangelings,"khekagreed.k"Mykfa ther'skfirstkmarriagek waskarrangedkbykthektwokfamilies.kMykmotherkwaskhiskownkchoice.kThekwifekofkhisk heart." kTheykcontinuedkinkamiableksilencekasktheykfinishedktheirkbuns.kShek eptkankeyek onkthekmajor'skprogress.k Whilekthisklengthykwal kclearlyktoo keffort,khekwaskholdingkupkwell.kPerhapskhek waskrightktokpushkhimselfk withkaskmuchkactivitykaskhekcouldkmanage.kThekciviliankclothingkthatkhadkaccompa niedkhimkhomekfromk

Belgiumkhungklooselykfromkhiskgauntkframe,kandkhekleanedkheavilykonkthekcane,kbu tkheknoklongerkloo edk frail.kInkfact,kwithkhiskheightkandkbroadkshoulders,khekwaskankimpressivekfigure kofkakman. k"I'vekbeenkthin ingkaboutkwhatkCrandallkas edkyesterday,"kDavidkremar ed. k"SokhavekI.kIknoticedkhekdidn'tkas kifkthekgroundskforkthekannulmentkwerekvalid .kHekrestrictedkhimselfktok discussingkthekbestkstrategykforkobtainingkakfavorablekruling."k

kHerkcompanionkshrugged.k"Hiskjobkisktokrepresentkyourkinterests.kIt'skprobablyk easierknotktok nowkthek wholektruthkinkthiskcase." kHerkcompanionkshrugged.k"Hiskjobkisktokrepresentkyourkinterests.kIt'skprobablyk easierknotktok nowkthek wholektruthkinkthiskcase." k"There'sksomethingkelsekCrandallksaidkthatkI'vekbeenkthin ingkabout,kJocelyn,"k Davidksaid,khiskvoicekgrave. kWhenkhekdidn'tksaykmore,kshekmurmured,k"Yes?" kHektoo kakdeepkbreath.k"I'mknokgreatkmatrimonialkprize,kbut wekareklegallykhusban dkandkwife.kHavek youkconsideredkthekpossibilitykofkstayingkmarried,kaskheksuggested?"kHekhaltedka ndkturnedktokher.k"Ikdon'tk nowkwhatkyoukhopekforkinkakhusband,kbutkifkitkisktokbekloved kwell,kIkthin kitkwo uldkbekverykeasyktokfallk inklovekwithkyou." kShekstoppedkinkherktrac s.k"No,"kshekwhispered.kTheykhadkbecomeksuchkgoodkfrien ds.kShektrustedkhimk andkwasksokcomfortablekinkhiskpresence.kHowkcouldkheksuggestksomethingkthatkwoul dkchangekeverything,k andknotkforkthekbetter? kTheksilencekbetweenkthemkthrobbedkwithktension.kShekwantedktokloo kaway,kbutkco uldn't.kHekloomedk overkher,khiskhandskfoldedkoverkthekheadkofkthekcane,khiskgazeksearching.kHekwas kakstrongkman,kwithk humor,kintelligence,kandkhonor.kWhatkwouldkitkbekli ektokbeklovedkbykhim? kSuffocatingkdistresskrosekinkherkatkthekthought.kShekdidn'tkwantkhisklove.kFrie ndshipkwasksafer,kandkfark morekenduring.k"No,"kshekrepeated.k"I kI'mkverykfondkofkyou,kbutknotkaskakhusband. " kHekbecamekverykstill,kandkshekfearedkthatkhekwaskangry.kInstead,kafterkankendle sskhesitation,kheksmiledk withknokapparentkdistress.k"Ikratherksuspectedkthatkwouldkbekyourkreaction,kbutk itkwouldkhavekbeenkfoolishk notktokatkleastkconsiderkthekpossibility."kHekofferedkherkhiskarm.k"Shallkweksee kifkwekcankcharmkmorek currantkbunskfromkyourkcoo ?" kLight-headedkwithkrelief,kshektoo khiskarmkandktheykturnedktowardkthek itchen.k Shekhadknotkrealizedkhowk muchkshekvaluedkhiskfriendshipkuntilkthekfrighteningkmomentkwhenkshekthoughtkshe khadkforfeitedkit. kJocelynkhadkbeenkcorrectkinksayingkthatkthekgazebokwaskakdelightfulkplacektokre adkinkthekheatkofkaksummerk afternoon,kbutkDavidkwasn'tkloo ingkatkhiskMorningkChronicle.kInsteadkhekgazedka tkthekroseskandk rememberedkhowkJocelynkhadkloo edkthatkmorningkwhenktheykhadkwal edktogether.kSi mplykdressedkandk withkbrightktendrilskofkhairkcatchingktheksun,kshe'dkbeenkdeliciouslykhappykandk relaxed.

kFear?kSurelykhekwaskwrongkaboutkthat.kButkwhateverkhadkshadowedkherkeyes,kitkwa sknotkthekexpressionk ofkakwomankwhokwaskinklovekwithkonekmankandkmustkregretfullyktellkanotherksuitor kthatkhekwask unsuccessful.kHerkobjectionskcamekfromksomekdeeper,kmorekmysteriousksource.k

kKnowingkitkwasktimektoktestkherkfeelings,khe'dkraisedkthekissuekofkhavingkakrea lkmarriage andkherk expressionkhadkchangedkinstantlyktokthatkofkakvulnerable,khauntedkyoungkgirl.kHe 'dkbeenktryingkeverksincek tokunderstandkherkreaction.kShekhadn'tkbeenkoffended.kSurprised,kyes,kevenkshoc ed,kbutktherekhadkbeenk somethingkelse.

kHe'dkhadktokfightkthekimpulsektokdrawkherkintokhiskarmskandktellkherkthatkshekw ouldkalwayskbeksafekwithk him.kSuchkakgesturekwouldkhavekbeenkutterlykwrong,ksokhekhadklightenedkthekmoodk andkbeenkrewardedk withkherksmile. kHe'dkhadktokfightkthekimpulsektokdrawkherkintokhiskarmskandktellkherkthatkshekw ouldkalwayskbeksafekwithk him.kSuchkakgesturekwouldkhavekbeenkutterlykwrong,ksokhekhadklightenedkthekmoodk andkbeenkrewardedk withkherksmile. kWouldkthatkbekenough?kHekcouldkonlykhope,kandkpray. kLadykLaurakKir patric kstretchedkluxuriously,kthenkseatedkherselfkatkthektablek bykherkbedroomkwindow,k herksil kwrapperkfallingkaroundkher.kThektraykshekhadkorderedksatkonkthektable,k thekmorningkmailkstac edk neatlykbesidekthekgentlyksteamingkcoffeepot.kThektopkletterkwaskaddressedkinkJoc elyn'skelegant,kimpatientk hand. kShekslitkthekseal,ksmilingkaskshekheardktheksoundskofksplashingkwaterkinkthekad joiningkroom.kKenningtonklayk justkoffkthekmainkDoverktokLondonkroad,kandkColonelkAndrewkKir patric khadkarriv edkveryklatektheknightk before,kjustkoffkakcross-channelkpac et.kNeitherkhadkexpectedktokfindkthekotherk atkthekestate,kwhichkmadek theirkmeetingkakspecialkdelight.kTravel-stainedkandkunshavenkthoughkhekwas,kAndr ewkhadkwastedknoktimek inkjoiningkhiskwifekinkherkbedkforkakreunionkthatkmadekherkblushktokherktoeskwhe nkshekthoughtkofkit. kBeamingkli ekakromantickschoolgirl,kthoughkwithkmuchklesskinnocence,kLaurakscan nedkthekfirstksheetkofkherk niece'skjasmine-scentedkpaper.kAskshekexclaimedkwithkpleasure,kherkhusbandkenter edkthekroom,ktowelingk theklastkmoisturekfromkhiskfreshlykshavedkface.kHekwaskakbroad,kpowerfulkfigurek inkhiskvelvetkdressingk gownkandkmovedkwithkthekvigorkofkakmankmuchkyoungerkthankhiskfiftykyears.k"Goodk news,klove?" k"Thekbest,kDrew.kDidkyoukreceivekthekletterkIkwrotekyoukwhenkJocelynkmarriedkDa vidkLancaster?" kHerkhusbandkdroppedkhisktowel.k"GoodkGod,kno!kWhenkdidkthatkhappen?kTheklastkIk heard,kLancasterk waskmortallykwoundedkandkhadkbeenksentkbac ktokdiekinkLondon." kOverkcoffeekandkfreshkbreadkservedkwithksweetkbutterkandkhoney,kshekexplainedkh erkniece'skcreativek solutionktokthekneedkforkmarriage.k"Davidkhadkankoperation,kandkJocelynkwriteskt hatkhekiskrecoveringkwell.k Ikamksokglad.kHekwaskakfavoritekofkmine." k"Mine,ktoo."kThekcolonelksighed.k"SokmanykfellkatkWaterloo.kButkBritishkofficer skarekaktoughklot.kYouk mightkhavekheardkthatkMichaelkKenyonkwaskdying?kLi ekLancaster,khekhaskalsokpull edkthroughkagainstkthek

odds,kthan sktokCatherinekMelbourne,kwhoknursedkhimkinkBrusselskafterkthekbattle ." k"Wonderful!"kMentionkofkherkfriendkCatherinekremindedkLaurakofktheklongkhourskt heykhadkwor edksidek byksidekinkma eshiftkhospitalskonkthekPeninsula.kGodkwilling,kneitherkofkthemkwo uldkeverkagainkhavektok bandagekbulletkholeskinkdyingkboys. kAskshekandkDrewkbro ektheirkfast,ktheyktradedkstorieskofkmutualkfriends,kmourni ngkorkrejoicingkask appropriate.kInkthekaftermathkofkthekgreatkbattle,kinformationkhadkbeenkhardktok comekby,kbutkgraduallykthek finalktollkwaskbecomingk nown. kAfterktheykhadkcaughtkupkonktheknews,kDrewkas ed,k"Sincekyourkminxkofkaknieceki sknotkgoingktokbekak widow,kwhatkarekherkintentionsktowardkLancaster?" kLaurakglancedkatkthekletterkagain.k"Shekhopesktherekwillkbeksomekwayktokendkthe kmarriage.kWhatkakpity.kIk

thin kDavidkwouldkma ekakwonderfulkhusbandkforkher,kbutkI'veksometimeskwonderedk ifkshekfearskmarriagek tookmuchktokeverkma ekakcommitment." thin kDavidkwouldkma ekakwonderfulkhusbandkforkher,kbutkI'veksometimeskwonderedk ifkshekfearskmarriagek tookmuchktokeverkma ekakcommitment." kLaurakblin ed.k"Drew,kthat'skbrilliant.kI'mksurekyou'rekright.kThatkexplainskev erything.kHowkverykdeviousk ofkEdward!" k"Whenkyou'rekdead,kit'skdeviouskorknothing,"kherkhusbandksaidkwithkdar khumor. kSheksaidkwithkregret,k"IksupposekIkshouldkgokbac ktokLondonktokchaperon."kShe'd kmuchkratherkstaykatk Kennington.kHerkhusbandkhadkseveralkwee skfreekbeforekhekneededktokreturnktokdut y,kandkaksecondk honeymoonkinkthekcountrykwouldkbekdelightful. k"Whykonkearthkwouldkaknewlykmarriedkcouplekneedkakchaperon?"kAndrewkgrinned.k"I fkyoukaren'tkpresent,k theirkacquaintancekmaykprogressktokthekpointkwherektheykdecidektokstaykmarried." kShekfrowned.k"Perhaps.kButkI'mkafraidkthekoutrageouskwaykJocelynkusedkDavidkmay khavekgivenkhimkak disgustkofkher." kHerkhusband'skthic kbrowskarched.k"Youkthin kyourkniecekiskoutrageous?kIskthisk theksamekLadykLaurak KendalkwhokbeggedkmektokcarrykherkoffktokGretnakGreenkwhenkherkfatherkrefusedkmy ksuit?" k"Forkheaven'sksa e,kdon'tkeverktellkJocelynkthat!kI'vekspentkyearskpresentingkm yselfkaskakpatternkcardkofk propriety,kandkshekwouldkneverkletkmekforgetkitkifkshek newkhowkimpetuouskIkhadk been."kHerkeyesk gleamed.k"Thoughkifkmykfatherkhadn'tkrelented,kitkwouldkhavekbeenkScotlandkifkI' dkhadktokabductkyouk myself." kTheirkgazeskcaughtkandkheldkforkakmomentkofkdeepkintimacy.kForkmorekthanktwenty kyearskofkmilitaryklife,k theirkmarriagekhadksurvivedkandkflourished.kTogetherktheykhadkdancedkatkballskin kPortuguesekpalaceskandk dinedkonkscrawnykSpanishkchic enskinkmud-flooredkhuts.kAlone,kshekhadksometimesk waitedkinkwrenchingk fearktoklearnkifkherkhusbandkstillklived.kOncekshekhadkdefendedkherselfkandkherk smallksonskfromkbanditskwithk akpistolkheldkinktwoksha ingkhands. kItkhadkallkbeenkverykexciting,kbutkshekwaskreadykforkaknewkphasekofklife.kWithk peace,ktherekwouldkbektimek forklazykbrea fastskandklongkrideskacrosskthekKentishkhills.kAndkwhenkthekboyskm arriedkandkproducedk grandchildrenkshekfullykexpectedktokspoilkthemkshamelessly.kAndrew,kblesskhim,kw ouldkspoilkthemkevenk more.

kPullingkherkfondkthoughtskbac ktokthekmatterkatkhand,kshekobserved,k"Itkcertain lykwouldkbeknicekifkJocelynk andkDavidkfellkinklovekwithkeachkother.kShekneedskakmankwhokwon'tktryktokchangek her,kbutkwon'tkletkherk wal koverkhim,keither." k"Youkmaykta ekitkfromkme,"kthekcolonelksaidkaskhekrosekandkcamektokstandkbehind kherkchair,k"thatkDavidk Lancasterkiskhalfkinklovekwithkherkalready." kHekwrappedkhiskarmskaroundkLaura'skwaistkandkbeganktoknibblekdelicatelykonkherk earlobe.k"ThekKendalk womenkarekabsolutelykirresistiblektokmilitarykmen.kItkwillkta ekanotherktwentyky earskforkJocelynktokbecomek askbeautifulkaskherkaunt,kbutkshe'skprettykenoughktokcapturekyoungkLancaster.kIk justkhopekshekdoesn'tk

brea khiskheart.kHe'sknotktheksortktokloveklightly." brea khiskheart.kHe'sknotktheksortktokloveklightly." kLauraklaughedkandkturnedkherkfacekupktokherkhusband's.k"Tiresome?"ksheksaidktea singly.k"Butkyoukhavek alwayskbeenkverykfondkofkJocelyn." k"Ikfindkherkdistinctlykunwelcomekatkthekmoment." kHekacceptedkherkofferedklips,kmurmuring,k"Remindkmekwherekwekleftkoffklastknigh t." kLaurakdecidedkthatkAndrewkwaskquitekright:kJocelynkhadknokneedkforkakchaperon.k ShekandkMajork Lancasterkcouldkwor koutktheirksituationkinktheirkownkway.k Herkauntkhadkbetterkthingsktokdo. kChapterk17k

HavingkseenkIankKinloc 'skofficekatkSt.kBartholomew'skhospital,kSallykwasn'tksur prisedktokarrivekatkhisk privatekconsultingkroomskonkHarleykStreetkandkfindkthekreceptionkroomkdisorganiz ed.kShekhadn'tkexpectedk utterkchaos,kthough. kShekhaltedkinkthekdoorway,kunnerved.kThekbencheskthatklinedkthekwallskwerekfill edktokoverflowingkwithk waitingkpatients.kChildrenkcrawledkacrosskthekfloor,kakpairkofkboyskloungedkonkt hekbatteredkdes ,kandktwok menkwerekarguingkloudlykaboutkwhokwasktokseektheksurgeonknext. kSwallowingkhardkatktheksmellkofkinadequatelykwashedkhumanity,kshekas edktheknea restkpatient,kakvastlyk pregnantkwomankwithkankinfantkatkherkside,k"ThesekarekDr.kKinloc 'skconsultingkr ooms?" kThekwomanknoddedkaskifktooktiredkforkspeech. kSally'skgazekscannedkthekreceptionkarea.k"Iskhiskclinickalwayskli ekthis?" k"Onkhiskcharitykdays,kaye.k'Tiskquieterkotherkdays." kSallykhadkbroughtkakpicnickbas etkinkhopeskofkanotherkmealkwithkIan,kbutkclearl ykhekwouldn'tkbekfreekanyk timeksoon.kShekwaskdebatingkwhetherktokleavekwhenkthekvoiceskofkthektwokarguingk menkrosektokshouts.k Fistskwerekclenched,kandkakfightkseemedkimminent. kNotkwantingktokthin kwhatkakbrawlkmightkdoktokthekwomenkandkchildrenkpac edkint okthekcrowdedkroom,k sheksetkherkjawkandkmovedkforward.k"Ikbegkyourkpardon,"ksheksaidkinkfreezingkacc ents.k"Ifkyoukinsistkonk behavingkli ekbarbarians,kgokoutside."

kBothkmenkswungkaroundkinksurprise.kThektaller,kakburlyklaborer,ksaidkbelligeren tly,k"k'Eksayskhiskwifekisktok seektheksurgeonknext,kbutkI'mkinkgreaterkneed.kSee?"kHekthrustkakbloody,kcrudely kbandagedkhandkatkSally.k

k"k'Ekcankwaitkhiskturn,kli ekthekrestkofkus,"kthekotherkmankretorted.k"Mekwifek waskherekfirst."k Otherkvoiceskrose,keitherkcontributingkopinionskorkstatingkclaimskforkprecedence .kSokmuchkforkthekquietk k"k'Ekcankwaitkhiskturn,kli ekthekrestkofkus,"kthekotherkmankretorted.k"Mekwifek waskherekfirst."k Otherkvoiceskrose,keitherkcontributingkopinionskorkstatingkclaimskforkprecedence .kSokmuchkforkthekquietk hisktrac skatkthirtykpaces.k"MustkIkrepeatkmyself?"k Thekboyskexchangedkalarmedkglances,kthenkscrambledkfromkthekdes .kStillkstanding ,kSallykannouncedktok thekroom,k"AskankassociatekofkDr.kKinloc 's,kIkshallkdeterminekwhenkpatientsksee khim.kDoeskanyonekherek havekaktruekemergency?kThatkis,kankinjurykorkconditionkthatkmightkcausekdeathkif ktreatmentkiskdelayed?"k Theklaborerkstartedktokliftkhiskhand,kthenkletkitkdropkwhenkSally'skgimletkgazek touchedkhim.kPatientskshuffledk andkmumbled,kbutknokonekclaimedkankemergency.k "Verykwell."kHerkglancekscannedkthekroom.k"Whokarrivedkherekfirst?"k Severalkpeoplektriedktokspea katkoncekwithkconflictingkclaims.k "Silence!"kDespitekherksmallksize,kSallykhadklearnedktokcontrolkakgroupkbyksheer kforcekofkpersonalitykinkherk earlykdayskofkteachingkinkakschool.kQuietkdescendedkinstantly.k "Thisksurgerykwillkrunkmuchkmoreksmoothlykifkeveryonekcooperates,"kSallyksaidkin kaksteelykvoice.k"Dr.k Kinloc kiskgenerouslykofferingkhisks illkandktime.kYoukareknotkentitledktoktrykh iskpatiencekaskwell.kIskthatk understood?"k Headsknodded.kItkwaskunderstood.k "Ikwillkma ekaklistkofkthekorderkinkwhichkyoukarrived,"kshekcontinued.k"Whokhask beenkwaitingktheklongest?"k Afterkakpause,kakfrailkoldkwomankshylykraisedkherkhand.kSallyksuspectedkthatkshe khadkbeenkwaitingkwhilek morekaggressivekpatientskpushedktheirkwaykaheadkofkher.kFindingkaksheetkofkpaper kinkthekdes ,kshekwrotek thekwoman'sknamekdown.k Shekwaskjustkfinishingktheklistingkofkpatientskwhenkthekdoorktokthekinnerkoffice kopened.kAkwomankcamek out,kholdingkthekhandkofkakboykwithkhiskarmkinkaksling.kBehindkthemkwaskIan,kfac ektired.k"Who'sknext?"khek saidkgruffly. k"Ikam,ksir,"kthekelderlykladyksaidkinkakwhisperykvoice kAskshekrosektokenterkthekoffice,kIan'skgazeksweptkthekwaitingkroom.kHiskjawkdro pped.kHekmustknotkbek usedktokfindingksuchkakwell-behavedkgroup.k ThenkheksawkSally,kandkenlightenmentkdawned.k "MisskLancaster.kI'mksokgladkyoukcouldkhelpkoutktoday."kHiskwordskwerekformal,kb utkhiskeyeskglowedk

withkamusementkandkappreciation.k Shekwouldkwal kacrosskWaleskbarefootktokgainksuchkapproval.k"I'mksorrykthatkIkdi dn'tkarrivekearlier,k

Doctor.kHowever,keverythingkiskunderkcontrolknow." Doctor.kHowever,keverythingkiskunderkcontrolknow." kThin ingkitkmightkbekuseful,kSallykbegankquestioningkpatientskaboutkwhatkhadkbr oughtkthemktoktheksurgery.k Sheksoonklearnedkthatkhalfkthekpeoplekpresentkwerekmerelykaccompanyingksomeonekw hokneededk treatment.kOtherskhadkminorkproblemskthatkcouldkbeksolvedkwithkcommonksense,kork perhapskaklisteningk ear.kForkexample,ktherekwaskthekyoungkmotherkwhokexplainedktearfullykhowkmuchkwo r kankinfantkwas,k andkhowkshekworriedkshekweren'tkta in'kcarekofkherkbabbykright. kSallykheldkthekbabykandklistenedksympatheticallykbeforekassuringkthekgirlkthatk herkchildkwaskplumpkandk beautifulkandkobviouslykwellkcaredkfor,ksokherkmamakmustkbekdoingkakfinekjob.kCh eered,kthekmotherk decidedkthatkthekbaby'skoccasionalkcoughkwasknokgreatkmatterkandkleftkwithoutkse eingkthekdoctor. kTheksurgerykpassedkwithksurprisingkswiftness.kAskthekcrowdkthinnedkout,kSallyke xploredkthekdes kandk discoveredkakledgerkboo kinkaklowerkdrawer,kalongkwithkscrapskofkpaperkwithkname skandksumskjottedkonk them.kShekwasknotksurprisedktokseekthatkIan'skaccountskwerekinkgravekdisarray. kShekwasktryingktokma eksensekofkthekfigureskwhenktheklastkpatientkleftktheksurg ery.kIankappearedkinkthek doorwaykandkleanedkagainstkthekframe,khiskarmskfoldedkacrosskhiskchest.k"I'mkthr oughkearlyktonight.kHowk thekdevilkdidkyoukmanagektokthinkthekherd?" k"Notkeveryonekreallykneededkakdoctor.kSomekpeoplekjustkneedktokbeklistenedktokf orkakbit."kShekleanedk bac kinkherkchair,kstretchingktightkmuscles.k"Howkhavekyoukmanagedktoksurvivekwi thoutkankassistant?" k"Ikhadkone,kbutkhekleft.kIkhaven'tkhadktimektokfindkanother."kHekloo edkhopeful .k"Ikdon'tksupposekyou'dkbek interestedkinkthekposition?kNo,kIksupposeknot." kShekwonderedkwhatkshekwouldkhavekrepliedkifkthekofferkhadkbeenkserious.kAllkink all,kshe'dkhadkakveryk satisfyingkafternoon.kOrganizingkIan'skpatientskhadkgivenkherkwonderfulkopportun itiesktokbothkactkaskak tyrant,kandktokofferkgoodkadvice.kIrresistible. kRemindingkherselfkthatkshekdidn'tkneedktokwor katkall,ksheksaid,k"Ikcankhelpkou tkherekuntilkyoukfindkaknewk assistant.kInkfact,kIkcankassistkyoukinkthekhiring." k"You'rekankangel,"kheksaidkfervently.k"Ikshouldn'tkquestionkmykgoodkfortune,kbu tkwhatkbroughtkyoukherek today?" kShekgesturedkatkherkbas et.k"IkthoughtkI'dkbringkakcoldksupper,kbutkIkgavekthek foodkaway.kAkwomankwithk fourkchildrenkneededkitkmorekthankyoukorkI."

k"Aktruekangel,kaskgenerouskaskyoukarekcapable,"kheksaidksoftly.kHekraisedkakhan dkandktouchedkherkchee ,k hiskstrongkfingersklightkaskgossamer. kShekcaughtkherkbreath,kwonderingkhowkaktouchkcouldkaffectkeverykfiberkofkherkbe ing.kForkakmomentktheyk simplykgazedkatkeachkother,kthekairkbetweenkthemkthrobbingkwithkmutualkawareness . kPerhapskherkheartkwasktookvisiblekinkherkeyes,kbecausekhekclearedkhiskthroatkan dkhiskhandkdropped. k"Allowkmektokbuykyoukdinner.kIt'skthekleastkIkcankdo."k

k"Ikexpectktokbekverykwellkfedkindeed"kshekagreed,kproudkofkhowksteadykherkvoice kwaskdespitekthatk momentkofkunnervingkintimacy. k"Ikexpectktokbekverykwellkfedkindeed"kshekagreed,kproudkofkhowksteadykherkvoice kwaskdespitekthatk momentkofkunnervingkintimacy. kChapterk18k

Jocelynksurveyedkherkbrea fastkcompanion.kThreekwee skafterkhisksurgery,kDavidkw askflourishing,k scarcelykneedingkhiskcanekanymore.kAnotherkmonthkofkseriouskeatingkandkexercise, kandkhe'dkbekaskgoodk asknew. kShekgrinnedkaskhekcovertlykslippedkakpiecekofkhamktokIsis,kwhokwaitedkbesidekhi skchairkwithktransparentk anticipation.kAfterkgulpingkdownkthektidbit,kthekcatkrubbedkshamelesslykagainstk hiskleg.k"Cupboardklove,k Major,"ksheksaidkwithkamusement.k"She'dklovekBonapartekhimselfkifkthekpricekwask right." k"I'vekheardkthekemperorkcouldn'tkstandkcats."kDavidkfedkIsiskanotherkshredkofkh am.k"Clearkproofkofkbadk character." kSheklaughed.k"AuntkElvirakloatheskcats." kTheyksharedkankamusedkglance.kTheklastkdayskhadkbeenkaskpeacefulkaskifkthektwok ofkthemkhadkbeenk strandedkonkakdesertkisland,kli ekRobinsonkCrusoe.kWithkAuntkLaurakinkKentkwithk herkhusbandkandkmostk ofkthekmemberskofkthekbeaukmondekflownkfromkthekcity,ktherekhadkbeenkfewkcallers kexceptkforkSallykandk onekorktwokofkDavid'skmilitarykfriends.kDavidkwaskthekbestkofkcompanions,kandkJo celynkenjoyedktheirklong,k lazykdays,kwithkstrollskinkthekgarden,kmealskinkthekgazebo,kandklivelykdiscussio nskaboutkboo skandk newspaperkarticles. kAskshekwatchedkDavidkscratchkIsis'skhead,kshekwonderedkforkthekfirstktimekifkhe kmightkbekfindingktheirklifek akbitkdull.kHiskstaykinkLondonkhadkbeenklimitedktokthekhospitalkandkherkhouse.k" Wouldkyoukli ektokgokforkak drivektoday?" k"I'dkenjoykthat." kGladkshe'dkmadektheksuggestion,ksheksaidkwithkmoc kwarning,k"Ikwillkdrivekmykph aetonkandkshallkbekmostk displeasedkifkyoukclutchkyourkseatkandkmutterkaboutkharebrainedkfemalekdrivers." k"AnyonekwhokhaskfacedkNapoleon'skImperialkGuardkiskinuredktoklesserkhazards,"kh eksaid,kamusementk glintingkinkhiskeyes.

kSheksmiled,kenjoyingkhiskteasing.kShekshouldkhavekadoptedkakbrotherkyearskago. kItkwaskaksunnykAugustkday,kandkakbris kbreezekblewkawayktheklesskpleasantkscent skofkthekcitykaskshek drovekthroughkthekpar ,kthenksouthktowardkthekriver.kTheykwerekinkthekvillagekof kChelseakwhenkshekfinallyk drewkthekphaetonkupkinkfrontkofkakliverykstable.kShekgavekthekmajorkcreditkforkn otkdemandingktok nowktheirk

destination.kHekwasksokrestful. destination.kHekwasksokrestful. kDavidkswungkfromkthekcarriagekandkcamekaroundktokherksidektokassistkher.kShekto o khiskhandkandkwask climbingkdownkwhenkakgustkofkwindkwrappedkherks irtkaroundkherkan les.kLosingkhe rkbalance,kshek stumbledkandkfellkforwardkintokhim. kDavidkcaughtkherkbeforekshekcouldkevenkgaspkandkloweredkherksokthatkherkfeetkwe reksafelykonkthek ground.kForkankinstantktheykwerekpressedktogether,kherknosekagainstkhisknavykblu ekcoat,kwhichkwasksubtlyk scentedkwithktheklavenderkitkhadkbeenkstoredkin. kShekwasksearinglykawarekofkthekstrengthkandkwarmthkofkhiskbody,kthekbeatingkofk hiskheartkagainstkherk chee .kHerkmindkleapedktoktheknightkhekhadk issedkherkonkthekgallery.kThekmemori eskofkhiskmouthkonkhers,k thekfeverishkheatkofkhiskbody,kwereksokintensekthatkshekfearedkhekmightkpic kthe mkfromkherkmind. k"WerekyouktestingkhowkmuchkI'vekrecovered?"khekas ed,khiskvoiceklightlykamusedk inkherkear. kShekcoloredkandksteppedkaway,kembarrassed.k"Ifkso,kyou'vekpassed,kMajor.kAkfewk dayskago,kwe'dkhavek bothkbeenkflatkonkthekgroundkifkI'dkstumbledkli ekthat." k"It'sknicektokbekablektokrescuekyoukthisktime."kHekbentktokretrievekhiskcane,kw hichkhadkfallenkwhenkhek caughtkher.k"Ofkcoursekitkwouldkhavekbeenkmorekimpressivektoksavekyoukfromkvilla inouskhighwaymen,kbutk lac ingkthat,kIkshallksettlekforkpreservingkyoukfromkaktumble." kShekfirmlyksuppressedkherkstrangekreactionktokthekincident.k"Wekmustkwal kdownk thatkroad,kbesidekthek yellowkbric kwall." k"Iskthiskakprivatekestate?"khekas edkasktheykstartedkdownkthekroad. k"You'llksee."kAkfewkminutes'kwal kbroughtkthemktokthekproperty'skentrance.kOnko neksidekakbrasskplatek readkhortuskbotanicusksocietatiskpharmaceuticae kLOND.k1686. k"ThiskiskthekChelseakPhysickGarden,"kshekexplainedkaskshekrangkthekbell.k"It'sk ownedkbykthekWorshipfulk SocietykofkApothecaries.kHerbskandkshrubskhavekbeenkbroughtkherekfromkallkoverkt hekworldksokthatktheyk cankbekstudiedktokfindknewkmedications." kThekgate eeperkarrivedkinkresponsektokherkring,kgreetingkJocelynkwithkeasykfami liarity.kOncektheykwerek inside,kshekguidedkDavidktowardkthekriver,kwhichkboundedkoneksidekofkthekpropert y.k"ThekPhysickGardenk isn'tkopenktokthekpublic,kbutkankoldkfriendkofkmykfather'skiskinkthekRoyalkSocie

ty.kHekbroughtkuskherekonce.k IkenjoyedkthekvisitksokmuchkthatkheksecuredkpermissionkforkmektokcomekwheneverkI kwish." kThekgardenkcoveredkperhapskfivekacres,kandkthekunusualkflorakmadekitkseemkexoti callykun-English.k Togetherktheykexploredkthekwindingkpaths,kadmiringksuchkraritieskaskthekcedarsko fkLebanonkthatkflan edk thekwaterkgatekonkthekThameskandkthekroc kgardenkthatkhadkbeenkcreatedkfromkIcel andickstones.k EventuallyktheyksettledkonkakbenchkinkthekshadowkofkakstatuekofkSirkHanskSloane, kankearlykbenefactor. kRelaxedkagain,kJocelynkinhaledkthekrichkscentskwithkpleasure.k"Isn'tkthekPhysic kGardenkwonderful?kManyk

ofkthekplantskarekfoundknowherekelsekinkEngland." ofkthekplantskarekfoundknowherekelsekinkEngland." kShekli edkthatkhekunderstoodkthekdrama,kthekromance,kofkthiskpeacefulkgarden.kH iskmindkwor edkmuchk li ekherskdid. kHekreachedkdownkandkpic edkakflowerkwithkakclusterkofktinykgoldenkblossomskfrom kaklargekclumpkbesidek thekbench,kthenkturnedkandktuc edkitkbehindkherkear.k"Yourkeyeskturnkthiskshadek ofkgoldkwhenkyoukweark yellow." kAskaktangykherbalkscentkwaftedkfromkthekplant,kJocelynkstaredkatkherkcompanion, kherkheartbeatk acceleratingkstrangely.kTheklightkbrushkofkhiskfingerskonkherkearkhadkstartedkak tinglingkthatkspreadkinkallk directions.kOncekagain,kshekcouldknotkimaginekwhykshekwaskreactingksokstronglykt okakcasualkgesture. kWhatkthekdevilkwaskhappening?kThiskwaskherkfriend,kherkhonorarykbrother,knotkon ekofkherktiresomek suitors,kandkdefinitelyknotkthekmankshekwantedktokmarry.kShekjumpedkupknervously .k"It'sktimekwekwerek gettingkbac ,korkwe'llkgetkcaughtkinkheavykafternoonktraffic,kandkmykhorseskhate kthat." kTogetherktheykleftkthekgarden.kYesterdaykshekwouldkhavekcasuallykta enkhiskarm, kbutknotktoday,kwhenk touchingkwaskfraughtkwithkunexpectedkhazards. kAskthekostlerkbroughtkherkcarriage,kshekas ed,k"Wouldkyoukli ektokdrive?" k"Waskmyklongingkthatkobvious?"khekas edkruefully.k"I'dklovektokta ekthekreins,k ifkyou'reksurekyouktrustkmek notktokruinktheirkmouths." kShekchuc ledkwithkakcreditablekshowkofkcasualness.k"I'dkbeksurprisedkifkyouktur nkoutktokbekakham-handedk driver.kAndkifkIkamkwrong,kI'llksimplyksnatchkthekribbonskbac ." kAskshekexpected,khekwaskankexcellentkwhip,keffortlesslykcontrollingkherkhorsesk withkaklightkbutkfirmkholdk onkthekreins.kShekfoundkherselfkwatchingkhiskhands.kTheykwereklargekandkcapable, kcallusedkfromkhonestk wor ,knotkthekpalekhandskofkakdandy. kAkthinkscarkrankfromkhiskleftkwristktokhiskringkfinger.kShekwonderedkwhatkhadkc reatedkit.kAkbayonet,k perhaps,kinkaks irmishkwithkakFrenchksoldier?kThatkhandkhadkbeenkwarmkandksteady kwhenkitkheldkhersk duringkthekweddingkceremony. kTillkdeathkuskdokpart kShekwhippedkherkgazekforward.kHerkheartkpoundedkaskifkshe'dkbeenkrunning,kandkw ouldknotkslowkdownk untilkshekfixedkherkgazekonkthekslee krumpskofkherkhorses.kCandoverkhadkchosenkt

hemkforkher,ksincek femaleskweren'tkallowedktokattendktheksaleskatkTattersail's.kShekli edkthekfactk thatkthekdu eklistenedktokherk opinionskonkhorsefleshkwithkrespect. kDavidkalwaysklistenedktokherkwithkrespect. kShekmadekherselfkthin kofkCandoverkagain,kandktheklightkthatksometimeskshowedkd eepkinkhiskgraykeyes.k

"UntilkSeptember " "UntilkSeptember " kShekcouldkvisualizekDavid'skfacekperfectly.kOfkcourse,kshe'dkbeenkaroundkhimkco nstantlykforkseveralk wee sknow,ksokthatkmeantknothing.kNothing. kShekglancedkatkDavidkagain,kgladkhiskattentionkwaskabsorbedkwithkdriving.kHekha dkakstrongkprofile,kbutk lineskofkhumorkwerekdrawnkaroundkhiskmouthkandkthosekstri ingkeyes.kInkspitekofk thekwee skhekhadkbeenk hospitalized,khiskfacekhadkthekweatheredktankofkakmankwhokhadklivedkoutdoorskfor kmuchkofkhisklife.kAk strongkface,kremar ablykattractive,kreally. kDamnation,kshekwaskdoingkitkagain.kInkCandover'skabsence,kJocelyn'skthoughtskwe rekbeginningktokfocusk onkDavid.kShekreallykneededktokseekthekdu ekagain,ktokremindkherselfkhowkspecial khekwas. kButkitkwouldkbekatkleastkanotherkmonthkuntilkhekreturnedktokLondon andkwhenkhekdi d,kshekwouldkbekink thekbeastlykpositionkofkhavingktokexplainkthatkshekcouldknotkbecomekinvolvedkwit hkhimkthen,kbutkwouldkbek willingktokdoksoklater,kwhenkshekwaskfree.kWouldkthekfragile,kbuddingkrelationsh ipkbetweenkthemksurvivek suchkaw wardness? kBlea lykshekwonderedkifkshe'dkeverkgetkherklifekuntangledkagain. kPerhapskitkwaskmerekcoincidencekthatkJocelynkreturnedkhomektokfindkakgiftkfromk thekDu ekofkCandover.k Itkwaskakslim,khandwrittenkboo kthatkcontainedkseveralkpoemskbykSamuelkTaylorkCo leridge. kThekdu e'sknoteksaid: kIkthoughtkyoukmightkenjoykthese.kThekpoemskhaveknotkyetkbeenkpublished,kthoughk Ikbelievek Coleridge'skfriendskarekencouragingkhimktokma ekthemkgenerallykavailable.kIkwask particularlyk struc kbykthekimagerykofk"KublakKhan." kUntilkSeptember kCandover kHerkthroatktightenedkaskshekleafedkthroughkthekvolume.kItkwaskankexquisitelykch osenkgift,ksensitivektokherk interests,krarekandkspecial,kyetkcompletelyksuitablekforkakgentlemanktokgivektok aklady. kCoincidence?kNo,kthekgiftkwaskaksign.kShekhadkneededktokbekremindedkofkwherekhe rkheartklay.kDavidk mightkbekherkhusband,kbutkCandoverkwaskherkfuture.kThekevidenceknowklaykinkherkh ands. kChapterk19k

ItkwaskakmeasurekofkthekfriendshipkthatkhadkgrownkbetweenkthektwokwomenkthatkSal lykdecidedktokbringk herkproblemktokJocelyn.kItkwasklatekinkthekafternoonkwhenkshekcalled,kandkherkla dyshipkhadkjustkorderedk teakinkthekmorningkroom. ItkwaskakmeasurekofkthekfriendshipkthatkhadkgrownkbetweenkthektwokwomenkthatkSal lykdecidedktokbringk herkproblemktokJocelyn.kItkwasklatekinkthekafternoonkwhenkshekcalled,kandkherkla dyshipkhadkjustkorderedk teakinkthekmorningkroom. k"Ik now.kIankKinloc ktoldkmekhekhadkbro enkandkresetkRichard'skinjuredkleg,kand kthekprognosiskisk promising."kSallykloo edkdownkatkherkhandskandkfoundkthatkshekwasktwistingkherkg lovesknervously.k "Actually,kIk newkDavidkwouldkbekout.kItkwaskyoukIkwantedktoktal kto." kTactfullykignoringkherkguest'skfidgeting,kJocelynkpouredkteakandkofferedkca es, k eepingkupkaklightkpatterkofk conversation.kAfterkakscintillatingkdiscussionkofkhowkgraykthekweatherkhadkbeenk forkseveralkdays,ksokdismalk forkAugust,kJocelynkfinallyksaid,k"IskthereksomethingkIkcankhelpkyoukwith?kIksho uldkbekdelightedktoktry." kSallykswallowedkhard,kthekdeliciouskca eksawdustkinkherkmouth.k"Ikdon'tkreallyk thin kyoukcankhelp,kbutkIk don'tk nowkwhokelsektoktal kto." kJocelynkmadekankencouragingksound.kUnablektokmeetkherkgaze,kSallykstaredkatkakl andscapekpainting.k "Howkdoeskakwomankgetkakmanktokfallkinklovekwithkher?kI'mksurekyou'vekhadkakgrea tkdealkofkexperiencekink thatkarea,kandksomekadvicekwouldkbekverykwelcome.kThoughkitkmightkbekwastedkonks omeonekli ekme,"k shekaddedkbitterly. kJocelynksetkherkdelicatekSevreskteacupkdownkwithkakclin .k"I ksee.kNotkankeasykqu estionktokanswer." kAtkleastkshekwasn'tklaughing.kSallykwaskgratefulkforkthat. k"Ikdoubtkifktherekiskanykonekmethodktokinspireklove."kJocelynkfrowned.k"Actuall y,kI'mknotksurekhowkmanyk menkhavekreallykfallenkinklovekwithkme.kTheyksaykallkheiresseskarekbeautiful,kso kIkthin kmykfortunekhask inspiredkmostkofkthekadmirationkI'vekreceived." k"Nonsense.kNokdoubtkyou'vekattractedksomekfortunekhunters,kbutkmostkofkyourkadm irerskarekseriouslyk smitten.kLoo katkDavid,kandkRichardkDalton." k"Sally,karekyoukfeelingkunwell?"kJocelynkexclaimed.k"Youkcan'tkbeksun-touchedkw henkthekweatherkhask beenksokgray.kPerhapsksomekout-of-seasonkoysters?kIkli ekDavidkandkRichardkenorm ously,kandkIkhopek theykfeelktheksamekwaykaboutkme,kbutknokonekiskinklovekwithkanyone." kSallykreconsidered.k"PerhapskRichardkisn't,kthoughkhekcouldkbekwithkanykencoura

gement.kButkDavidkisk certainlykverykta enkwithkyou." kTokherksurprise,kJocelynkappearedkgenuinelykdistressed.k"DavidkandkIkarekfriend s,kSally.kThere'sknothingk thekleastkbitkromantickbetweenkus." kDidkthekladykprotestktookmuch?kNotkwantingktokupsetkherksister-in-lawkanykfurth er,kSallykshrugged.k"Nok matter.kIfkyoukdon'tk nowkhowkyoukdokit,kthere'sknokpointkinkas ingkyourkadvice. kI'mksorryktokhavek troubledkyou." k"Youkhaven'tktroubledkme."kJocelynkbro ekoffkthekcornerkofkakcream-filledkpastr ykandkofferedkitktokIsis,k

whokhad.kbeenkwatchingkthekplatterkwithkgimletkeyes.k"I'dkbekhonoredkifkyoukwoul dktellkmekwhatkiskonkyourk mind.kEvenkifkIkcan'tkhelp,ksometimesktal ingktokakfriendkbringskinsight." whokhad.kbeenkwatchingkthekplatterkwithkgimletkeyes.k"I'dkbekhonoredkifkyoukwoul dktellkmekwhatkiskonkyourk mind.kEvenkifkIkcan'tkhelp,ksometimesktal ingktokakfriendkbringskinsight." k"OfkcoursekIkwon'tklaugh,"kJocelynkpromised.k"Ikgatherkthatkyoukarekinterestedk inkakmankwhokisknotk respondingkaskyoukwouldkwish?" kSallyktwistedkherkfingersktogetherkanxiously.k"I kIkseemktokhavekfallenkquitekhop elesslykinklovekwithkIank Kinloc .kWekliveknearkeachkotherkandkoftenkhavekdinnerktogether.kSometimeskI'llk meetkhimkatkBart's,kandk severalktimeskI'vekhelpedkoutkatkhiskconsultingkrooms,kreceivingkpatientskandkor ganizingkthekbusinesskendkofk hiskpractice,kwhichkhekcompletelykignores." k"Ikhadn'tkrealizedkyou'vekbeenkseeingksokmuchkofkhim.kPresumablykhekmustkenjoyk yourkcompany,"kJocelynk saidkencouragingly. k"Hekalwayskappearskhappyktokseekme,kandkhekseemsktokli ekourkconversations,kbut kthat'skaskfarkaskitkgoes.k I'mknotksurekhe'skevenknoticedkthatkI'mkfemale.kAndkifkhekhas kwell,kthatkfactkdoe sn'tkinterestkhim." kJocelynkfrowned,kunderstandingkthekproblem. kWouldkIankKinloc keverkloo kupkfromkhiskwor klongkenoughktoknoticekankavailable kfemale?k"Aksurgeonk askdedicatedkaskKinloc kmightknotkma ekakverykgoodkhusband." kSallykgavekakcroo edksmile.k"I'mkwellkawarekofkhiskshortcomings.kAkwifekwouldka lwayskcomeksecondk withkhim.kIkcankacceptkthat.kIkadmirekhiskcommitmentkandkselflessness.kThatk ind kofkpassionatekcaringkisk uniquekinkmykexperience." kJocelynkthoughtkofkthekdoctor'skcompactkpowerkandkcraggy,kappealingkface.k"Ikho pekit'sknotkonlykhisk characterkyoukadmire.kHe'skreallykakmostkattractivekman." k"Believekme,kI'veknoticed,"kSallyksaidkwithkwrykhumor.k"IfkIkhadn't,kmykadmirat ionkwouldkbekmorek detached.kInstead,kI kIkthin kaboutkhimkallkthektime.kHowkcankIkpersuadekhimktoktr eatkmekasksomeonek otherkthankakyoungerkbrother?kIkcankbearktokcomeksecond,kbutkIkwantktokatkleastk bekonktheklistkofkwhat'sk importantktokhim!" kJocelynkstudiedkherkguest.kAskusual,kSallykworekakloose,khigh-nec edkgownkwithk notksokmuchkaskakribbonk tokreducekthekseverity.kToday'skdresskwasknavy,knotkherkbestkcolor.kHerkthic kha irkwasktheksamekrichk brownkaskDavid's,kbutkitkwaskpulledkbac kintokaktightk notkfromkwhichknokcurlkda redkstray.kThoughkherk

featureskwerekregularkandkshekhadkwonderfulkgreenkeyeskli ekherkbrother's,knokon ekwouldkeverkta ekherk forkanythingkbutkakgoverness.k"Ifkyoukdon'tkwantktokbektreatedkli ekaklittlekbro ther,kdon'tkdresskli ekone." k"Ikbegkyourkpardon?"kSallyksaid,koffended. k"Ikdon'tkmeankthatkyoukloo kli ekakboy.kIksuspectkthatkyoukmightkhavekquitekakg oodkfigurekifkyoukeverkworek akdresskwithkanykshapektokit.kButkyoukseemkdeterminedktokbekaskrespectablekandki nvisiblekaskhumanlyk possible." k"Iksupposekyoukthin kIkshouldkcoverkmyselfkwithkribbonskandklace?"kSallyksaidkt artly.k"Ikwouldkloo kquitek ridiculous.kBesides,kallkthatkfripperykiskso soksuperficial.kAkrelationshipkbetwee nkakmankandkakwomank shouldkbekbasedkonkrespectkandkmutualkaffection,knotkshallowkappearances."k

k"That'skveryktruekandkadmirable,"kJocelynkagreed.k"Butkwhilekaffectionkandkresp ectkarekthekessentialk foundationskofkakgoodkrelationship,kthekfactkremainskthatkmuchkofklifekisklivedk onktheksurface.kForkeveryk hourkthatkonekdiscusseskethicskorkphilosophy,ktherekarekakgoodkmanykmorekspentki nkdiningkandkdrivingkandk thektriviakofkday-to-dayklife,kandkthere'sknokdenyingkthatkakpleasantkappearance kaddsktokone'skenjoymentk ofkakcompanion."kShekhadkakbrief,kdistractingkthoughtkofkthekhourskshe'dkbeenksp endingkwithkDavid.kHek waskveryknicektokloo kat. k"That'skveryktruekandkadmirable,"kJocelynkagreed.k"Butkwhilekaffectionkandkresp ectkarekthekessentialk foundationskofkakgoodkrelationship,kthekfactkremainskthatkmuchkofklifekisklivedk onktheksurface.kForkeveryk hourkthatkonekdiscusseskethicskorkphilosophy,ktherekarekakgoodkmanykmorekspentki nkdiningkandkdrivingkandk thektriviakofkday-to-dayklife,kandkthere'sknokdenyingkthatkakpleasantkappearance kaddsktokone'skenjoymentk ofkakcompanion."kShekhadkakbrief,kdistractingkthoughtkofkthekhourskshe'dkbeenksp endingkwithkDavid.kHek waskveryknicektokloo kat. kJocelynkglancedkdownkatkherkpeacoc -coloredkgownkwithkitskdelicatekFrenchklacek trimkandkappliquek wor karoundkthekhem.k"Thiskmayknotkbekyourkstyle,kbutktherekarekotherkmodeskavai lable." kSallyksniffed,kunconvinced. kAkthoughtkstruc kJocelyn.k"Dokyoukdressksokplainlykbecausekofkyourkprinciples,k orkbecausekyou'rekafraidk youkcan'tkcompete?" kShekhalfkexpectedkherksister-in-lawktokexplode,kbutkSallykconsideredkthekquesti onkseriously.k"Somekofk both.kIkhavekheldkpostskwherekitkwaskwisektokbekinvisiblekbecausekofkmenkwhokmig htkhavekmadekmyklifek difficultkifkthey'dkfoundkmekattractive." k"Ikhadn'tkthoughtkofkthat,"kJocelynksaid,kaklittlekshoc edkatkSally'skmatter-of -factnesskaboutksituationskthatk mustkhavekbeenkupsetting. kSallykabsentlykscratchedkIsis'sknec kwhenkthekcatkheadkbumpedkherkleg.k"Evenkbe forekIkbecamekak governess,kIkfoundkitkwiserktokdresskseverely.kDavidkjoinedkthekarmykwhenkhekwas knineteen,kleavingkitkupk tokmektokrunkthekhousehold.kMykmotherkwaskaklovelyklady,kbutknotkverykpractical. kBecausekIkwasksmall,kIk didkmykbestktokloo kandkactkolderkwhenkIkdealtkwithktradesmen.kAfterkshekdied,kI khadktoksee k employment.kMykfirstkpositionkwaskaskakschoolteacher,kandkIkmightknotkhavekbeenk hiredkifkIkhadn'tkmadek myselfkloo kprimkandkolderkthankIkwas.kThekhabitkofkinvisibilitykhaskservedkmekw ell,kuntilknow." kJocelynknodded,kunderstandingkbetterkwhykSallykwasksokstern,ksokprotectivekofkh

erkbrother.kNokwonderk Davidkwasktolerantkofkherksometimesksharpktongue.kRising,ksheksaid,k"Thektimekha skcomekforkakchangekofk style.kComekupstairskandkwe'llkseekwhatkwekcankfindkinkmykcloset." kSallykloo edkatkherkwithksurprisekandkaktouchkofkanger.k"Ikdidn'tkcomektokbegkc lotheskfromkyou." k"Ofkcourseknot."kJocelynksweptkherksister-in-lawkfromkthekroom.k"ButkIkalwayska doredkplayingkwithkdollsk andkhaven'tkhadkthekopportunityktokdoksokinkyears." kSallykhadktoklaugh.kAsktheykenteredkherkspaciousksuite,kJocelynkcontinued,k"Myk maidkMariekiskquitek choosykaboutkwhichkofkmykcastoffskshekwillkaccept.She'skeasilykaskwellkdressedka skIkam,kandkitkcostskherk nextktoknothing." kSally'skmouthkquir edkup.k"You'reksayingkthatkifkIkwor katkit,kIkmightkbecomeka skwellkdressedkaskaklady'sk maid?" k"Oh,knotkthatkwell.kMariekhaskthatkmatchlesskFrenchksensekofkstyle.kIkenvykher. "kJocelynkdivedkintokthek largekcloset,kwhichkhadkbeenkbuiltkalongkonekwallkofkherkdressingkroom.k"Willkyo ukfeelkbetterkaboutkmyk

frivolitykifkIktellkyoukthat,kpoundkforkpound,kIkmatchkmykwardrobekcostskwithkco ntributionsktokank orphanage?kIkhavekotherkcharities,kbutkthiskparticularkonekbenefitskverykspecifi callykfromkhowkmuchkIk spendkonkclothing." frivolitykifkIktellkyoukthat,kpoundkforkpound,kIkmatchkmykwardrobekcostskwithkco ntributionsktokank orphanage?kIkhavekotherkcharities,kbutkthiskparticularkonekbenefitskverykspecifi callykfromkhowkmuchkIk spendkonkclothing." kMariekappearedkpromptly.kShekwasksmall,knoktallerkthankSally,kbutkwithkakmorekl avishlykendowedkfigure.k WearingkakgownkofkJocelyn'skthatkshekhadkalteredkwithkherks illedkneedle,kshekwa skverykwellkdressedk indeed. k"Marie,kwekarekgoingktokdiscoverkwhatkstylekbestksuitskMisskLancaster,"kJocelyn kexplained.k"Thekhairkfirst.k Whilekwe'rekwor ingkonkthat,kthin kaboutkwhichkofkmykgownskwouldkloo kwellkonkhe r." kSputteringkhalf-heartedkprotests,kSallykwaskplacedkinkfrontkofkthekdressingktab le.kMariekunpinnedkherkhairk andkbrushedkitkout.k"Excellentkhair,"kthekmaidksaidkthoughtfully.k"Butksomething ksofterkiskneeded,keh?" kWor ingktogether,kthekthreekofkthemkdevisedkakstylekwherekmostkofkSally'skhairk waskpulledkbac kintokak gentlektwistkthatkwavedksoftlykoverkherkears.kWithktrepidation,kSallykalsokallow edkMariektokdoksomek cutting.kThekresultkwaskakfringekofkdelicatekcurlskaroundkherkface.kWhileknotkin appropriatekforkakgoverness,k thekhairstylekmadekSallykappearkyearskyounger,kandkmuchkprettier.kUnderkMarie'sk tutelage,kSallyksoonk learnedkhowktokcreatekthekstylekherself. kBeginningktokgetkintokthekspiritkofkthings,kSallykdidn'tkobjectkagainkwhenkJoce lynkandkMariekstartedkdiggingk throughkthekcloset.kJocelynkpulledkoutkaksimplekmuslinkgownkinkakshadekofkdar kp each.k"I'mktiredkofkthisk one.kTrykitkon,kSally." kMariekopenedkherkmouth,kprobablyktokpointkoutkthatkthekgownkhadkneverkbeenkworn ,kbutkJocelynk silencedkherkwithkakglance.kHerksister-in-law'skneedkwaskgreater. kSallykobliginglykdonnedkthekgown.kMariekpinnedkitkatkthekbac kandkhem,kthenksai d,k"Thekmirror,k mam'zelle." kSallykturnedktokloo kintokthektallkdressingkmirror,kthenkgasped.k"Iskthatkreall ykme?" k"Itkcertainlykis.kYou'vekbeenkhidingkyourklightkmostkeffectively,"kJocelynkrepl ied,kregardingkthekresultskwithk satisfaction.kHerksister-in-law'skfigurekpossessedkakslimkelegancekthatkherknorm alkgarmentskhadkeffectivelyk

disguised,kandkthekwarmkpeachktoneskofkthekfabrickemphasizedkherkfinekcomplexion .kWhilekshekwouldk neverkbekakclassickbeauty,kshekwasknowkakyoungkladykwhokwouldkdrawkadmiringkglan ceskanywhere.kEvenk IankKinloc kwouldksurelyknotice. kShekturnedktokherkclosetkagain,kherklipskpursedkthoughtfully.k"Whatkelsekwouldk suitkyou?" kAskIsiskcurledkupkonkthekdiscardedknavykbluekdress,kfourkmorekgownskjoinedkthek giftkpile.kWhenkthek selectionkwaskcomplete,kSallykgazedkaklittlekhelplesslykatktheksumptuouskarrayko fkfabrics.k"Ikcan'tkacceptksok much,kJocelyn." k"Considerkthekorphans.kThey'llkbenefitkwhenkIkreplacekthekgowns."k

kSallyklaughed.k"Sincekyoukputkitkthatkway " kSallyklaughed.k"Sincekyoukputkitkthatkway " k"Onekmorekthing."kJocelynkopenedkakdresserkdrawerkandkbroughtkoutkakcashmereksh awlkpatternedkink russetkandkgold.kWithktoucheskofkdar kbluekandkbrown,kitkcouldkbekwornkwithkalmo stkanything.kShekfeltkak faintkpangkatkthekthoughtkofkpartingkwithkthekshawl,kbutkitkwaskperfectkforkSall y.k"Ta ekthis,ktoo." k"Oh,kJocelyn."kSallykmadekaksoftksoundkaskshektouchedkthekluxuriouskfabric.k"Th iskiskthekloveliestkthingkI'vek everkowned.kThan kyoukagain.kYourkgenerositykshameskme." kJocelynkshoo kherkhead.k"Forktruekgenerosity,kloo ktokakwomankwhokshareskherkfa mily'sksoupkwithkak hungrykstranger.kI'vekneverklac edkforkanything,ksokIkdeserveknokcreditkforkgivi ngkawaykwhatkIkdon'tkneed." k"ThekrichestkfamilykIkeverkwor edkforkwaskalsokthekmeanestkwhenkitkcamektokhelp ingkthosekwhokwereklessk fortunate."kSallykgavekherkakshrewdkglance.k"Whykwillkyoukneverkexceptkcomplimen ts,kJocelyn?" kThekunexpectedkquestionkroc edkher.kWorsekwaskthekinstant,kunnervingkanswer.kBe causekIkdon'tk deservekthem.kShekhadk nownkthatkeverksince everksince kChangingktheksubject,kshekas ed,k"WhokiskJeanette?" k"Howkdidkyouklearnkaboutkher?"kSallykdrapedkthekshawlkaroundkherkshoulders,kche c ingkthekmirrorktokseek howkitkhung. k"Davidkmentionedkherknamekwhenkhekwaskoutkofkhiskhead,"kJocelynksaid,kcarefully kcasual.k"LaterkIkas edk whokshekwas,kwonderingkifkIkshouldksendkaknotekaboutkhiskrecovery,kbutkhekavoide dkanswering.kIskshekthek sortkofkfemalekmenkwon'tktal kabout?" k"No,kshe'sknotkofkthekmuslinkcompany.kTokbekhonest,kwithksokmuchkhappeningkinkt heklastkmonthskI'dk almostkforgottenkherkexistence."kSallyktwea edkakstraykcurlkintokplace.k"Accordi ngktokDavid'skletters,k JeanettekiskfromkakFrenchkRoyalistkfamilykandkveryklovely.kIksuspectkhekmeantkto kofferkmarriage,kbutkthenk hekwasksentktokBrussels.kHekhasn'tkmentionedkherktokmeksincekreturningktokEnglan d." k"Iksee.kNokdoubtkhekthoughtkitkbestktokwritekherkpersonally."kJocelynkcarefully kfoldedkthekpeachkgownktok preventkitkfromkwrin lingkwhenkSallyktoo kitkhome.kSokDavidkhadkplanskofkhiskown ktokmarry.kNokwonderk he'dksuggestedkannulmentkaskthekswiftestkwayktokendktheirkunintendedkmarriage. kThin ingkbac ktokthektimekhe'dkas edkifkshe'dkconsideredkallowingktheirkunionkt okstand,kshekrealizedkthatk he'dkbeenktensekwhenkhekraisedktheksubject.kAsksoonkaskshekrejectedkthekpossibil

ity,khe'dkrelaxedkagain.k Clearlykhe'dkonlykmadektheksuggestionkbecausekofktheklawyerlykpracticalitykheksh aredkwithkCrandall.kHisk ownkattentionskwerekfixedkonksomeonekelse. kGodkandkthekecclesiasticalkcourtskwilling,kbykspringkbothkofkthemkwouldkbekfree ktokfollowktheirkhearts.kShek waskgladkthatkhiskfeelingskwerekengaged.kProbablykthatkwaskwhykitkwasksokeasykfo rkthemktokbekfriends.k ShekjustkhopedkJeanettekwaskgoodkenoughkforkhim. kButkwhy,kshekthoughtkwryly,kdidkakmankseemkmorekattractivekaskhekbecameklesskav ailable?kHowkhumblingk

tokthin konekhadksokmuchkinkcommonkwithkakcowkstretchingkitsknec kthroughkakgate kforkbetterkgrass. tokthin konekhadksokmuchkinkcommonkwithkakcowkstretchingkitsknec kthroughkakgate kforkbetterkgrass. k"Perfect.kYoukloo klovely,kbutkstillkyourself,"kJocelynkpronounced.k"Remember,k though,kfinekfeatherskarek onlykpartkofkwhatkiskrequired.kMorekimportantkisktokfeelkthatkyoukarekattractive .kYoukmustkbelievekthatkit'sk onlykrightkandkproperkforkKinloc ktokfindkyoukirresistible." kSallyklaughed.k"Soktherekiskaksecretktokma ingkmenkfallkinklovekwithkyoukafterk all,kandkyou'vekjustkexplainedk itktokme." k"PerhapskIkdid,"kJocelynksaidkwithksurprise. kSallykhuggedkherkhard.k"Than kyoukforkeverything.kWishkmekluc ,kandknotkakwordk tokDavidkunlesskIkamk successful!" kChapterk20k

kThekreceptionkroomkloo edkmuchkbetterkthankonkherkfirstkvisit.kSallykhadkarrang edkforkonekofkIan'sk patientsktokcomekandkcleankregularly.kWithkseveralkchildrenkandklittlekmoney,kth ekwomankhadkbeenk delightedktokbarterkherklaborkinkreturnkforkcarekandkmedicineskwhenkherkbroodkne ededkthem.kIankwouldk havektreatedkthekchildrenkforknothing,kbutknowkthekwomankcouldk eepkherkpride. kOnkthekdes kwaskaknotekinkhisksurgeon'skhastykscrawl.kI'vekbeenkcalledkoutktoka nkemergency.kDon'tk nowkhowklongkIkshallkbe,kbutkwillkunderstandkifkyoukdon'tkwishktokwait.kSorry!k Ian. kSheksmiledkfondly.kThekwordsksoundedkjustkli ekhim. kWillingktokwait,ksheksatkatkthekdes kandkpulledkoutkthekledger.kWhilekshekadmir edkhiskwillingnessktoktreatk charitykcaseskforkfree,ksheksawknokreasonkwhykhiskmorekprosperouskpatientskshoul dn'tkpayktheirkbills. kItkwaskakmixedkblessingkthatkIankhadkaksmallkindependentkincomekfromkhiskfamily .kThekmoneyk eptkhimk fromkban ruptcy,kbutkalsokpermittedkhimktokignorekhiskbusiness.kThekmankdefinite

SallykwasksupposedktokmeetkIankatkhiskconsultingkroomskthatkevening,kbutkshekwas n'tksurprisedkwhenktherek wasknokresponsektokthekbell.kProbablykhe'dkbeenkcalledktokakpatient.kShekletkher selfkinkwithkthek eykhe'dk givenkher,kherkhandskunsteady.kHektrustedkherktokenterkandkwor konkthekaccounts, kbutkthatkwasknok guaranteekthatkhe'dkevenknoticekherkenhancedkappearance.kYetkifkthiskdidn'tkwor ,kshekhadknokideakwhatk would.

lykneededkak eeper,kshek decided.kThektric kwasktokconvincekhimkthatkshekwaskthekbestkonekforkthekpositio n. kAfterkshekfinishedkwritingkinvoiceskforkoverduekbills,kshekchec edkthekexaminin gkroomktokseekifkanythingk neededktokbekdone.kShekwaskalwayskamusedkbykthekcontrastkbetweenkhiskjumbledkrec eptionkroomkandkthek impeccablekneatnesskofkhisksurgery.k

kAkquic kglancekindicatedkthatkallkwaskinkorder,kexceptkforkakheelkofkbreadklyin gkbykthekceramickjugkwherek hek eptkhisknastykRussiankdressingkmixture.kShekliftedktheklidkandkpeeredkinside .kVilekthekstuffkmightkbe,kbutk itkhadkhelpedkDavidkandkcountlesskothers.kItkloo edkakbitkhungry.kProbablykIankh adkbeenkinterruptedkjustk beforekhekcouldkfeedkit. kAkquic kglancekindicatedkthatkallkwaskinkorder,kexceptkforkakheelkofkbreadklyin gkbykthekceramickjugkwherek hek eptkhisknastykRussiankdressingkmixture.kShekliftedktheklidkandkpeeredkinside .kVilekthekstuffkmightkbe,kbutk itkhadkhelpedkDavidkandkcountlesskothers.kItkloo edkakbitkhungry.kProbablykIankh adkbeenkinterruptedkjustk beforekhekcouldkfeedkit. kMightkyeastkbekthekingredientkthatkmadekIan'skmixtureksokpotent?kPerhaps,kthoug hktheksmellkwaskdifferentk fromkthekyeastkshekwaskusedkto.kMaybekthatkwaskbecausekitkwaskRussian.kAtkanykra te,kifksomethingk happenedktokthiskoriginalkmixture,kherkdaughterkbrewkwouldkbekavailablekforkhisk patients. kShekwaskaddingkwaterktokthekjugkwhenkshekheardkthekouterkdoorkopen.k"Ian?"kshek called.k"I'mkbac khere." kHekentered,kakgrinkonkhiskfacekaskheksawkwhatkshekwaskdoing.k"Isktherekanotherk womankinkEnglandkwhok wouldkgiveksuchktenderkcarektokakmesskofkmoldykbread?" kShekturnedksokthatkhekcouldkseekthekpeachkdresskinkallkitskglory.kHisksmilekfad ed,kandkhekstaredkatkherkaskifk she'dkjustkcrawledkoutkfromkunderkakroc . kChilledkatkhiskreaction,kshekstammered,k"What'skthekmatter?" k"Nothing."kAkmusclekinkhiskjawkwor ed.k"Exceptkthatkitkhaskjustkstruc kmekhowkv erykimproperkitkiskforkak youngkladyktokcomekherekalone.kIkdon'tk nowkwhykit'skta enkmeksoklongktokrealize .kAfterkall,kIkwaskraisedk askakgentleman,kevenkifkIkhavekfallenkfromkthatkstandard." k"Sincekwhenkhaskvisitingkakdoctorkbeenkscandalouskbehavior?"kSallyksaid,ktrying ktokconcealkherkanxietyk underkaklightktone. k"Butkyoukaren'tkherekaskakpatient.kYou'rekakyoung,kattractivekwoman.kThiskcould kruinkyourkreputation.k Whatkifkyourkemployersktoo kexceptionktokyourkseeingkakmankwithoutkanykchaperon? kYoukcouldklosekyourk position." k"ThekLauncestonskarekverykliberalkandkhavekthekradicalkviewkthatkemployeeskarek entitledktoksomekprivacy.k Theyktrustkmekneverktokdokanythingkdetrimentalktokthekchildren,"ksheksaidkstiffl y.k"Besides,kI'llkbekgivingk noticeksoon.kWithkLadykJocelyn'skannuity,kIkhaveknokneedktokcontinuekaskakgovern ess."

kHeksetkhiskmedicalkbagkonkthektable,knotkloo ingkatkher.k"Allkthekmorekreasonkf orkyouktokta ekcarekofkyourk reputation.kIkneverkshouldkhavekallowedkyouktokcomekhere." kHandksha ing,kSallyksetktheklidkonkthekbreadkjug.k"Arekyouksayingkthatkyoukdon' tkwishktokseekmekagain?k I kIkhadkthoughtkwekwerekfriends."kDespitekherkbestkefforts,kshekcouldn'tk eepkakq uaverkfromkherkvoice.k Iankhadkneverksaidkshekwaskattractivekbefore,kjustkaskitkhadkneverkoccurredktokh imkthatktherekwaskanythingk improperkaboutkherkpresence.kDearkGod,kbutkshekneverkwouldkhavekchangedkherkstyl ekifkshekhadk nownkitk mightkdrivekhimkaway. kHiskvoiceksoftened.k"Wekhavekbeenkfriends,kandkIkshallkmisskyoukakgreatkdeal."k ThekScotskburrkwask becomingkveryknoticeable.k"ButkmykofficekandkBart'skandkthektavernkareknokplaces kforkyou.kHowkoftenk havekIk eptkyoukwaiting?kThreektimeskoutkofkfour?"k

kThekquestionkwaskrhetorical;ktheykbothk newkthekanswer.kMedicalkwor kwaskunpred ictable,kandkmorek oftenkthanknotkankemergencykorkankunexpectedknumberkofkpatientskwouldkdelaykhim. k"I'mknotksurekwhichkisk worse,khavingkyoukwaitkforkmekinkaktavernkorkmeetingkmekherekprivately,"khekcont inued.k"Neitherkiskrightk forkaklady." kThekquestionkwaskrhetorical;ktheykbothk newkthekanswer.kMedicalkwor kwaskunpred ictable,kandkmorek oftenkthanknotkankemergencykorkankunexpectedknumberkofkpatientskwouldkdelaykhim. k"I'mknotksurekwhichkisk worse,khavingkyoukwaitkforkmekinkaktavernkorkmeetingkmekherekprivately,"khekcont inued.k"Neitherkiskrightk forkaklady." kShekfroze,kutterlykaghastkatkwhatkshekhadksaid. kIankstaredkatkher.k"Sally,khavekyoukjustkproposedktokme?" kSheknoddedkmutely,kherkfacekhotkwithkembarrassment. kUnablektokfacekher,khekcrossedktokthekwindowkandkstaredkintokHarleykStreet,kwhe rekthekoncomingkdus k castklongkshadows.kHekshouldkhavek nownksomethingkli ekthiskwouldkhappen,kwithkh erkheartksokopenkandk readyktokgiveklove.kHekhadk nown,kandkhadkrefusedktokthin kofkthekconsequences.k Itkhadkmeantksokmuchk tokhavekSally'skcompanionshipkthatkhekhadkdenied,kevenktokhimself,khowkmuchkmore kshekhadkbecome. k"Ikhadkakwifekonce,"kheksaidkabruptly,kpainktightkinkhiskchest.kItkhadkbeenkyea rsksincekhe'dkspo enkofkhisk marriage,kbutktimekhadkmadekitknokeasier. kBehindkhim,kSallyksaidkquietly,k"Tellkmekaboutkher." k"ElisekandkIkwerekchildhoodkplaymates.kShekwaskthekloveliestkcreature,kdelicate kaskakfairy."kItkwask becomingkdar kenoughkoutsidektokseekhiskownkhauntedkreflectionkinkthekwindowkgla ss.kHe'dkbeenkakmerek boykwhenkhe'dkmarried.kAklifetimekago. k"Ikhadkalwaysk nownkIkshouldkstudykmedicine.kItkwaskakcallingkaskstrongkaskakpr iest's.kIkreadkboo s,k caredkforkinjuredkanimals,ktraveledkwithktheklocalkphysiciankonkhiskrounds.kButk medicinekisknotkthek occupationkofkakgentleman.kElisekwaskaklady,kandkdeservedkbetter.kWekmarriedkaft erkIkfinishedkatk Cambridge,kandklivedkinkEdinburgh,kwherekIkhadkta enkakgovernmentkpost."kHekdrew kakdeep,kshudderingk breath.k"Fourkmonthskafterkthekwedding,kElisekfellkdownkthekstairskofkourklittle khouse.kShekseemedkunhurtkatk first,kbutkthatkafternoonkshekcollapsed.kAkhemorrhagekofkthekbrain.kShekdiedktwe lvekhoursklater." k"I'mksoksorry,"kSallyksaid,kherkvoiceksoftkwithkcompassion.k"Howkghastlykforkyo ukandkthekrestkofkherk family."

kHeksensedkherkclosekbehindkhim,k newktheksympathykhekwouldkseekinkherkeyes,kand kwasn'tksurekhekcouldk bearkit.kShekwasksokgood,ksoktrue,kandkbelievedkthatkhekwas,ktoo.k"Ikdon'tk nowk ifkanyksurgeonkinkthek worldkcouldkhaveksavedkElise.kCertainlykIkcouldkdoknothing."kSteelingkhimself,kh ekturnedktokfacekSally.k"Butk Ikdok nowkthatkifkIkhadn'tkmarriedkher,kifkIkhadktrustedkmykdeepestkinstinctskan dkstudiedkmedicinekinsteadk ofkta ingkakwife,kElisekwouldknotkhavekdied.kShekwouldkhavekchosenkakdifferentkp ath.kMarriedkakbetterk mankandkhadkbonniekbairnskandkbeenkhappy.kShe kshekwaskbornktokbekhappy." kSallykshoo kherkheadkinkdisagreement.k"You'rektookhardkonkyourself,kIan.kYoukca n'tk nowkwhatkElise'sk fatekwouldkhavekbeenkifkyoukhadn'tkmarried.kLovingkyou,kshekmightkhavekchosenkfo urkmonthskaskyourkwifek overkaklifetimekwithoutkyou." k"Ikcan'tk nowkaboutkherkfate,"khekagreed,kbitternesskinkhiskvoice.k"ButkIkdok n owkthatkIkusedkherkillkbyk

choosingklovekoverkmykcalling.kAfterkherkdeath,kIkstudiedkmedicinekandksurgerykw ithkakvengeance.kIksailedk allkoverkthekworld,kbecamekankarmyksurgeon,klearningkandkpracticingkeverywhere.k SometimeskIkthin k doctorskdokveryklittlekgood,kbutktherekarektimeskwhenkIk nowkIkmadekakdifference .kThatkiskwhatkmyklifekhask beenkabout:kma ingkakdifference.kNotkmarriage,knotkmoney,knotkambitionkaskmostkm enk nowkit." choosingklovekoverkmykcalling.kAfterkherkdeath,kIkstudiedkmedicinekandksurgerykw ithkakvengeance.kIksailedk allkoverkthekworld,kbecamekankarmyksurgeon,klearningkandkpracticingkeverywhere.k SometimeskIkthin k doctorskdokveryklittlekgood,kbutktherekarektimeskwhenkIk nowkIkmadekakdifference .kThatkiskwhatkmyklifekhask beenkabout:kma ingkakdifference.kNotkmarriage,knotkmoney,knotkambitionkaskmostkm enk nowkit." kHekwantedktokburykhimselfkinktheksoftnesskofkherkhair,kfindksolacekinkthekwarmt hkofkherkspirit.kInstead,khek mustkrevealkhowkverykunnoblekhekwas,ktheksinskhekhadkcommittedkdespitekthekscour gekofkhiskPresbyteriank conscience.k"OfkcoursekIkhavekbeenklonely.kSometimesktherekhavekbeenkwomenkwhokh avekbeenkgratefulk forkwhatkIkhavekdonekforkthem,korkforktheirklovedkones,kandkwhokhavekwantedktoke xpressktheirkgratitudekink akverykpersonalkway.kMostkofkthektimekIkhavekrefused.kAskIkhaveksaid,kIkwaskrais edkaskakgentleman.kButk otherktimes kIkamkonlykakman,kwithkakman'skwea ness." kHerkexpressionkshowedkthatkshekunderstoodkwhatkhekwasksaying,kyetkshekdidn'tktu rnkawaykinkrevulsion.k "Andkwithkakman'skstrengths.kDon'tkforgetkthat,kIan." kDrivenktokbluntness,kheksaidkharshly,k"YoukarekgratefulkthatkIkhelpedkyourkbrot her.kDon'tkma ekthek mista ekofkconfusingkgratitudekwithklove." kSurprisingly,ksheksmiled.k"Givekmekcreditkforksomeksense,kIan.kOfkcoursekI'mkgr atefulkforkwhatkyoukdid.k I'dkhavekhappilykgivenkyoukeverykpennykIkeverkpossessedktoksavekDavid."kShekreac hedkoutkandklaidkherk handkonkhiskarm.k"ButkgratitudekwouldknotkhavekmadekmeklovekyoukaskIkdo.kLovekwa skinspiredkbykwhatk youkare thekgood,kthekbad,kandkevenkthekfoolish,kwhichkiskwhatkyou'rekbeingknow." kHekjer edkawaykfromkherktouch,ktryingktokmaintainkakscientist'skdetachmentkabou tkhiskbody'skreactions,k butkhiskvoicekwaskroughkwhenkhekreplied,k"I'dkma ekthekverykdevilkofkakhusband,k Sally.kIkbecomek absorbedkinkwhatkI'mkdoingkandkforgetkthektime.kIkhaveknokfinancialksensekwhatso everkandkwillkneverkearnk morekthankakmodestkliving.kIkgetkirritablekandkbar katkeveryone,kandkIkthin kabo utkmykwor ksixteenkhourskak day." k"I'mkperfectlykawarekofkhowkimportantkyourkwor kisktokyoukandkwouldkneverkinter ferekwithkthat,"ksheksaidk crisply.k"Loo katkme,kIan.kI'mktoughkandkpractical,knotkakfragilekplantkinkneedk

ofkspecialkattention.kWor kask latekaskyoukli e,kasklongkaskyoukeventuallykcomekhomektokme.kAndkI'llkwor kbesid ekyou,kbecausekmyk talentskwillkfreekyouktokspendkmorektimekdoingkwhatkyoukdokbest." kImpossiblektokarguekwithkthat.kSincekshekhadkstartedkquietlykorganizingkhisklif e,khe'dkbeenkbothkhappierk andkakbetterkdoctor.kThekprospectkofkaklifetimekspentkwithkherkcompanionshipkand kstrengthkwaskalmostk unbearablyktempting. kPerhapskseeingkthekconflictkinkhiskeyes,ksheksaidkquietly,k"Iklovekyoukaskyouka rekandkhaven'tkthekleastkdesirek tokchangekyou.kIkamksimplykma ingkakmodestkproposal:kyoukwillkcontinuektokbekink chargekofksavingkthek world,kandkIkwillkbekinkchargekofksavingkyou." kHekhadktoklaughkdespitekthekachekofkemotion.k"Sally,kyoukminx,khaven'tkyoukhear dkanythingkI'veksaid?" k"I'vekheardkeverykword."kShekstaredkupkatkhim,kchallengingkhimktokmatchkherkhon estykandkvulnerability.k "Thekonekthingkyoukhaven'tksaidkiskthatkyoukdon'tkcarekforkme." k"OfkcoursekIkcarekforkyou!"khekretorted,kwonderingkhowkshekcouldkdoubtkthat.k"W henkwe'rektogether,kI'mk relaxedkandkhappykaskIkhaven'tkbeenksincekIkwaskakbairn.kYou kyoukfillkupkholeskin kmekthatkhavekbeenk

emptyksoklongkIkhadkforgotkwhatkitkfeltkli eknotktokhavekthem." emptyksoklongkIkhadkforgotkwhatkitkfeltkli eknotktokhavekthem." kWithkaksmilekthatktransformedkherksmallkfacektokheart-stoppingkbeauty,kshekwhis pered,k"Sincekwekseemktok bekinkagreement,kwhykdon'tkwekdoksomethingkaboutkit?" kWithkakburstkofkgladness,kIankKinloc ksurrenderedktokhiskfate,kwrappingkhiskarm skaroundkherkinkank embracekthatknearlykliftedkherkfromkherkfeet.kSmallkshekwas,kbutkeverykouncekwas kchoice.k"Ah,kSally,k sweetheart,kyou'rekakWelshkwitch.kIkthoughtkIkwasktookoldkandkcrustyktokfallkink lovekagain.kThenkyouksweptk intokBart'skloo ingkforkthekmadksurgeon,ksokadorablekIkcouldkhardlyk eepkmykhand skoffkyou.kAndksok brave,khelpingkmekwithkyourkbrother'sksurgerykevenkthoughkyoukwerekwhitekaskakSc ottishksheet.kIk eptk thin ingkhowkluc ykyourkbrotherkwasktokhavekearnedksuchkloyalty.kIkjustkhopektok Godkyoukdon'tklivektok regretkthis." kAdorable?kSallykthoughtkaboutkthatkforkakmoment;kitkwasn'tkakwordkshekhadkeverk associatedkwithkherself,k butkshekli edkit.kShekli edkitkverykwell.k"Ikwon't.kYoukmaykthin kofkyourkwor ks ixteenkhourskakday,kbutkthatk stillkleaveskeightkhourskforkme,kandkIkdon'tkexpectkthatkyou'llkbeksleepingkfork allkofkthem." kHekburstkoutklaughing,khiskfacekboyishkunderkthekwhitekhair.k"No,kIkdon'tksuppo sekIkshall,knotkwithkyouk aroundktok eepkmekfromkmykrest." kHekbentkhiskheadktokherskinkak isskthatkbegankinktenderness,kandkrapidlykdevelo pedkintokakhungerkofkbothk bodykandksoul.kForkaklong,klongktimektheykstoodkinkfrontkofkthekwindow,kma ingka kspectaclekofkthemselvesk forkanyonekwhokmightkbekpassingkbykinkHarleykStreet.kDizzilykitkoccurredktokSall ykthatkofkcoursekonek wouldkexpectkakdoctorktok isskwithkgreatks ill,ksincekhisk nowledgekofkanatomykw askprofound. kShekwouldkhavekcheerfullykgonekupstairsktokhiskrooms,kbutkhekfinallykreleasedkh er,khiskwhitekhairk disorderedkwherekshekhadkburiedkherkfingers,kandkhiskbreathingkragged.k"Ikowekyo ukakdinner,klass.kThenk wekshallkgoktokCromartykHousektokbrea ktheknewsktokyourkbrother.kIkhaveknokinten tionkofkas ingkhisk permission,kbecausekifkhekhaskanyksensekatkall,khekwouldkrefusekit." k"He'llkbekgladktokhavekmekoffkhiskhandskbeforekIkdwindlekintokakmaidenkaunt."kS hekflutteredkherklashesk outrageously,kfeelingkgiddykandkdesirable,kbecausekthekmanksheklovedkalsoklovedk andkdesiredkher.k"ShallkIk drawkupkaklineagekchartkforkyourkmother'skapproval?kIkamknotkwithoutkrespectable kconnections,kandkI'llk havekfivekhundredkpoundskakyear." k"Thekannuitykiskthatkmuch?"kIankas edkwithkinterestkaskhekescortedkherktokthekd

oor.k"Ifkyou'dktoldkmekyouk werekakwealthykwoman,kIkwouldkhavekproposedkearlier." k"Ikproposedktokyou,kremember?kAndkdon'tkworry,kbykthektimekIkhavekyourkofficeki nkhand,kyou'llkbek ma ingkquitekakgoodkliving.kAfterkall,karen'tkyoukthekfinestkphysiciankandksurge onkinkLondon?" kOnkthekstepskoutsidekthekdoorkhekstoppedkandkbrushedkherkchee kwithkthekbac kof konekstrongkhand.k "Notkthekfinest,kperhaps,"kheksaid,khiskvoicekveryktenderkandkScottish.k"Butkcer tainlykthekluc iest." kRegardlesskofkwhokmightkbekwatching,kMisskSarahkLancaster,kformerkprimkgovernes s,kpulledkherkfiance'sk

headkdownkandk issedkhimkwithkgreatkthoroughness. headkdownkandk issedkhimkwithkgreatkthoroughness. 1k

Davidkfeltkaskifkhekwasklivingkinkankenchantedkbubble,kuntroubledkbyktheknormalk careskofkthekworld.kHekandk Jocelynkspentkmostkofktheirkwa ingkhoursktogether,kandkeverykdaykhekwantedkherkm ore.kAfterkvisitingkthek PhysickGarden,ktheykbegankma ingkregularkexpeditionskaroundkLondon.kTheykhadn'tk gonekoutktogetherk socially,kthough.kItkwaskeasierknotktokhavektokexplainktheirkrelationship. kThekhardkpartkwaskconcealingkhiskattraction.kJocelynkwaskakdelightfulkcompanion ,kexceptkonkthekfewk occasionskhe'dkshownksomeksignkofkinterest.kHerkwithdrawalkwaskalwayskswiftkandk complete.kShektendedk tokavoidkevenkthekmostkcasualkofktouches,ksuchkaskbeingkhelpedkfromkherkcarriage .kPerhapsksheksensedkhisk desirekandkwantedknokpartkofkit. kButkenchantedkbubbleskmustkeventuallykburst.kItkwaskmid-Augustkandksummerkwaska tkitskheadykbest.kAllk tooksoonkthekbirdskwouldkbekflyingksouth,kthekbeaukmondekwouldkreturnktokLondon, kandkJocelynkwouldk formallykfilekforkankannulment.kIntuitivelykhekfeltkthatkifkhekdidn'tkchangekher kmindkbykthen,kitkwouldkbektook late.kHekwouldklosekwhatkhe'dkneverktrulykhad,kdespitekherkobviouskpleasurekinkh iskcompany. kThekdaykwaskwarm,ksoktheykwereklunchingkinkthekgazebokatkthekbottomkofkthekgard en.kBothkhadkbroughtk boo s,kandktheykmightkendkupkspendingkthekentirekafternoonkwithknokmorekcompanyk thankIsis,kwhoksatk withkherkpawskdemurelyktuc edkinkfrontkofkher,kherkgazekalertkforkanykbirdkfooli shkenoughktokventurekintok herkrange. k"Morekcoffee,kDavid?" k"Please." kHekwatchedkaskshekpouredkforkeachkofkthem,kwishingkhekcouldkleankforwardkandk i sskherkgracefulknape,k visiblekunderkthekcasuallyktwistedkrichnesskofkherkhair.kAskhekrecoveredkhiskstr ength,kitkwaskbecomingk increasinglykdifficultktokconcealksuchkthoughts. kBetterktokthin kaboutkhowkSallykandkIankKinloc khadkannouncedktheknewskofktheir kengagement.kDavidk hadkbeenkamazed.kHowkhadkSallykmanagedktokfallkinklovekandkcaptivatekankadmirabl ekhusbandkunderkhisk veryknosekwithoutkhimknoticing? kJocelynkhadn'tkbeenksurprised,kthough.kWithkaksmilekthatkremindedkhimkofkIsis,k she'dkorderedkchampagne,k andkthey'dktoastedkthekbetrothal.kHekwouldn'tkhavekbelievedkthatkthekintenseksur

geonkcouldkeverkbeksok relaxed,kbutkclearlyklovekhadkwor edkmagickonkbothkSallykandkIan.kHe'dkbeenkenvi ouskaskwellkaskgenuinelyk pleasedkforkthekhappykcouple. kPullingkhiskgazekawaykfromkJocelyn,khekremar ed,k"NotkonlykwillkKinloc kma ekSa llykakworthykhusband,k butkIk eepkthin ingkhowkconvenientkitkwillkbektokhavekakgoodkdoctorkinkthekfamil y." kSheklaughed.k"I'vekthoughtkofkthat.kMaykIkborrowkhimkifkneeded?"k

kThekfellowkmustkhavekbeenkpersuasivektoktal kDudleykaround.kDavidkstudiedkthekn ewcomer,kbutkwasksurek they'dkneverkmet. kThekmanksteppedkforwardkandkbowed.k"Forgivekmekforkdisturbingkyou,kbutkIkhaveku rgentkbusinesskwithk MajorkLancaster."kHiskintentkgazekwentktokDavid.k"YoukarekthekHonorablekDavidkEd wardkLancaster,k bornkatkWestholmekinkthekcountykofkHerefordkink1783?" kDavid'sknec kpric led.kSuchkaklegalistickintroductionkdidknotkbodekwell.k"Ikam, "kheksaidkcoolly.k"Forgivek mykrudeness,kbutkwhatkbusinesskiskitkofkyours?" k"Permitkmektokintroducekmyself.kIkamkJameskRowley.kYoukmayknotkrememberkmykname ,kbutkthekRowleysk havekrepresentedkthekLancasterkfamilykinkitsklegalkaffairskforkthreekgenerations ." kHekshouldkhavek nownkthekmankwaskaklawyer.kStrugglingktokcontrolkthekangerkthat kRowleykhadktriggered,k Davidksaidktersely,k"NokdoubtkmykbrotherskheardkIkwasknearkdeathkandksentkyoukto kconfirmkthekhappyk event.kYoukmaykinformkthemkthatktheykarekoutkofkluc .kMykhealthkisknowkexcellent ,kandkIkhaveknokintentionk ofkgratifyingkthemkbykdyingkanyktimeksoon.kMaykIkloo kforwardktokbeingkignoredkb ykthemkforkanotherk twentykyears?" kStartledkandkuncomfortable,ktheklawyerkprotested,k"ThatkisknotkwhykI'mkhere.kIn deed,kI'mkdelightedktok findkyoukrecovered" Rowleykpaused,kthenksaidkwithkemphasis "LordkPresteyne." kDavidkwentkcold,kasknumbkaskwhenktheklethalkshellkfragmentskhadkstruc khimkdown .kOnkthekotherksidekofk thektable,kJocelynkgasped,kherkgazekgoingktokhiskfacekaskshekrecognizedkwhatkhad kjustkbeenksaid. kAfterkdrawingkakdeepkbreath,kheksaid,k"You'dkbestksitkdownkandkexplainkyourself ,kMr.kRowley." kTheklawyerksteppedkintokthekgazebokandktoo kakchair,ksettingkhiskleatherkportfo liokonkthekfloor.k"It'skak straightforwardkmatter.kYourkthreekbrotherskarekallkdeadkwithoutkheirs,ksokforkt heklastkseveralkwee skyouk

kHekloo edkawaykatkthekreminderkthatkJocelynkdidn'tkintendktokremainkpartkofkthe kLancasterkfamily.kHisk gazekfellkonkDudley,kwhokwaskapproachingkwithkaktall,kserious-facedkmankwhokloo edkaskifkhekmightkbek somethingkimportantkinkthekCity.kThekbutlerkloo edkdisapproving,kbutkthen,khekus uallykdid.

kHekloo edkawaykatkthekreminderkthatkJocelynkdidn'tkintendktokremainkpartkofkthe kLancasterkfamily.kHisk gazekfellkonkDudley,kwhokwaskapproachingkwithkaktall,kserious-facedkmankwhokloo edkaskifkhekmightkbek somethingkimportantkinkthekCity.kThekbutlerkloo edkdisapproving,kbutkthen,khekus uallykdid.

havekbeenkthekseventhkBaronkPresteyne." kUnablektokescapekthekbeliefkthatkthiskwaskakjestkinkincrediblykbadktaste,kDavid kretorted,k"Allkthreekofkthosek bruteskmetktheirkma erkatkonce?kSomeonekmustkhavekburnedkthekhousekdownkwithkthe mkinkit." k"Itkwasn'tkthatkmelodramatic.kNotkquite."kTheklawyerkclearedkhiskthroat.k"Yourk middlekbrother,kRoger,k drownedkthreekyearskagokinkakboatingkaccident.kThenkthiskyear,kearlykinkJuly,kyo urkotherkbrothers,kWilfredk andkTimothy,kengagedkinkakdrun enkbrawl."kHekglancedkatkJocelyn,kwhokwasklisteni ngkinkfascination.k"Thek causekiskunimportant.kTheykchosektokduelkonkthekSouthkLawnktoksettlekthekmatter. kWhateverktheirkdefectsk ofkcharacter,kbothkwerekexcellentkmar smen.kTimothykwask illedkoutright.kWilfred klingeredkforksomekdaysk beforeksuccumbing." k"Darekonekhopekthatkheksufferedkakgreatkdeal?"kDavidksaid,kunablektokcontrolkhi skbitterness. kEyeskenormous,kJocelynkreachedkacrosskthektablektokhim.kHekcaughtkherkhand,khol dingkonkaskifkshekwask

hisklifeline.kPerhapskshekwas,kaskhekfoughtkakfloodkofklong-buriedkmemories. hisklifeline.kPerhapskshekwas,kaskhekfoughtkakfloodkofklong-buriedkmemories. kWithkeffort,kDavidkmas edkhiskroilingkemotions.k"FromkwhatkIkrememberkofkWilfre d,kwhat'skimpliedkiskak largeknumberkofkdebts.kWillktherekbekanythingkleftkafterksettlingkthem?kItkwould kbekjustkli ekhimktokgamblek Westholmekaway." k"Thekestatekiskencumbered,kbutknotkhopelesslykso,"ktheklawyerkreplied.k"Thektru stees,kofkwhomkIkamkone,k wouldknotkallowkyourkbrotherktokmortgagekthekpropertykaskheavilykaskhekwouldkhav ekli ed." kThatkwaskgoodknews.kWestholmekhadkbeenkinkthekfamilykforkoverkthreekcenturies.k Itkwouldkhavekbeenk bitterlykironicktokinheritkthektitlekwithoutkthekestatekthatkhadkbeenkthekheartk andksoulkofkthekLancasters.k Beginningktokabsorbkthekmagnitudekofktheknews,kheksaid,k"Ikdon'tksupposekthere's kanykmoney,kbutkasklongk askthekestateksurvives,ktherekiskhope." k"Ikcouldknotkinkconsciencekwishkforkyourkbrothers'kdeaths,kbutkIkamkmostkplease dkthatkyoukhavekinherited,"k Rowleyksaidkausterely.k"Ik eptkinktouchkwithkyourkmotherkafterkshekleftkWestholm e,kandkIkfollowedkyourk armykcareer.kYoukandkyourksisterkarekcutkfromkverykdifferentkclothkthankyourkhal f-brothers." k"That'skobvious,"kJocelynksaidktartly.k"Thosekbrothersksoundkdreadful." k"Therekwaskmadnesskinktheirkmother'skfamily,"ktheklawyerksaid.k"Theykwerekmorek thankjustkdisagreeable.kIk thin ktheykwerekmentallykafflicted." kDavidklaidkhiskleftkhandkonkthektable,kpalmkdown.kAkthinkwhitekscarkrankfromkwr istktokfinger,kparalleledkbyk severalklighterkscars.k"Dokyoukseekthoseklines?kTimothykcutkthemkwithkankItalian kstilettokhekwaskverykproudk of.kHeksaidkhekwouldk eepkcuttingkuntilkIksaidkmykmotherkwaskakwhore.kIkwasksixk yearskold." kJocelynkgasped,kherkhorrorkandkrevulsionkmirroredkbyktheklawyer.k"Didksomeonekc omekalongkandkstopk him?"kshekas ed. k"IkfoughtkaskbestkIkcould,kgivenkthatkhekwaskthirteenkandkeasilyktwicekmyksize. kMykchancekofkwinningkwask nil,kbutktheknoisekattractedktwokfootmen,kwhokseparatedkus." k"Waskhekpunished?"kJocelyn'skfacekwaskpale. k"Wilfredktoldkhimknotktokplaykchildishkpran s,"kDavidksaidkdryly. k"Childishkpran s!" kDavidkstudiedkthekscars,krememberingkthekviciouskpain,kandkthekevenkmorekpainfu lkhumiliationkofkthekolderk

boy'skinsults.k"Mykfatherkwasn'tktold.kNeitherkmykmotherknorkIkwantedkhimktok no wkhowkwic edkhiskolderk sonskwere.kItkwouldkhavekhurtkhimkterribly." kRowleykshoo khiskheadkinkamazement.k"Ikhadknokideaktheksituationkwasksokbad."k

k"Sorry,kIkdidn'tkmeanktokgivekyouknightmares.kIt'skancientkhistory.kMotherkandk SallykandkIkwerekhappykink ourkcottage,kandkgratefulktokbekawaykfromkWestholme.kItkwouldkhavekbeenkimpossib lektokstaykafterkmyk fatherkdied." k"Sorry,kIkdidn'tkmeanktokgivekyouknightmares.kIt'skancientkhistory.kMotherkandk SallykandkIkwerekhappykink ourkcottage,kandkgratefulktokbekawaykfromkWestholme.kItkwouldkhavekbeenkimpossib lektokstaykafterkmyk fatherkdied." kDavidkalmostklaughed.kTheklawyerkseemedktokthin kthatkhekmightkwantknothingktok dokwithkWestholme.k Gettingktokhiskfeet,kheksaid,k"Youkneedkhaveknokfearskonkthatkhead.kItkwaskmykbr otherskIkhated.k Westholme" hekhesitated "WestholmekIkhavekalwayskloved.kGivekmekyourkdirection,kandk Ikwillkcallkonk youktomorrowktokdiscussktheksituationkfurther.kForktoday,kIkhavekquitekenoughkto kthin kabout." kRowleykstoodkandkgavekakrareksmile.k"Onkbehalfkofkthektenantskandkemployeeskofk thekWestholmekestate,k maykIkcongratulatekyoukonkyourknewkhonors,kLordkPresteyne?" kDavidksmiledkfaintlykandkofferedkhiskhand.k"Youkmay." k"LadykPresteyne."kTheklawyerkinclinedkhiskheadktokJocelyn,kthenkmadekhiskwaykup kthekgardenkpath. kStrugglingktokabsorbkthekenormitykofkwhatkhadkhappened,kDavidkresumedkhiskseat, ksayingkwithkankattemptk atkhumor,k"Nowkyouk nowkmykguiltyksecret." k"Thatkforkallkofkthesekyearskyoukwerek'honorable'kbutkhidingkthekfact?kItkdidn' tkwor Ik newkyoukwerek honorablekfromkthekbeginning."kJocelynklaidkherkhandkoverkhis,kherkeyeskintent.k "Howkdokyoukfeelkaboutk this,kDavid?kYou'vekjustkinheritedkakgreatkmanykdemandingkresponsibilitieskthatk youkneverkexpected." k"You'rekright.kItkquitekliterallykneverkoccurredktokmekthatkIkwouldkeverkinheri t,knotkwithkthreekolderk brothers."kHeksmiledkwryly.k"IkguesskWilfredkandkcompanykhavekjustkdisprovedkthe koldksayingkthatkonlyk thekgoodkdiekyoung." k"Eitherkthat,korkitkproveskthatksometimeskdivinekjusticekta eskakhand."kShekloo edkthoughtful.k"Thek morningkyoukrecoveredkfromkthekopiumkwithdrawal,kIkas edkwherekyoukhadkbeenktryi ngktokgo,kandkyouk saidkHereford.kDoeskthatkmeankyou'llkbekhappyktokreturn?" k"Inkspitekofkeverything,kIkwill,"kheksaidkquietly.k"Therekisknoklovelierkplacek onkGod'skgreenkearth." kHerksmilekwaskgenerouskandkfullkofkunderstanding.k"AskIkfeelkaboutkCharlton." k"Precisely."kHekwithdrewkhiskhandkasksomekofkthekrepercussionskofkhiskinheritan

cekstruc khim.k"I'llkhavektok goktokWestholmeksoonktokdeterminekwhatkneedsktokbekdone.kWillkyoukcomekwithkme?k Iksuspectkthatk you'rekmorek nowledgeablekaboutklandkmanagementkthankI,kandkI'dkvaluekyourkopini on." kHekheldkhiskbreathkasksurprise,kpleasure,kandkwarinesskrippledkacrosskherkface. kWaskshekuneasykaboutk beingkwithkhimkonkhiskpropertykratherkthankinkherkownkhome,kwherekallkofkthekser vantskwerekloyalktokher? kMa ingkupkherkmind,ksheksaid,k"I'dkenjoykthat." kBeforekhekcouldkfeelktookpleased,kshekadded,k"Sincekwe'reksupposedktokappearkpr operlykmarriedkbeforek

Ikcankfilekforkthekannulment,kI'dkbetterkbehavekinkakwifelykway." Ikcankfilekforkthekannulment,kI'dkbetterkbehavekinkakwifelykway." kShekloo edkaklittlekhurt,kbutkcoveredkherkreactionkwithkaksunnyksmile.k"Ofkcour seknot.kGivekhimkmykbestk wishes.kIkdokwishkhekhadkcomekherektokconvalescekfromkthekoperation.kItkwouldkha vekbeenknoktrouble." k"Hekhadkhiskreasons,kI'mksure."kWithkaknod,khekleftkthekgazebo.kInkfact,kRichar dkhadksaidkthatkakguestkink thekhousekmightkinterferekwithkanykrelationshipkthatkmightkdevelopkbetweenkDavid kandkJocelyn.kThoughkfork allkthekprogresskDavidkwaskma ing,kRichardkmightkaskwellkhavekacceptedkJocelyn's kinvitation. kChapterk22k

Davidkchosektokwal ktokthekYor kHospital,kbothktokbuildkhiskstrengthkandktokgive khimktimektoksortkoutkhisk chaotickemotions.kInkmostkways,khiskunexpectedkinheritancekwaskakgreatkblessing. kCertainlykheknoklongerk needkworrykhowktokoccupykhimselfkforkthekrestkofkhisklife;kfromktheksoundkofkit, kWestholmekwouldkrequirek majorkattention. kHekhadkaklotktoklearnkaboutkagriculture,ksincekhekhadn'tkbeenktrainedkaskthekhe irkandkhadkleftkthekestatek whenkonlyktwelve.kStill,klearningktokrunkhiskestatekwaskakrelativelykstraightfor wardkchallenge.kLesskcertaink waskthektroublingkquestionkofkhowkhiskinheritancekwouldkaffectkhiskrelationshipk withkJocelyn. kThekYor kHospitalkwaskaskdismalkaskever,kthoughklesskcrowdedknowkaskpatientskei therkdiedkorkleft.kWhenk hekenteredkRichard'skroom,khiskfriendkloo edkupkfromkakboo .kHiskinjuredklegkhad kbeenksplintedkandk bound,kandkitkwouldkbekwee skbeforekhekcouldkusekcrutcheskagain.kButkhiskprospec tskforkrecoverykwerek excellent,kwhichk eptkhimkinkgoodkspirits.k"Hello.kNokLadykJocelynktoday?" kDavidkshoo khandskwithkhiskfriend.k"No,kIkdecidedktokwal koverkonkmykown.kSheks endskherkbestkwishes." k"Pleasekthan kherkforkthekboo sksheksent.kWithkthesekandkthekflowerskandkfoodks heksendskregularly,kI'mk thekmostkpamperedkpatientkinkthekhospital." k"She'skregrettingkthatkshekdoesn'tkhavekyoukatkCromartykHouse,ksokshekcankpampe rkyoukmorek thoroughly."kDavidksatkinktheksinglekwoodenkchair.k"There'skbeenkakremar ablekam ountkofknewsksincekIk visitedkyesterday.kTokbeginkwith,kmyksisterkandkIankKinloc karektokmarry." k"Excellent!"kRichardkchuc led.k"That'skquitekakjobkofkmatchma ingkyoukmanagedkf romkyourkdeathbed."

k"Ikhadn'tkthoughtkofkitkthatkway.kIkshallktellkSallykthatkshekmustkthan kmekfor kgettingkmortallykwounded."kHek paused,ksurprisinglyktongue-tiedkaboutkhiskotherknews.k"That'sknotkallkthat'skha ppened.kI'mkgoingktokbek sellingkmykcommissionkafterkall.kI'vekfoundkanotherksituationkoutsidekthekarmy.k OrkperhapskIkshouldksayk thatkitkfoundkme."k

k"IskthatkankobliquekwaykofksayingkthatkyourkrelationshipkwithkLadykJocelynkiskp rogressingksatisfactorily?" k"IskthatkankobliquekwaykofksayingkthatkyourkrelationshipkwithkLadykJocelynkiskp rogressingksatisfactorily?" k"GoodkGod!"kRichardksaidkinkblan kastonishment.k"Willkyoukstillktal ktokuskcomm oners?" kDavidkloo edkupkwithkakflashkofkrealkanger.k"Richard,kdon'tkeverksaykanythingkl i ekthatkagain,kevenkinkjest." k"Sorry.kIk nowkyoukwouldkneverkdropkyourkoldkfriendskforksuchkakreason."kHekstu diedkDavid'skface.k"Youk loo kli ekyou'vekbeenkstruc kbyklightning." k"That'skhowkIkfeel."kHekgrimaced.k"I'mknotkunhappykaboutkinheriting,kbutkthekid eakwillkta ekgettingkusedk to." k"Ikcankwellkimagine.kLuc ilykmykfatherkwaskankitinerantkfencingkmaster,ksokIkha veknoksuchksurpriseskinkmyk future.kBeingkaklordkstri eskmekaskakverykconfiningkoccupation." kDavidkturnedkonekhandkpalmkup.k"Confining,kyes,kespeciallyksincekthekestatekisn 'tkinkgoodkfinancialk condition.kBut kmykrootskarekatkWestholme.kNowherekelsekcouldkeverkbekhomekinkthek samekway." k"ThenkI'mkgladkforkyou."kRichard'skbrowskdrewktogetherkthoughtfully.k"Ikassumek thiskeliminateskyourk worrieskaboutkyourkstationkbeingktookfarkbeneathkLadykJocelyn's." k"Herkran kandkfortunekarekstillkgreaterkthankmine,kbutkthekdifferenceskarekmino rkcomparedktokbefore."k Davidkdrummedkhiskfingerskonkthekarmkofkhiskchair.k"Thekdrawbac ktokmykchangekin kcircumstanceskisk nowingkthatkshekhaskakpassionkforkland.kIkwonderkifkshekmightkchoosektokremaink marriedkbecausekofk Westholme.kSentimentalkfoolkthatkIkam,kI'mknotksurekIkwouldkwantkherktokstaykfor ksuchkakreason." k"Ifkshekdid,kwouldkthatkbeksuchkakbadkthing?kYoukgetkonkverykwellkalready.kAkmu tualkpassionkforkyourk estatekmightkbekakgoodkfoundationkonkwhichktokbuildkakdeeperkrelationship." k"That'skakverykcoldkwayktokloo katkmarriage,"kDavidkobserved.k"Ikdon'tkthin kyo u'dkbeksokpracticalkifk you'dkeverkfallenkinklove." k"Probablyknot,"kRichardkagreed.k"ButkIkdokthin kyou'rekworryingktookmuch.kIfksh ekiskreallykinklovekwithk thatkmysteriouskotherkman,kyourkinheritancekwon'tkma ekanykdifference.kIfkshekdo eskstaykwithkyou,kitkwillk bekforkakgoodkreason." kDavidksighed.k"You'rekprobablykright.kIkmustksay,kthiskinheritancekiskgivingkme knewkinsightkintokwhyk Jocelynkhasksoklittlekusekforkfortunekhunters.kIt'skonlykbeenkakcouplekofkhoursk

sincekIkinherited,kandkI'mk alreadykthin ingkthekworst." k"You'llkgetkusedktokit,kLordkPresteyne." kItkwaskoddktokhearkthektitlekonkhiskfriend'sklips,kbutkaskRichardksaid,khe'dkge tkusedktokit.k"She'skcomingktok Herefordkwithkme.kTheknextkfewkwee skshouldktellkthektale." k"You'llkcarrykthekday.kYou'vekalwayskbeenkakfirst-classkcampaigner."k

k"IkwishkIkhadkyourkconfidence."kDavidkthoughtkofkJocelyn'skgracefulkfigure,kthe ktendernesskofkthatkmorningk theykawo ekinktheksamekbed.kHiskjawktightened.k"ButkifkIkfail,kitkwon'tkbekforkl ac kofktrying." k"IkwishkIkhadkyourkconfidence."kDavidkthoughtkofkJocelyn'skgracefulkfigure,kthe ktendernesskofkthatkmorningk theykawo ekinktheksamekbed.kHiskjawktightened.k"ButkifkIkfail,kitkwon'tkbekforkl ac kofktrying." kLuc ilykCrandallkwaskfreekwhenkDavidkarrived.kHiskhabitualkgloomklightenedkwhen khekheardkofkthek inheritance.k"DoeskthiskmeankthatkyoukandkLadykJocelynkwillkremainkwed?kItkwould kbeksoksuitable." k"Thatkdecisionkmustkbektheklady's.kSokfar,kherkpreferencekiskforkannulment,"kDa vidksaidkwithkcarefulk neutrality.k"ShekandkIkwillkbektravelingktokevaluatekmykestatekinkHereford.kIkth in kitkbestktokfilekforkthek annulmentkbeforekwekleave." kCrandallkfrowned.k"Dokyoukthin kthatknecessary?" k"Ikdo."kDavidkvolunteeredknokmorekinformation.kThoughkhiskwillkhadkalwayskbeenk strongkinkthekpast,khek fearedkthatkspendingksokmuchktimekwithkJocelynkmightkwarpkhiskhonorablekintentio nskofklettingkherkleavek him.kFarkbetterktokinstitutekannulmentkproceedingsknow,ksokthatkhekcouldknotksto pkthekprocesskevenkifkhek wantedkto.kThekpowerkmustkbekinkJocelyn'skhands,ksincekhekdidn'tktrustkhimself. kSeeingkthatkDavidkwasknotkgoingktokelaborate,kCrandallksaid,k"Ikhavekconferredk extensivelykwithkthek proctor thatkis,kthekecclesiasticalklawyer whokwillkpresentkthekcasektokthekconsisto rykcourt.kChurchk courtskarekdifferentkfromk ing'skcourtskinkthatkthekprincipalskdoknotktestify.kE videncekconsistskofkdepositionsk fromkwitnesses."kHekgavekakdryklittlekcough.k"Twokmedicalkaffidavitskcertifyingk thekextentkofkyourkinjuriesk willkbekrequired.kIkpresumekthatkyoukhavekdoctorskwhokwillkbearkwitnessktokthat. " kDavidknodded,kreasonablyksurekthatkwouldn'tkbekakproblem.kAndkifkheklaterkdecid edktokmarryktokgetkank heir,kwell,khekcouldkalwayskclaimkakmiraclekhadkoccurred.k"Whatkaboutkthekeviden cekconcerningkLadyk Jocelyn?" kLoo ingkembarrassed,kCrandallksaid,k"Therekmustkbekankexamination,kofkcourse.kP erhapskakmidwifekcank bekbroughtkin,kinkdeferencektoktheklady'sksensibilities." kThatkwaskakgoodkidea,kthoughkthekexaminationkwasksurektokbekunpleasantknokmatte rkwhokperformedkit. k"Dokyoukthin kthatkthekcourtkwillkbeksympatheticktokourkcase,kgivenkthekunusual kcircumstances?" kCrandallkleanedkbac kinkhiskchairkandksteepledkhiskfingers,kmorekatkeaseknowkth

atkthekconversationkhadk returnedktoklegalkissues.k"Ikbelievekso.kItkwouldkbekconsideredkonlykreasonablek forktheklatekEarlkofk Cromartyktokhopekhiskdaughterkwouldkcarrykonkhiskblood,kifknotkhiskname.kThekfac tkthatkthekladykfollowedk herkheartktokmarrykakgallantkherokofkWaterloo,kthenkfoundkherselfkinkakpositionk wherekshekmightkbek deprivedkofkchildren kyes,kIkbelievekthekcourtkwillkta ekakcompassionatekviewkofkt hekissues." kTheklawyer'skfloridkdescriptionkmadekDavidksuspectkthatkthekmanksecretlykreadkG othicknovels,kbutknok matter,kasklongkaskhekwaskaccuratekinkhiskreadingkofktheklegalksituation. kAfterkthekremainingkpointskhadkbeenkdiscussed,kDavidkleft,ksecurekinkthek nowle dgekthatkthekannulmentk wouldkproceedkwithkmaximumkefficiency.kHell.k

kThekeveningkbeforekSallykhadkmentionedkthatkshekwouldkbekatkKinloc 'skconsultin gkroomskinkthek afternoon,ksokDavidksoughtkherkthere.kHekfoundkherkwithkherkheadkbentkoverkakled gerkandkakquillkinkonek hand,kbutkshekglancedkupkwhenkhekentered.k"Beholdkyourksister,kthekcler ,"ksheks aidkgaily. kThekeveningkbeforekSallykhadkmentionedkthatkshekwouldkbekatkKinloc 'skconsultin gkroomskinkthek afternoon,ksokDavidksoughtkherkthere.kHekfoundkherkwithkherkheadkbentkoverkakled gerkandkakquillkinkonek hand,kbutkshekglancedkupkwhenkhekentered.k"Beholdkyourksister,kthekcler ,"ksheks aidkgaily. k"Both.kI'mkmanagingkbyknature,ksokIkquitekenjoykseeingkthatkIan'skofficekrunsks moothly.kIt'skbetterkforkhim,k betterkforkthekpatients.kAsktokIankhimself well,kI'mkpinchingkmyselfkhourlyktoksee kifkI'mkdreaming." kHerkhappinessklightenedkhiskmood.k"Itkdoesn'tksoundkaskifkitktoo kyouklongktoka cceptkwhenkhekproposed." kShekblushed.k"Actually,kIkas edkhim.kHektoo ksomekpersuading,ktoo!" kAfterkankinstantkofksurprise,kDavidklaughed.k"Youkarekakmanagingkwoman.kButkbyk thektimekthektwokofkyouk bro ektheknews,khekwaskobviouslykentrancedkbykthekprospectkofkmarryingkyou."kHis kamusementkfaded.k "TodaykIkwaskvisitedkbykakMr.kRowley,kthekLancasterkfamilyklawyer." kSallyktensed,kaskwarykaskhekhadkbeen.k"Yes?" k"Ourkthreekbrotherskarekdead.kAllkofkthem,"kheksaidkbaldly.k"I'mkthekseventhkLo rdkPresteyne." kThekquillksnappedkinkherkfingers.k"GoodkGod!kHow kremar able.kWhatkhappened?" kAfterkhekexplained,ksheksaid,k"IksupposekIkshouldkma ekakshowkofkgoodkChristian kregret,kbutkIkcan't.kTheyk reapedkwhatktheykhadksowed." kHekandkhisksisterksharedksomberkglances.kInkallkthekworld,konlykthektwokofkthem kwouldkeverk nowkthek wholekwretchedkstorykofkabuse.kTheirkparentskhadkpreventedkthekworstkexcesses,kb utkhadn'tkbeenkawarek ofktheksmallkdailykhumiliationskSallykandkDavidkhadkendured.kThatksharedkpersecu tionkwaskthekfoundationk ofktheirkunusualkcloseness.kSomedaykitkmightkbekpossiblektokpitykthekthreekolder kLancasters,kbutkforkthek momentkneitherkofkthekyoungerkoneskhadkanykdesirektoktry. kDavidkbro ektheksilence.k"Thekestatekiskshortkofkmoneyknow,kbutkeventually,kyou 'llkreceivekthekmarriagek portionkthatkshouldkhavekbeenksettledkonkyou." k"Good.kBetrothalkiskma ingkmekamazinglykpractical."kSallykchuc led.k"Iankhatesk tokadmitkit,kbutkhe'skthek sonkofkakScottishkbaron.kHekoncekmentionedkthatkhiskmotherkworriedkthatkhe'dkfal lkpreyktoksomektotallyk

ineligiblekfemale,ksokshekshouldkbekhappyktok nowkthatkI'mktheksisterkofkLordkPr esteyne." k"Youkalwayskwere." kHerkfacekhardened.k"I'dkratherkhavekbeenkankorphankthankclaimedkWilfredkask in. " kKinloc kchosekthatkmomentktokreturnkfromkhiskcallkonkakpatient.kHekenteredkthek receptionkroomkwithkhisk medicalkbagkswingingkinkonekhandkaskhekwhistledkli ekakschoolboy.kImpendingkmarr iagekdefinitelykagreedk withkhim. kTheksurgeonkgreetedkhiskvisitorkjovially,kthenkperchedkonkthekdes ,konekhandkon khiskfiancee's,kwhilekDavidk

toldkhimkaboutkthekbarony.kKinloc kwaskintrigued,kbutknotkparticularlykimpressed .kPedigreeskinterestedk himkmuchklesskthankpeoplekdid. toldkhimkaboutkthekbarony.kKinloc kwaskintrigued,kbutknotkparticularlykimpressed .kPedigreeskinterestedk himkmuchklesskthankpeoplekdid. k"Ofkcourse." kSeeingkhisksister'skraisedkeyebrows,kDavidkassuredkher,k"Nothingktokdokwithkyou ,kSally.kRemember,kI'mkak formerkpatient." kKinloc kgesturedkhimkintokthekinnerkoffice.kWhenktheykwerekprivate,kheksaid,k"Y oukloo khalekenough.kDok youkfeelkaskifksomethingkiskgoingkwrongkwithkyourkrecovery?" k"Thiskconcernskakdifferentkaspectkofkmykinjuries."kDavidkhesitated,kwonderingkh owkbestktokbroachkthek subject.k"Ikdon'tk nowkifkSallykhasktoldkyoukthatkJocelynkwillkbeksee ingkankann ulmentkonkthekgroundskofk impotence." kKinloc 'skbrowskshotkup.k"It'sktooksoonktokbekthin ingkli ekthat,klad.kYou'rekn otkfullykrecovered,kandkIk don'tkthin kthatkthekinjurykyouksufferedkwillkhavekthatk indkofklong-termkeffect .kGiveknaturekakchancektok ta ekherkcourse.kWorrykitselfkcankcausekexactlykthekconditionkyou'rekworryingkab out." kDavidkraisedkakhand.k"You'rekright,kit'sktookearlyktokbeksure.kThat'skwhykIktho ughtkitkbestktokobtainkmedicalk depositionsknow,kwhenktheykwon'tkpresentkakchallengektokthekconscience." k"I ksee."kKinloc kfoldedkhiskarms.k"Thenkagain,kmaybekIkdon't.kPerhapskyou'dkbett erkexplain." kDavidkpacedkacrosskthekroomktokthekwindow,khatingkthatksuchkprivatekissueskmust kbekdiscussed,kthoughk heksupposedkthatkwithkaklawsuitkpending,kitkwouldkonlykgetkworse.k"Miracleskcank havekunexpectedk repercussions,"kheksaidkstiffly.k"Ourkmarriage kwaskneverkintendedktoklast." kAfterkaklongksilence,kKinloc ksaid,k"Seriouskspinalkinjurieskli ekyourskcankbek brawktric y.kIt'skcertainlyknotk beyondkthekrealmkofkpossibilitykthatksexualkfunctionkcouldkbekaffected.kSendkyou rklawyer,kandkI'llkma ekak statementktokthatkeffect." k"Than kyou."kDavidkturnedkawaykfromkthekwindow,kfeelingktired.k"Asklongkaskyouk feelkyoukcankdoksok honestly.kIkdon'tkwantktokabusekthekfactkthatkwekareksoonktokbekbrothers-in-law. " kKinloc kshrugged.k"Theklawkmaykbekfullkofkhardkandkfastklines,kbutkmedicinekisn 't.kIt'sknotkmykplacektoksayk whetherkorknotkyoukandkLadykJocelynkshouldkstaykmarried.kThoughkmykpersonalkopin ionkiskthatkyou'rek

ma ingkakbigkmista e." kDavidksmiledkwithoutkhumor.k"WouldkyoukwantktokholdkSallykinkakmarriagekagainst kherkwill?" kThekotherkmankfrowned.k"No,kIksupposeknot." kDavidktoo khiskleave,kchoosingktokwal kagainkdespitekhiskfatigue.kPerhapskthekl atekafternoonksunshinek wouldkdispelksomekofkhiskgloom. kItkwaskironic,kreally.kHerekhekwaskdoingkhiskdamnedestktokensurekJocelyn'skfree kchoice yetkinkhiskheart,k hekwishedkthatkannulmentkwasn'tkpossible,kandkthatkhekandkhiskwifekwouldkhavekto kma ekthekbestkofktheirk

marriage. marriage. 3k

ThreekdaysklaterktheyksetkoffkforkHereford.kJocelynkwaskgladktokleavekLondon.kSh eksupposedkDavidkwask wisektokputkthekmachinerykofkannulmentkintokmotion,kbutkthekphysicalkexamktokpro vekthatkshekwaskvirgak intactakhadkbeenkhumiliatingkinkthekextreme.kShekfoundkthekwholeksubjectkofkannu lmentkdistasteful.kThek bestkthatkcouldkbeksaidkaboutkitkwaskthatkitkwasknotkaskbadkaskdivorce. kRhyskMorgankrodekonkthekboxkwithkthekdriverkandkactedkaskguard,kankexcellentkus ekofkhiskmilitaryk experience.kThoughkitkwouldkbekakwhilekbeforekthekstumpkofkhisklegkhealedkenough kforkankartificialklimbktok bekfitted,khekhadkalreadykmadekakplacekforkhimselfkinkJocelyn'skstables,kwor ing kwithkthekhorseskandktac . kMariekhadknearlykpurredkwhenkshekfoundkthatkshekwouldkbeksittingknextktokHughkM organkforkseveralk days.kHughkhadkeasilykshiftedkfromkbeingkthekmajor'sknursemaidktokhiskvalet.kTho ughkhisks illskwerekstillk imperfect,khiskenthusiasmkmorekthankmadekupkforkthat.kAllkinkall,kitkwaskakhappy kexpedition.kThekonlyk discontentkwaskmanifestedkbykIsis,kwhokhadkyowledkplaintivelykwhenkJocelynkleft, kapparentlykrecognizingk fromkthekpileskofkluggagekthatkaklongkjourneykwaskcontemplated. kTheyktoo kankindirectkroute,kswingingkwestkintokWalesktokdropkthekMorgankbrothe rskoffkatktheirkfamily'sk homeknearkthekmar etktownkofkAbergavenny.kItkhadkbeenkyearsksincekRhyskhadkseenk hiskparents,kandkhek plannedkonkstayingkwithkthemkatkleastkakfortnight.kHughkwouldkalsokstaykforkakwe e ,kthenktravelktok Westholmektokjoinkhiskmaster. kJocelynkhadkneverkvisitedkWaleskbefore,kandkwaskdelightedkbykthekdramaticklands cape.kAtkherk suggestion,ktheykstoppedkonkthekcrestkofkakhillkoverloo ingkthektownkasktheyknea redktheirkdestination. kWhilekRhyskstaredkatkhiskhome,keyesksuspiciouslykbright,kHughksaidktokMarie,k"M ykfamilykliveskonkthek mountainkjustkabovekAbergavenny.kSeekthatkwispkofksmo ekcomingkfromkthektrees?kI kthin kthatkmustkbek thekcottage." kMariekshadedkherkeyeskandkpeeredkacrossktheksmallkvalley.k"Suchkaklovelykplacek tokgrowkup,"ksheksaidkink herkcharmingkFrenchkaccent.k"Whatkiskthekmountainknamed?" k"YsgyrydkFawr." kHerkeyeskrounded.k"Whatkdidkyoukcallkit?"

kPatientlykHughkattemptedktokteachkherkthekcorrectkpronunciation,kbutkshekcouldn 'tkgetkherktonguekaroundk thekunfamiliarksounds.kAskJocelynkandkMariekdissolvedkinklaughter,kHughkmuttered ksomethingk good-naturedlykunderkhiskbreathkinkWelsh. kTokHugh'skshoc ,kDavidkrepliedkinkequallykfluentkWelsh.kThekvaletkgasped,k"Youk spea kCymric,kmyk lord?" kDavidklaughedkandkrepliedkinkWelshkagain.kAkloo kofkhorrorkcrossedkHugh'skface. k"I'mksorrykforkanythingk

Ikmightkhaveksaid,kmyklord."kHeksmiledkruefully.k"Ikshouldkhavek nownkyoukwerekW elshkwhenkIkfoundkyourk ChristianknamekwaskDavid." Ikmightkhaveksaid,kmyklord."kHeksmiledkruefully.k"Ikshouldkhavek nownkyoukwerekW elshkwhenkIkfoundkyourk ChristianknamekwaskDavid." kJocelynkwatchedkthekbyplaykwithkamusement,kenjoyingkthisknewkfacetkofkthekmajor .kHekwasn'tktheksortkofk mankonekwouldkeverkgrowkboredkwith. kTheykallkclimbedkintokthekcarriagekagainkforktheklastkstretch,kandksoonktheykpu lledkintokthekyardkinkfrontkofk thekMorgankcottage.kInstantlykakhappykriotkbro ekout.kWithkakwhoop,kRhyskgrabbed khiskcrutcheskandk swungkoffkthekbox,kwhilekHughkforgotkhiskmannerskandkleapedkfromkthekcarriage. k"Rhys!kHugh!"kAksolidkwomankwithkapplekchee skrushedkfromkthekhousekandktriedkt okhugkbothkherktallk sonskatkonce.kWithinkmomentskthreekyoungerkchildrenkandkMr.kMorgankappearedktokc ontributektokthek uproar,kalongkwithktwokdogs,kandkseveralkchic enskwhosekmainkinterestklaykinkesc ape. kUnnoticedkbykthekMorgans,kDavidkhelpedkJocelynkfromkthekcarriage.kNotkwantingkt okintrudekonkthek emotionalkfamilykreunion,kshekadmiredkthekgloriouskviewkofkthekBreconkBeaconkmou ntainsktokthekwestkandk thekUs kriverkvalleykbelow.k"Itkmustkbekhardktokleavekhere.kTherekcankbekfewkmor ekbeautifulkspotskink Britain." k"Beautiful,kyes,kbutktherekisklittlekwor ,"kDavidksaidkpragmatically.k"Allkthek Celticklandskarekbeautifulkandk poor.kSometimeskitkseemedkthekarmykwaskmadekupkofkIrishmen,kScots,kandkWelshmen. kHughkandkRhysk mustkcountkthemselveskluc yktokhavekgoodkjobsknow.kIkimaginekbothkofkthemkhavekb eenksendingkpartkofk theirksalarieskhomekforkyears." kShekbitkherklip,k"Thatkneverkoccurredktokme.kSometimeskIkfeelkashamedktokhavekb eenkaskluc ykaskIkam." k"Therekisknothingkwrongkwithkenjoyingkgoodkfortunekasklongkaskonekiskgenerouskt okthoseklesskfortunate.k AndkfromkwhatkIkhavekseen,kyoukhavekbeenkverykgenerous." kThekwarmthkinkhiskeyeskarousedkankuneasykmixturekofkpleasurekandkembarrassment. kHekgavekherkmorek creditkthankshekdeserved. kAskthekfirstkburstkofkgreetingskdiedkdown,kHughktoo kMarie'skhandkandkbroughtkh erkforwardktokhisk parents.k"I'dkli ekyouktokmeetkMariekRenault." kThekFrenchkgirlkloo edknervous,kbutkafterkonekswift,kshrewdkglance,kMrs.kMorgan kembracedkher.k "Welcome,kchild,"ksheksaidkinkherkmusical,kWelsh-accentedkvoice.

kBeaming,kMariekhuggedkherkbac .kThenkMrs.kMorgankturnedktokJocelynkandksaidkshy ly,k"Ik nowk'tisknotk whatkyou'rekusedkto,kmyklady,kbutkwe'dkbekhonoredkifkyoukandkyourkhusbandkwouldk ta ekteakwithkus." k"Thekhonorkwouldkbekours,"kJocelynksaidkwarmly. kWithksevenkMorgans,kJocelyn,kDavid,kMarie,kandkthekcoachman,ktherekwaskbarelyks pacekforkeveryonek inside,kbutkthekmealkwaskdelightful.kGreatkpotskofkteakwerekaccompaniedkbykfresh kbread,kpic ledkonions,k crumblykcheese,kandkdeliciouskflatkcurrantkca eskthatkhadkbeenkfriedkonkthekgrid dle.kSittingkbetweenkhisk parents,kRhyskwaskfullkofklaughter,kaskakyoungkmankshouldkbe,kthekgrimksoldierko fkthekhospitalkonlykak memory.k

kAsksheknibbledkonkakcurrantkca e,kJocelynkstudiedkthekcottage.kItkwaskimmaculat elykclean,kthekwarmk waxedkwoodskcontrastingkpleasinglykwithkthekwhitewashedkwalls.kAcrosskthekroom,k Hughkandkthekthreek youngestkMorganskperchedkonkakcarvedkwoodenkchestkthatkloo edkcenturieskold.kBes idekit,kakwell-wornk Biblekheldkplacekofkpridekonkthekshelfkofkankancientkoa kchinakcabinet.kShekcoul dkbekhappykinkakhomekli ek this,kwithkthekrightkmankbesidekher.kThenkshekgrinned,kunablektokimaginekCandove rklivingkinksuchkhumblek circumstances.kHekwaskankaristocratktokthekbone. kAsksheknibbledkonkakcurrantkca e,kJocelynkstudiedkthekcottage.kItkwaskimmaculat elykclean,kthekwarmk waxedkwoodskcontrastingkpleasinglykwithkthekwhitewashedkwalls.kAcrosskthekroom,k Hughkandkthekthreek youngestkMorganskperchedkonkakcarvedkwoodenkchestkthatkloo edkcenturieskold.kBes idekit,kakwell-wornk Biblekheldkplacekofkpridekonkthekshelfkofkankancientkoa kchinakcabinet.kShekcoul dkbekhappykinkakhomekli ek this,kwithkthekrightkmankbesidekher.kThenkshekgrinned,kunablektokimaginekCandove rklivingkinksuchkhumblek circumstances.kHekwaskankaristocratktokthekbone. kAskDavidkhandedkherkintokthekcarriage,kHughksaidkquietly,k"Arekyouksurekyoukdon 'tkwantkmektok accompanykyouktokHereford,kmyklord?kMykDaksaysktherekhavekbeenkhighwaymenkinkthe kBlac k Mountains." kDavidkshoo khiskhead.k"Nokneedktokabandonkyourkfamily.kIt'skscarcelykthirtykmil esktokWestholme,kandk we'llkbektherekbykdar ." k"Verykwell,kmyklord,"kHughksaid,kloo ingkgladkthatkhiskofferkhadkbeenkrefused. kDavidkclimbedkintokthekcarriagekbykJocelyn.k"I'mkgoingktokhavektokteachkthatkbo yknotktoksayk'myklord'kwithk everykbreath,"khekremar edkaskthekcoachkstartedkmoving.k"He'skta ingkmykelevatio nkfarkmorekseriouslyk thankIkam." k"Naturally."kJocelynkgrinned.k"Akservant'skconsequencekiskdependentkonkhiskmast er's.kIsn'tkthatktrue,k Marie?" kHerkmaid,knowksittingkalonekonkthekfacingkseat,knoddedkvigorously.k"Maiskoui,km yklord.kYoukarekakcreditk tokus." kDavidkloo edkamused,kbutkdidn'tkchallengekthekstatement.kJocelynkguessedkthatkh ekwouldkneverkta ek himselfktookseriously.kItkwaskanotherkthingktokli ekaboutkhim. kThekweatherkwaskdry,kthekroadkwaskgood,kandktheykmadekexcellentkspeedkonkthekne xtkstagektowardk Hereford.kTheykhadkchangedkhorseskforktheklastktimekandkwereksomewherekaroundkth ekborderkbetweenk WaleskandkEnglandkwhenkthekhighwaymenkstruc .

kDavidkwaskdozingkinkthekcarriage.kThoughkhe'dkregainedknormalkmovement,khiskstr engthkandkenergykwerek stillklow,kandkheksleptkmorekthankusual.kThekfirstkhek newkofkthekattac kwaskwhe nkakvoicekbellowed,k "Standkandkdeliver!" kAskheksnappedktokalertness,kgunshotskblastedkdeafeningly.kThekcarriagekshuddere dktokakstop,knearlyk tippingkover.kMariekwaskthrownkacrosskthekcarriage.kBarelykinktime,kDavidkcaught kherkbeforekshekcouldk crashkintokJocelyn. k"Down!"kHekaccompaniedkthekorderkwithkakfirmkshovekthatkpushedkbothkwomenktokth ekfloorkofkthekcoach.k Outkthekleftkwindow,khekcouldkseektwokhorsemenkwithkscarvesktiedkoverktheirklowe rkfaces,kpistolskinktheirk hands.kAnkun nownkvoicekbar edkorderskinkfrontkofkthekcarriage.kAtkleastkthreeka ttac ers,kmaybekmore.k

kWouldkitkbekbestktokallowkthemselvesktokbekrobbed?kHekrejectedkthekthoughtkinst antly.kCooperatingk tamelykcouldkbekakdisastrouskpolicyksincekthekcoachkcarriedktwokattractivekyoung kwomen. kWouldkitkbekbestktokallowkthemselvesktokbekrobbed?kHekrejectedkthekthoughtkinst antly.kCooperatingk tamelykcouldkbekakdisastrouskpolicyksincekthekcoachkcarriedktwokattractivekyoung kwomen. k"Staykdown.kDon'tkgetkoutkofkthekcarriage."kAskakprecaution,khe'dkplacedkhisktw okpistolskinkthekpoc etkofk hiskdoorkbeforekleavingkLondon.kHekyan edkthemkout,kalongkwithksparekpowderkandk shot,kthenkleapedk fromkthekrightkdoor,koutkofkthekviewkofktheirkattac ers. kOncekoutside,khekimmediatelykdroppedktokthekgroundkandkcrawledkbeneathkthekrear kofkthekroc ingk vehicle.kPrayingkthatkakwheelkwouldn'tkrollkoverkhim,khekprimedkandkcoc edkbothk guns.kReloadingkwouldk ta ekpreciouskseconds,ksokhekmustkhopektokGodkthatkhiskfirstktwokshotskwouldkbek enoughktokdrivekthek highwaymenkaway.kHe'dkgetknokhelpkfromkthekdriver,kwhosekhandskwerekfullkcontrol lingkthekpanic yk horses.

k"C'mere,ksweetheart,"khekgrowled.k"I'mksurekyou'vekgotksomethin'kwekcankuse."kL oo ingkintokthekcarriage,k hiskeyeskwidened.k"k'Ey,kAlf,kIkneedkyerk'elp.kThere'skankevenkbetterkbitchkinkh ere." kRedkragekblazedkthroughkDavid,kbutkhekcouldn'tkshootkthekbastardkwithoutkendang eringkMarie.kTeethk clenched,khekraisedkonekpistolkandkputkakballkthroughktheksecondkattac er.kThekm ankscreamedkhoarsely,k hiskshirtkblossomingkwithkcrimson. kThekthirdkhighwaymankappeared,kspurringkhiskhorsekfromkthekfrontkofkthekcarriag ekaskhekshouted,k"Whatk thekbloodyk'ellkiskgoingkon?" kWithkthekcoolkclaritykofkbattle,kDavidkusedktheksecondkpistolktokblastkthekmank fromkhiskhorse.kPanic ed,k hiskmountkrankoff.kThekhorsekofkthekmankwhokheldkMariekjer edkitskreinskfreekand kfollowed.kWithkthek robberykinkakshambles,kthekwoundedkmankgallopedkforkhisklife,kleavingkthekthirdk highwaymankwithoutkak meanskofkescape. kKnowingktheklastkmankwaskaskdangerouskaskakcorneredkboar,kDavidksprangktokhiskf eet,ktryingktokreloadkak

kWeaponskready,khekinchedkforwardkuntilkhekhadkakclearkviewkofktwokofkthekattac ers.kHiskbloodkchilledkask theknearestkmankvaultedkfromkhiskhorsekandktossedkthekreinsktokhiskpartner.kPist olkcoc ed,khekwrenchedk openkthekcarriagekdoor.kDavidktoo kaim,kbutkbeforekhekcouldkfire,kthekhighwayman kdraggedkakshrie ingk Mariekfromkthekvehicle.

pistolksokhekcouldkbringkthekmankdownkbeforekhekhurtkMarie.kEyeskglitteringkwith kfear,kthekmankbac edk acrosskthekroad,khiskpistolkinkonekhandkandkhiskotherkarmkaroundkherkthroatkaskh ekusedkherkforkakshield.kHek waskakmuscularkbrutekandkcouldkprobablykbrea kherknec kwithkaksingleksnapkifkhek tried.kDavidkchec edkhisk attac ,knotkwantingktokendangerkher. kHaltingkmadekhimkakdeadkeasyktarget.kThekhighwayman'skpistolkrose,ktheksteelkba rrelkaimedkstraightkatk David'skheart.kPrayingkforkakmiracle,khekdivedktokonekside. kAskhekhitkthekgroundkandkrolled,kakpistolkblastedkwithkear-shatteringkcloseness ,kbutknokballktorekintokhim.k Instead,kthekrobberkscreamedkandkfellkbac ward.kMariektoo kthekopportunityktokwr enchkfreekofkhiskgripk andkboltkbehindkthekcarriage. kDavidkscrambledktokhiskfeetkandksawkJocelynkstandingkinkfrontkofkthekopenkcarri agekdoor,kaksmo ingk

pistolkgrippedkinktremblingkhands.kShootingkfromkakdifferentkangle,kshekhadksave dkhimkandkMarie,kbutkshek waskdeadkwhite,konkthekvergekofkfainting. pistolkgrippedkinktremblingkhands.kShootingkfromkakdifferentkangle,kshekhadksave dkhimkandkMarie,kbutkshek waskdeadkwhite,konkthekvergekofkfainting. kShekclungktokhimkaskthekterrorkshe'dkhardlykhadktimektokexperienceksweptkthroug hkherkinknauseatingk waves.kShekhadk nownksoldierskallkherklife,kbeenkdandledkonkherkmilitarykuncle's k nee,khadkdancedkandk flirtedkwithkofficers,kandklistenedktoktheirkwarkstories.kButkneverkbeforekhadks hekseenkaksoldierkinkaction.k ShekhadkbeenkstunnedkbykDavid'skswift,kprecisekapplicationkofkviolence.kForkthek firstktimekshektrulyk realizedkthatkherkfriendkofktheklaughingkeyeskandkquietkunderstandingkwaskakwarr ior,kcapablekofkmovingk withkthekstrengthkandkspeedkofkakstri ingkleopard. kHekwaskakleaderkaskwell,kfromktheksheerkpowerkofkhiskcouragekandkpresence.kShek burrowedkherkfacekintok hiskshoulder,kshudderingkaskshekrememberedkthekhorrifickmomentkwhenkthekhighwaym anktrainedkthekgunk onkDavidkatkpoint-blan krange.kUntilkthen,kshekhadkbeenkparalyzedkbykthekspeedko fkevents,kbutkseeingkhimk endangeredkhadkenergizedkherktokact.kWhatkifkshekhadkbeenkankinstantkslower?kThe kmentalkimagekofkDavidk lyingkonkthekground,kbleedingkfromkakwoundkthatkthisktimektrulykwaskmortal,kmade kherkill. kHekmurmured,k"Ikdidn'tkrealizekyoukwereksokadeptkwithkakgun.kWherekdidkthekpist olkcomekfrom?" k"Mykfatherktaughtkmektokshoot,kandkIkalwaysktravelkwithkakpairkofkcoachkpistols ,"ksheksaidkunsteadily.k"Butk Ikcouldn'tkhavekreactedkeffectivelykifknotkforkyourkexample." kHiskembracektightened.k"Whateverkthekreason,kyoukwerekverykbrave." kShekclosedkherkeyeskaskhiskgentlekstro ingkeasedkherk nottedknerves.kThiskwasn' tkthekfirstktimekthey'dk touched,kbutktherekwaskhotkliquidkmeltingkinsidekher,kperhapskakreactionktokthek attac .kShekwantedktokclingk tokhimkforever.kShekwantedktok isskhim,kliekwithkhim kAlarmed,kshekrecognizedkthatkmingledkwithkherkshoc kandkfearkwaskdesire.kAttrac tionkhadkbeenkbuildingk gradually,kandktodaykitkhadkburstkintokfull,khungrykflower.kShekwantedkDavidkwit hkakpowerkthatksurpassedk anythingkshekhadkfeltkforkanykotherkman. kMoisteningkherklips,kshekloo edkupkatkhim.kTheirkgazeskloc ed,kandkDavidkbecame kverykstill.kThenkhek raisedkherkchinkwithkonekfingerkandkpressedkhisklipsktokhers. kHerkmouthkopenedkunderkhis,kandkakcurrentkofkenergykscorchedkthroughkher,kseari ngkherksenseskandk scatteringkherkwits.kHe'dk issedkherkoncekwhenkoutkofkhiskhead,kandkshe'dkwonder

edkwhatkhisk isskwouldk bekli ekifkhekwaskfullykaware.kNowkshek new,kandkthek nowledgekwaskshattering. kHerkeyeskclosed,kandkforkpreciouskmomentskshekdidn'tkthin ,kdidn'tkdoubt,ksimpl ykwas.kHerekwask strength,kaksafekharbor kNo.kSafekharborskwerekaktreacherouskillusion.kShekopenedkherkeyes,kneedingktoke scapekfromkthek frighteningkintimacykhisktouchkinduced. kSensingkthekchangekinkherkresponse,khekbro ekthek iss,khiskgazeksearching.kJoce lynkhadknokideakwhatk showedkinkherkface,kbutkhekdroppedkhiskarmskandksteppedkaway,khiskexpressionkonc ekmorekcalmkandk detached.k

kJocelynkbrushedkbac kherkhairkwithkaktremblingkhand,kaskifkthatkcouldkrestorekh erkfracturedkcomposure.k "Arekthekhighwaymenkdead?" kJocelynkbrushedkbac kherkhairkwithkaktremblingkhand,kaskifkthatkcouldkrestorekh erkfracturedkcomposure.k "Arekthekhighwaymenkdead?" kLoo ingkweary,khekwentktokthekotherkfallenkhighwaymankandkpulledkoffkthekmas ,k revealingkakyoungish,k coarse-loo ingkface.kThekmankwaskunconsciouskfromkhiskfallkandkbleedingkfromkaks houlderkwound,kbutkhisk breathingkwaskstrong.k"Thiskfellowkshouldksurvivektokbekhanged." kJocelynkexhaled,kthoughkshekhadn'tkrealizedkshekwaskholdingkherkbreath.k"I'mkgl adkIkdidn'tk illkhim,kevenk thoughkhekprobablykdeservedkit." kDavidkglancedkup.k"I'mkglad,ktoo.kKillingkstainsktheksoul,knokmatterkhowkjustif iedkitkis."kHiskvoicekwask blea . k"Yourksoulkseemskunstained,"ksheksaidkquietly. k"I'vekdonekwhatkwasknecessary.kItkiskforkGodktokdecidekifkwhatkIkdidkwaskright. "kDroppingkhiskgaze,khek pulledkoutkakhand erchiefkandkbeganktokroughlykbandagekthekhighwayman'skwound. kJocelynkwatchedkinksilence,kunablektokturnkherkgazekaway.kThoughkhekloo edknokd ifferentkthankbefore,kherk perceptionkhadkutterlykchanged.kSheksawknotkthekcasuallykelegantkgentlemankbutkt heksinewykbody,kthek perfectlykcontrolledkstrength.kShekwaskintenselykconsciouskofkhiskpurekmasculine kpower,kandkhadkneverk beenksokawarekthatkshekwaskakwoman. k"Milady?" kStrangekmoodkbro en,kshekturnedkandksawkthatkMariekhadkretrievedkakflas kofkbra ndykfromkthekcarriagek andkwaskofferingkitktokherkmistress.kJocelynkmanagedkaksmile.k"Youkfirst.kYou're kthekonekwhokwaskmauledk bykthatkbeast." kNotkbotheringkwithkpolitekdemurral,kMariekputkthekflas ktokherklipskandkdran kd eeply.kShekcho edkaklittle,k butkherkhandskwereksteadierkwhenkshekpouredkakmeasurekintokthekcap,kwhichkwaskde signedkaskaksmallk cup,kandkhandedkitktokJocelyn,kwhokswallowedkonlykaklittlekslowerkthankherkmaidk had.kShekclosedkherkeyesk forkakmomentkaskthekfierykspiritkburnedkthroughkher.kHeadkclearing,kshekas ed,k" Arekyoukallkright?" k"BetterkthankIkwouldkhavekbeenkifkyoukhadn'tkshotkthekswine,kmyklady."kAnkinvol untarykshiverkwentk throughkher. kJocelynkofferedkaksmallksmile.k"Ifkyoukwishktokfinishkthekflas kandkbecomekoutr ageouslykdrun ,kIkpromisek

tokoverloo kit." kMariekgiggled.k"Thatkwon'tkbeknecessary,kbutkIkshallkhavekonekmorekswallow." kDavidkcalled,k"Jocelyn,kcankyoukholdkthekhorsesksokthekdriverkandkIkcankloadkth iskfellowkintokthekcarriage?k He'llkhavektokbekta enktokthekjailkinkHereford." kJocelynktoo kthekbridlekofkthekteam'skleftkleader,kstro ingkthekhorse'sknose.kW armkhorsefleshkwaskveryk soothingkafterkthekchaoskofkviolence.k

kGrimlykDavidkandkthekcoachmanklashedkthekdeadkhighwayman'skbodyktokthektopkofkt hekcoach,kthenk depositedktheklivingkthiefkintokthekrear-facingkseatkofkthekcarriage.kNotkwantin gktoksitkbesidekhim,kMariek chosektokjoinkthekdriverkonkthekbox.kTheklastklegkofkthekjourneykintokHerefordkw askquiet.kDavidk eptkak closekeyekonkthekprisoner,kakloadedkpistolkready,kbutkthekmankneverkregainedkful lkconsciousness. kGrimlykDavidkandkthekcoachmanklashedkthekdeadkhighwayman'skbodyktokthektopkofkt hekcoach,kthenk depositedktheklivingkthiefkintokthekrear-facingkseatkofkthekcarriage.kNotkwantin gktoksitkbesidekhim,kMariek chosektokjoinkthekdriverkonkthekbox.kTheklastklegkofkthekjourneykintokHerefordkw askquiet.kDavidk eptkak closekeyekonkthekprisoner,kakloadedkpistolkready,kbutkthekmankneverkregainedkful lkconsciousness. kExhaustedkbyknursingkafterktheksiegekofkBadajoz,kLaurakhadkpouredkoutkherkhorro rkatktheksightskshekhadk seen,kexplainingkthatkifkakcitykgavekinktokankattac ingkarmykeasily,kitkwaskusua llyktreatedkmercifully.kButkifk thekattac erskhadkbeenkforcedktokfightkaklongkandkcostlyksiege,kbykthekbarbarous klogickofkwarkthekcityk wouldkbeksac edkwhenkitkfell,kitskbuildingsklootedkandkburned,kitskcitizenskslau ghteredkandkraped.kBadajozk hadkbeenkjustksuchkakbloodykvictorykforkthekBritish,kandkWellingtonkhadkstayedkh iskhandkforktwokdayskandk nightskaskhiskmenkavengedkthemselveskforktheirklosses.kRapekandkmurderkhadkbeenk twinedktogetherkli ek strandskofkakhangman'skrope. kThekbrushkwithkdangerkJocelyn'skpartykhadkjustkexperiencedkwaskakfaintkechokofk theketernalkstrugglek betweenkthekthreatkofkdeathkandkthekpassionkforklife.kDavidkhadksavedktheirksmal lkpartykfromkharm,kandkink thekaftermathkhek issedkher.kAkfleetingkmasculinekimpulse,kindulgedkandkimmediat elykforgotten. kJocelyn'skownkreactionkwasksurelykrootedkinkthatksamekdisturbing,kunfathomablek blendkofkdeadlykfearkandk thekjoykofksurvival,kbutkaskakwomankshekwouldknotksokquic lykforget.kThekembrace khadkcreatedkankintensek physicalkawarenesskofkthekmankwhokhappenedktokbekherkhusband.kShekwaskburninglyk consciouskofk David'skshoulderkagainstkhers,kandkshekwantedkhimkinkthekmostkancientkandkprimal kofkways.kShekclosedkherk eyeskaskifkovercomekbykthekattac ,kandkprayedkthatkshekwouldkrecoverkfromkthiskm adnesskbykthektimektheyk reachedktheirkdestination. kChapterk24k

WhenktheykreachedkthektownkofkHereford,kDavidkinstalledkthektwokwomenkinkakpriva tekparlorkatkthekGreenk Dragon,kthenkleftktokturnkthekprisonerkoverktoktheklaw.kJocelynkandkMariekshared kakbracingkpotkofktea,kandk

JocelynkwasktolerablykcomposedkbykthektimekDavidkjoinedkthem. k"Whatkwillkhappenktokthekhighwayman?"kSilentlykshekofferedktea. kWavingkawaykthekoffer,khekreplied,k"ThekAssizeskarekmeetingkinkHerefordkatkthek moment,ksokhe'llkbek broughtktoktrialkquic ly.kProbablykakwee kfromktoday." k"Willkwekallkbekcalledkaskwitnessesktokthekattac ?" k"Thatkshouldn'tkbeknecessary.kThekcoachmankandkIkcanktestifyktokeventskbetterkt hankyoukandkMarie.kSincek thekmankisknotk nownktokhavekakpriorkrecordkofkviolence,kI'llkas kthekcourtkfork clemency.kHighwaykrobberyk iskakcapitalkoffense,kofkcourse,kbutkthekinfluencekofkmykexaltedkran kshouldkget khimktransportationkinsteadk ofkthekgallows."kDavidkpacedkthekparlor,kunablektokconcealkhiskimpatience.k"It's ktimekwekwerekonkourkway.k I'dkli ektokreachkWestholmekbeforekdar ."k

k"Ofkcourse."kAskJocelynkgatheredkherkshawlkandkreticule,kshekrealizedkthatkhekw askavoidingkherkeyekask muchkaskshekwaskavoidingkhis.kIfktheykdidn'tkmanagektokburykthiskembarrassingkin timacy,ktheykwouldkhavek ankaw wardkstaykinkHerefordshire. k"Ofkcourse."kAskJocelynkgatheredkherkshawlkandkreticule,kshekrealizedkthatkhekw askavoidingkherkeyekask muchkaskshekwaskavoidingkhis.kIfktheykdidn'tkmanagektokburykthiskembarrassingkin timacy,ktheykwouldkhavek ankaw wardkstaykinkHerefordshire. kHeknodded.k"We'rekalmostkthere.kThekoldestkpartkofkthekestateklieskwithinkakloo pkofkthekWyekRiver,k thoughkmoreklandkwaskaddedkoverktime." kThekcarriagekslowedkandkturnedkbetweenkakstonekpillarkandkankemptykgatehouse.kI nkthekfadingklight,kthek drivekstretchedkawaykthroughkaklongkaislekofkthic ,kgnarledktrees.kCurious,kshek as ed,k"Whatkarekthektrees,k David?kIkdon'tkrecognizekthem." kNotkturningkfromkthekwindow,khekreplied,k"Spanishkchestnuts,koverktwokhundredky earskold.kThiskdrivekisk almostkhalfkakmileklong." kHiskbodykwasktautkaskakbowstring.kAkdaykearlier,kshekwouldkhaveklaidkherkhandko nkhisktokshowkherk sympathykatkwhatkhekmustkbekfeelingkonkthiskreturnktokaklong-lostkhome.kNow,kshe kdidn'tkdarektouchkhim. kWhenktheykhaltedkinkfrontkofkthekhouse,kDavidkclimbedkfromkthekcarriage,khiskex pressionkshuttered.k Jocelynkfollowed,kscanningkthekramblingkstructurekwithkinterest.kThekhousekhadkb eenkexpandedkinkakvarietyk ofkstyles,kbutktheknativekstone,kwarmedkbykakhintkofkred,ktiedktheksectionsktoge ther.kThoughklac ingkthek grandeurkofkCharlton,kitkwaskattractive,kandktheksurroundingkhillskandkwoodskwer ekasklovelykaskDavidkhadk promised. kThekgroundskhadkbeenkdreadfullykneglected,kthough.kCatchingkmovementkfromkthekc ornerkofkherkeye,kshek spottedkseveralksmallkornamentalkdeerkthatkhadkescapedkfromkthekpar kandkwerekno wkhappilyknibblingkonk thekshrubs. kDavid'skexpressionkwaskremote,kandkJocelynkcouldkonlykguesskatkhiskthoughts.kWi thktheklightestkofk toucheskonkhisksleeve,ksheksaid,k"Shallkwekgokin?" kMoodkbro en,kheknodded,kandktheykclimbedkthekbroadkstairsksidekbykside.kDavidkg avektheklion's-headk noc erkseveralksharpkraps.kTheksoundskechoedkhollowlykinsidekthekhouse.kWhilekt heykwaitedkforkak response,kJocelynkas ed,k"Werekwekexpectedktoday?"

kHekscrutinizedkthekfacadekofkthekbuilding.k"Iksentkakmessage,kbutkfromkthekloo kofkthekplace,kWestholmekisk

badlykunderstaffed." kAfterkseveralkminuteskofkwaiting,kthekdoorkswungkopenktokrevealkakbaldingkmanko fkmiddlekyears.kHiskfacek bro ekintokakwideksmile.k"MasterkDavid!kWelcomekhome."kHekexecutedkaklowkbow.k"O rkrather,kLordk Presteyne.kEveryonekinkthekhouseholdkhaskbeenkeagerlykawaitingkyourkreturn." kAsktheyksteppedkintokakhigh,kpaneledkhall,kDavidkstaredkatkthekman,kthenkexclai med,k"Stretton,kbykallkthat'sk holy!kArekyoukthekbutlerknow?" kThekmankbowedkagain.k"Ikhavekthatkhonor,kmyklord." kDavidkexplainedktokJocelyn,k"RememberkthekfightkwithkmykbrotherkthatkIktoldkyou kabout?kStrettonkwask

onekofkthekfootmenkwhokrescuedkme."kTokthekbutler,kheksaid,k"It'skakpleasurektok seekakfamiliarkface.kIkdidn'tk thin kanyonekwouldkrememberkme.kI'mkgladktokseekthatkyoukhavekadvancedkinkthekwo rld." onekofkthekfootmenkwhokrescuedkme."kTokthekbutler,kheksaid,k"It'skakpleasurektok seekakfamiliarkface.kIkdidn'tk thin kanyonekwouldkrememberkme.kI'mkgladktokseekthatkyoukhavekadvancedkinkthekwo rld." kDavidkcontinued,k"Thiskiskmykwife,kLadykPresteyne,kandkherkmaid,kMademoisellekR enault.kIktrustkroomsk havekbeenkpreparedkforkus?" k"Yes,kmyklord,kbutkI'mkafraidkyoukwillknotkfindkthingskasktheykshouldkbe.kYourk brother,ktheklateklord,kwask loathktokspendkmoneykonkthekhousehold.kAlso" kStrettonkcoughedkdelicately "becauseko fkthe,kerr,k proclivitieskofkLordkPresteynekandkMr.kTimothy,kitkwaskdifficultktokpersuadekdec entkyoungkgirlsktokwor k here." kDavid'skbrowskarched.k"Arekyoukthekonlykservantkleft?" k"Notkquite,ksir.kTheklawyerskdidn'tkwantknewkstaffkhiredkuntilkyoukarrived,kbut kmykwife,kwhokiskakgoodk plainkcoo ,kiskinkthek itchen,kandkakcouplekofkvillagekgirlskcomekeverykdayktokh elpkwithkthekcleaning."kHek sighed.k"Ikfearkitkwillkta eksomektimektokputkthekhousekproperlyktokrights." kJocelynkglancedkaround,kseeingkthekdullnesskofkthekwoodwor kandkthekshabbinessk ofkthekfurnishings.kThek generalkairkofkneglectkwaskenoughktokma ekanykself-respectingkbutlerkapologetic. k"I'mkgladkthek itchenkiskoperating.kCouldkyourkwifekproducekaklightkmealkin,ksa y" Davidkglancedkatk Jocelynkquestioningly "halfkankhourkorkso?" kSheknodded,kgladkforkthekchancektokrestkandkregroup. k"Itkshallkbekdone."kStrettonkpulledkakbellkcordkthreektimes,kperhapskinkakprear rangedksignalktokhiskwife,k thenkledkDavidkandkJocelynkupstairs. kHerkbedchamberkwaskaskshabbykaskthekrestkofkthekhouse,kbutkthekproportionskwere kgracious,kandkthek wornkdraperieskandkbeddingkhadkrecentlykbeenkcleaned.kShekhadkstayedkatkinnsktha tkwerekfarkworse.k Mariekwasklesskcharitable,kmutteringkunderkherkbreathkinkFrenchkaskshekunpac edk forkherkmistress. kJocelynkpausedkbykakwindowktokstudykthekestate.kThekhousekstoodkonkakrisekthatk offeredkaklovelykviewkofk fieldskandkwoodlands,knowkglowingkwithkgoldenklightkfromktheksettingksun.kTheksw eepkofkthekWyekRiverk showedkinkthekmiddlekdistance.kThoughktheklandscapekwasknotksokdramatickaskthekW elshkmountainsktokthek west,kitkwaskvastlykwelcoming.kNokwonderkDavidkhadkwantedktokcomekhomektokHerefo rdkwhenkhekwask

outkofkhiskhead. kHekwouldkbekakfineklandowner,kverykli ekherkfather.kLesskflamboyantkinkstyle,kb utk nowingkhiskcropskandk stoc kandkpeople,kta ingkthektimektoksharekaktan ardkofkalekwithkaktenant,kandkn everkafraidktokdirtykhisk handskifkakjobkneededkdoing. kSmilingkaklittlekatkthekimage,kshekexploredkthekrestkofktheksuitekofkrooms.kTok thekleft,kshekfoundkaksmallk sittingkroomkinkakcornerkofkthekhouse,kwithkviewskinktwokdirections.kAnotherkdoo rkledktokaklargekdressingk roomkthatkcontainedkseveralkemptykwardrobes.kShekopenedkthekdoorkinkthekfarkwall kandkdiscoveredk anotherkbedchamber.kDavid'skbagskwerekbykthekbed,kthoughkluc ilykhekwasknotkinkt hekroomkhimself.k

kHastilykshekclosedkthekdoor.kOfkcoursektheykwouldkhavekbeenkgivenkthekmasterkan dkmistress'sksuite.kShek consideredkchec ingkthekdoorktokseekifkitkhadkakloc ,kthenktoldkherselfkfirmlykn otktokbekaklac wit.kShek wouldkbekasksafekfromkDavidkherekaskshekhadkbeenkinkherkownkhouse. kHastilykshekclosedkthekdoor.kOfkcoursektheykwouldkhavekbeenkgivenkthekmasterkan dkmistress'sksuite.kShek consideredkchec ingkthekdoorktokseekifkitkhadkakloc ,kthenktoldkherselfkfirmlykn otktokbekaklac wit.kShek wouldkbekasksafekfromkDavidkherekaskshekhadkbeenkinkherkownkhouse. kDavidkswallowedkhardkwhenkJocelynkjoinedkhimkinktheksmallksalonkoutsidekthekfam ilykdiningkroom.k Loo ingkfreshkaskakspringkflower,kshe'dkchangedkintokakgreenkmuslinkgownkthatkbr oughtkoutkthekgreenk flec skinkherkeyeskandkrevealedkherkslenderkthroatkandkaktantalizingkamountkofkc reamykshoulders.kFromkherk smile,kshekhadkrecoveredkfromkthekattemptedkrobbery.kOnkthekdrivekintokHereford, kshekhadkbeenktautkaskak drumhead. kRemindingkhimselfkthatkakgentlemankreallykshouldn'tkloo kdownkthekfrontkofkakla dy'skdress orkatkleast,k shouldn'tkbekcaughtkdoingkso hekpulledkoutkherkchair.kStrettonkhadkwiselyksetkthei rkplaceskatkrightkanglesk tokeachkotherkratherkthankatkoppositekendskofkthektable.kHavingktokspea kacrossk sixkfeetkofkmahoganyk tendedktoklimitkconversation.kAskDavidktoo khiskownkseat,kheksaid,k"IfkI'dkreali zedkhowkrundownkthekplacek was,kIkwouldn'tkhavekas edkyouktokcomekwithkme." kSheklaughed.k"ThiskiskakpalacekcomparedktokthekhousekIksharedkwithkmykauntkandk unclekinkFuentek Guinaldo." k"IkhadkforgotkthatkyoukarekakhardenedkveterankofkthekPeninsula."kHekwonderedkif kthingskwouldkhavekbeenk differentkifktheykhadkmetkthen.kMightkherkheartkhavekbeenkmorekavailable?kOfkcou rse,ktwokyearskearlierk he'dkhadknokprospectskbeyondkthatkofkdyingkofkfeverkorkwounds,kandkprobablykwoul dn'tkhavekdaredktok courtkher. kItkhadkbeenkaklongktimeksincekteakwithkthekMorgans,ksoktheykappliedkthemselvesk tokthekmeal.kAskthekbutlerk hadksaid,khiskwifekwaskakgoodkplainkcoo ,kandkthekfoodkwasksolidkandksatisfying. kAfterkthekplateskwerek removed,kJocelynkremar ed,k"Goodkfood,kandkreallykexcellentkwines." k"I'mknotksurprised,"kDavidksaidkdryly.k"Ikimaginekthekhorseskwillkbekequallykgo od.kApparentlyktheklateklordk lavishedkmoneykonkhiskpleasureskandkignoredkeverythingkelse." kJocelynkselectedkakfreshkpeachkfromkakfruitkbowlkandkbeganktokpeelkoffkthekfuzz yks inkwithkakthin,ksharpk nife.k"Haskthekhousekhadknokmistressksincekyourkmotherkleft?" k"Notkforksomekyears.kMykmiddlekbrother,kRoger,khadkmarried,kbutkheklivedkinkLon

donkratherkthankhere.k Therekwereknokchildren,kandkhiskwidowkhasksincekremarried.kWilfredkalsokhadkakwi fe,kbutkshekdiedkink childbirthksomekyearskago,kalongkwithkthekbaby,kandkhekcouldn'tkfindkanotherkfem alekdesperatekenoughktok ta ekhim." k"Isktherekenoughkmoneyktokta ekcarekofkwhatkneedsktokbekdonekhere?"kShekcutkaks licekofkjuicykpeachkandk atekitkwithkobviouskenjoyment. kWishingkhekcouldk isskthatkpeach-flavoredkmouth,khekreplied,k"Rowleykthin skso, kifkIklivekfrugallykandk investkeverykpennykIkcanksparekinkthekestate.kItkwillkta ekyearsktokreturnkevery thingktokorder,kbutkitkcankbek done,kwhichkiskallkthatkmatters."kHekswirledkthekwinekinkhiskglasskabsently,kthi n ingkofkhiskchildhoodkatk Westholme.kThekgoodktimeskfarkoutnumberedkthekbad.k"Ikcan'tkthin kofkaktas kIkwo uldkenjoykmore." k"ShallkIkgetktogetherkwithkStrettonktokhireksomekhousemaids?kWithkyourklecherou skbrotherskgone,kitk

shouldn'tkbekhardktokfindkwomenktokwor khere." shouldn'tkbekhardktokfindkwomenktokwor khere." kShekgrinned.k"Iklovekhiringkpeoplekandkgivingkorders.kYouksaidkyourselfkthatkIk waskonekofkthekmostk managingkfemaleskyou'vekeverkmet." k"Itkwaskratherkakcompliment,kyouk now."kHe'dkneverkunderstoodkwhyksomekmenkwere kattractedktok womenkwhokwerekaskhelplesskaskfluffykchic s. kForkankinstant,kintensekawarenesskthrummedkbetweenkthem.kThenkshekdroppedkherkg azekandksaidk randomly,k"ThiskiskthekstrangestkbirthdaykIkhavekeverkhad." k"GoodkGod,kthiskiskthekinfamousktwenty-fifthkbirthday?kWhykdidn'tkyouktellkme?" khekexclaimed.k"Ik newkitk mustkbekaroundkthisktime,kbutkIkdon'tkrecallkeverkhearingkthekexactkdate.kAugust ktwentieth.kIkshallkhavektok rememberkforkthekfuture." kThoughkperhapskitkwaskfoolishktokmentionkakfuturekwhenktheirkmarriagekwouldksoo nkvanishkli ekthek morningkmist.kHekwonderedkifktheykwouldkoccasionallykseekeachkotherkinkLondonkan dknodkpolitely,kork perhapskexchangeknoteskoncekakyear,kaskifktheykhadn'tkonce,kbriefly,kbeenkhusban dkandkwife. kGrimlykremindingkhimselfkthatkthekmarriagekhadn'tkbeenkannulledkyet,kheksaid,k" Westholmekhaskakfamousk winekcellar,kandkI'mksurekthatkwouldkincludekchampagne.kShallkwekgokdownkandksee kwhatkWilfredkleft?" k"Leadkthekway."kShekswallowedktheklastkofkherkpeach.k"Betterktokcelebratekakbir thdaykwithkchampagnek thankbulletskandkbandits." kChapterk25k

Strettonkproducedktwokbrancheskofkcandles,kakcor screw,kandkakpairkofkgoblets,kt henkescortedkthemk downktokthekwinekcellar.k"ThiskiskonekpartkofkWestholmekforkwhichknokapologieska rekneeded,"kthekbutlerk saidkaskhekunloc edkthekheavy,kiron-bandedkdoor.k"Ikhadkstandingkorderskfromkthe klatekLordkPresteynek thatkthekwinekcamekbeforekgeneralkduties.kIkbecamekquitekankexpertkatkfeedingkcl aret."kFromkhisksardonick tone,kitkwaskclearkhekthoughtkthektimekcouldkhavekbeenkbetterkspent. kWhenkStrettonkswungkthekdoorkopen,kDavidkgavekaklowkwhistle.k"ThekPrincekRegent kwouldn'tkbek ashamedkofkthiskcellar."kHekacceptedkonekofkthekbrancheskofkcandles,kleavingkthe kbutlerkthekotherktoklightk hiskwaykupkthekdar kstairs.k"Youkmaykreturnktokyourkduties.kLadykPresteynekandkI kwillkexplorekonkourk own."

kStrettonkhandedkJocelynkthektwokwinekglasses,kthenkleft.kRaisingkthekcandlestic khighksokthatkshekcouldk seekherkfooting,kDavidkinvitedkherkinkwithkakcourtlykgesture.k"Welcomektokwhatkw asksurelykWilfred'sk favoritekpartkofkWestholme." k"Heavens!"kshekexclaimedkasksheksteppedkintokthekcool,kdrykair.k"Ikbelievekthis ksurpasseskthekwinekcellark atkCharlton.kIkwouldn'tkhavekthoughtkitkpossible."k

kHekwaskimpressedkhimself.kManykthingskseemedklargerktokakchildkthanktokankadult ,kbutknotkthekWestholmek winekcellar.kThekspacekwaskimmense,kwithkrowkafterkrowkofksilentkcas s.kOverkeac hkhungkakneatksignkthatk describedkthekdate,kquality,kandkoriginkofkthekwinekinside.kAlongkthekwallkwerek rac skfilledkwithkbottles,k carefullyktiltedktok eepkthekcor skmoist,kandkinkonekcornerkakwor tablekstoodkbe sidekakclosetkthatk probablykheldkequipmentksuchkasktubskandkcor skandkfunnels. kHekwaskimpressedkhimself.kManykthingskseemedklargerktokakchildkthanktokankadult ,kbutknotkthekWestholmek winekcellar.kThekspacekwaskimmense,kwithkrowkafterkrowkofksilentkcas s.kOverkeac hkhungkakneatksignkthatk describedkthekdate,kquality,kandkoriginkofkthekwinekinside.kAlongkthekwallkwerek rac skfilledkwithkbottles,k carefullyktiltedktok eepkthekcor skmoist,kandkinkonekcornerkakwor tablekstoodkbe sidekakclosetkthatk probablykheldkequipmentksuchkasktubskandkcor skandkfunnels. k"Sadlyktrue."kHekfollowedkher.k"Evenktheksawdustkiskfresh,kaskallkseriouskwinek stewardskdemand.k Maintainingkthiskmustkhavekta enkquitekakbitkofkStretton'sktime." k"Whatkdidkhekmeankbyk'feedingkthekclaret?'"kShekglancedkteasinglykoverkherkshou lder.kHerkna ed,ksoftlyk invitingkshoulder.k"Ikimaginedktossingkitkpieceskofkbreadkandkcheese." kHekchuc led.k"Claretkhasn'tkmuchkbody,ksokit'skrecommendedktokoccasionallykaddk smallkamountskofkgoodk Frenchkbrandyktokthekhogshead.kTheksamekthingkiskoftenkdonektokburgundy,kwhileks ometimesknewkmil kisk usedktoksweetenkwhitekwines." k"Howkdidkyouklearnksokmuchkaboutkwine?"kshekas edkcuriously,kherkfingertipsktra ilingkoverkthekoa kstavesk ofkakcas kofkfinestkSpanishksherry. k"Winekwasksomethingkofkakhobbykofkmykfather's.That'skwhykthekcellarkisksoklarge .kHekusedktokbringkmek downkandkexplainkhowktokrac kthekwines,khowktokmellowkthosekthatkwerektookraw,ka ndkotherktric skofk winekhandling."kDavidkhadkenjoyedkthoseksessionskwithkhiskfather,kbutkhekshivere dkaskaklesskpleasantk memoryksurfaced. kNoticing,kJocelynkas ed,k"Arekyoukcold?" k"Justkthin ingkofkthektimekWilfredkloc edkmekdownkhere.kIkwasn'tkfoundkuntilkth ekbutlerkcamekdownkthek nextkdaykforkthekdinnerkwines." kAghast,kshekexclaimed.k"Whatkakvilekthingktokdo!kHowkoldkwerekyou?" k"Eightkorknine.kItkreallykwasn'tksokbad.kOnekofkthek itchenkcatskwasktrappedkhe re,ktoo.kShek eptkmek company."kKeptkhimkfromkgoingkcrazykinkthekdar kbykcurlingkupkinkhisklapkandkpur ring.kHe'dkli edkcatsk everksince andkhadkmadekdamnedksureknonekofkhiskolderkbrothersklearnedkthat,kforkf

earkofkwhatktheyk mightkdoktokthek itchenkandkbarnkcatskifktheykthoughtkitkwouldkupsetkhim. kJocelyn'skeyesknarrowed.k"I'mkreallykquiteksorrykthatkIkwasn'tkthekonektokshoot kWilfred.kItkwouldkhavek beenkakpleasure." k"BetterktheksinkbekonkTimothy'skshoulders."kHekresumedkhisksurvey.k"There'skakg oodksupplykofk Westholmekcider.kI'mkgladktokseekthat'skonektraditionkthatkhaskbeenk ept." k"Youkhavekakciderkpresskonkthekestate?" k"Yes,kHerefordshirekisk nownkforkitskcider.kWestholmekhaskacreskofkapplekorchar ds."kHekpattedkakcas .k "Thesekhogsheadskarekforkhouseholdkuse.kServantskhavektheirkchoicekofkciderkorks mallkalektokgokwithktheirk meals,kandkwhenkIkwaskboy,kchosekciderkmorekoftenkthanknot.kWouldkyoukli ektoktr yksome?"k

kShekheldkoutkakwinekglass.k"Please." kShekheldkoutkakwinekglass.k"Please." kAfterkakcautiousksip,kJocelynkfinishedkthekrestkofkherskinkonekswallow.k"Nice.k Notktooksweet,kandkjustk enoughkalcoholktokma ekitkinteresting."kHerkgazektraveledkoverkthekwinekcellar.k "You'llkneverkhavektokbuyk winekagainkevenkifkyouklivektokbekakhundred." k"Thesekwineskmustkbekworthkakfortune.kSellingkthemkcouldkraiseksomekmoneykforkt hekestate." k"Asklongkaskyoukdon'tksellkeverything,"kJocelynksaid,kaklittlekta enkabac .k"My kfatherkalwaysksaidkthatk goodkwinekwaskthekmar kofkakgentleman'sktable." k"Ikshallkretainkenoughktok eepkupkmykreputation.kNow,kwherekiskthekchampagne?kO rkdokyoukthin kthatk wasktookfrivolouskakdrin kforkWilfred?" k"Perhapskinkakwallkrac ?" kSurekenough,konekwholekrac kwaskdevotedktokchampagne.kHeksurveyedkthekchoices,k dizzyingkreflectionsk ofkcandlekflameskslidingkoverkthekrowskofkglasskbottles.k"BlessedkifkIk nowkthek bestkvintage.kI'llkhavektok assumekthatkWilfredkwouldn'tkhavekanythingkthatkwasn'tkfirstkrate.kMyklady,kta e kyourkchoice." kShekconsidered,kthenktappedkakbottle.k"Thatkone." kHeksetkthekcandelabrumkonkaknearbykwor table,kthenkopenedkthekchampagne.kDespit ekhiskcare,kwinek fizzedkfromkthekbottlekaskthekcor kshotkout. kLaughing,kJocelynkheldkoutkthekglasses.k"I'mksurekakpuristkwouldkbekhorrifiedkt hatkwekarekdrin ingkoutkofk glasseskjustkusedkforkcider,kbutkIkwon'tktellkanyonekifkyoukdon't." k"Done."kAfterkpouringkthekbubblykwine,khekraisedkhiskglassktokher.k"Happykbirth day,kmykdearkgirl.kAndk maykthisknextkyearkbringkyourkheart'skdelight."kHekswallowedkthekchampagnekinkon eklongkdraft,kthin ingk thatkifkitkwasn'tkforkthekdeadlinekofkthiskbirthday,khekwouldkneverkhavekmetkher . k"Ahhh "kJocelynksaidkwithkgiddykpleasurekafterkdowningkherkdrin .k"Thekciderkwask good,kbutkIkpreferk champagne." k"Therekiskenoughkherekforkyouktokbathekinkifkyoukchoose." k"Whatkakwastekthatkwouldkbe!"kShekheldkoutkherkglasskforkmore.kInkthekdimklight ,kherkhairkappearedkdar ,k exceptkwherekcandlelightkspar edkredkhighlights.kThoughkthekairkwaskcool,ktherek wereknokgoose-bumpsk showingkonkthekexposedkcurveskvisiblekaboutkherkdecolletage.kAskforkhim hekdidn'tk feelkcoldkatkall.kQuitek

thekcontrary. kWarmkandkaklittlekrec less,khektoppedkupktheirkglasses.k"Sometimesklatekinkthek eveningkinkthekofficers'k mess,kwhenkmenkarekfeelingkfoolish,kthey'llkbendktheirkarmskaroundkeachkother'sk tokdrin kaktoast."kHek

grinned.k"Possiblykit'sktoksavekthemselveskfromkfalling.kIt'skpartkofkthekritual ktokemptykthekglasskwithkonek swallow." grinned.k"Possiblykit'sktoksavekthemselveskfromkfalling.kIt'skpartkofkthekritual ktokemptykthekglasskwithkonek swallow." k"Betweenkakmankandkwoman,kadjustmentskcankalwayskbekmade."kHekbentkaklittlektok reducekthekdifferencek inkheight.kOddly,kthoughkshekmightkthin khimktooktall,khe'dkneverkthoughtkshekwa sktookshort.kShekwas k exactlykright. kGazekholdingkhers,kheksaid.k"Tokyou,kmyklady." kHerklaughterkdied,kandkherkeyeskwatchedkhim,khugekandkvulnerable,kasktheykbothk downedktheirkglasses.k Thekbubblesktinglingkinkhiskmouthkwereknothingkcomparedktoktheksizzlekinkhiskblo odkaskhekinhaledkthekscentk ofkjasmine,kchampagne,kandkwoman.kTheykwereksokclosekthatkthekfoldskofkherkpalek muslinkgownkbrushedk againstkhiskthighs. kPulsekpounding,khektoo kherkglasskandkhiskandkcarefullyksetkthemkonkthektablekb ykthekcandlestic .kThen,k withkevenkgreaterkcare,khekcuppedkherkfacekinkbothkhandskandk issedkherkwithkgen tlekthoroughness.kShek gavekakbreathyklittlekexhalationkandkretreatedktwokstepskuntilkherkbac kwaskagai nstkthekwall,kbutkherksoftk lipskwelcomed,kandkherkhandskopenedkandkclosedkrestlesslykonkhiskarms. kTheirktonguesktouched,kandkthekhammerkinkhiskbloodkbecamekthekpoundingkofkbattl ekdrums.k"Youktastekofk peacheskandkchampagne,"khekmurmuredkaskhekslidkhiskfingerskintokherkhairkandkrem ovedkthekpinskthatkheldk itkup.kOnekafterkanother,ktheykfellkwithkbrightkpingingksoundskuntilkauburnkhair kcascadedkoverkherkshouldersk inkaksuddenkrush.kHekrubbedkhiskfacekintoktheksil enkmass,kintoxicatedkbykjasmin e. k"This kthiskisn'tkright,"kshekwhisperedkevenkaskshekarchedkherkthroatksokthatkhek couldktrailkhisklipskoverk thekpale,ksensitiveks in. k"Wekarekhusbandkandkwife,kJocelyn."kHektracedkthekarckofkherkearkwithkhisktongu e.k"Howkcankthiskbek wrong?kDokIkrepulsekyou?" k"No.kOh,kno."kShekdrewkaksha ykbreath.k"But ktherekisksomeonekelse.kYoukhavek now nkthatksincekthek firstktimekwekmet." kHektransferredkhiskattentionktokherkotherkear,kandkfeltkherkbreastskpresskagain stkhimkaskshekinhaled.k"Thisk someonekelse whatkmaykIkcallkhim,kforktheksa ekofkconvenience?" kHerkeyeskclosed.k"Callkhim kthekdu e."

kHekrepressedkaksigh.kItkwouldkbekakdu e.k"Arekyouktrulykinklovekwithkthiskdu e? "kHiskhandskslidkdownkherk sides,kfollowingkthekslee kshapeskofkwaistkandkhipskaskhektriedktokcaresskeveryk inchkofkher. k"Iklovekhimkaklittle,"ksheksaid,kakcatchkinkherkvoice.k"That's kjustkenough." kInterestingkthatkshekwantedktokbekonlykaklittlekinklove.kLater,khekwouldkthin k morekaboutkthat.kHiskhandsk stro edkdownkherkbac ,kakbufferkbetweenkripe,ksoftkcurveskandkthekroughkstonekwa ll.k"Youksaidkoncekthatk hekli edkworldlykwomen.kIfkyoukcomektogether,kwillkhekbekdisappointed,kevenkangr y,ktokfindkthatkyoukarek lesskworldlykthankheksupposed?"k

kFromktheklengthkofktimekuntilkherkreply,khek newkthatkshekhadkwonderedkaboutkth atkherself.k"Ikthoughtkmenk enjoyedkinnocence,"ksheksaidkuncertainly. kFromktheklengthkofktimekuntilkherkreply,khek newkthatkshekhadkwonderedkaboutkth atkherself.k"Ikthoughtkmenk enjoyedkinnocence,"ksheksaidkuncertainly. kShekstiffened.k"Ikwon'tkbekpassionate!kMykmotherkwas,kandkshekdestroyedkuskall. " kThekpainkinkherkvoicekstruc ktokhiskheart.kTenderlykheksmoothedkbac kherkhairka ndkbrushedkhisklipskoverk hers,kdelicatekandkunthreatening,kuntilkherkstiffnesskfaded.k"IktellkyoukaskGod' skownktruth,"khekwhispered,k"ifk youkallowkankexperiencedkmankofkthekworldktokintroducekyouktokpassionkwhenkyoukw antkhimkmorekthankhek wantskyou,khekwillkownkyourksoul,kbutkyoukwillknotkownkhis.kIskthatkwhatkyoukwan t?" k"No.kNeverkthat,"kshekreplied,kherkpulsekacceleratingkunderkhisklips. kHektuggedkatkthektieskthatksecuredkherkgownkinkthekbac .k"Thenkyoukmustkletkmek teachkyouksomethingkofk passionkfirst,ksokthatkyoukwillkbekstronger.kSafer." kShekmadekaksoundkbetweenklaughterkandktears.k"Youkarekunscrupulous." k"Ofkcourse."kThekgownkundone,khekslidkitkdownkherkshoulders,kexposingkherklacetrimmedkchemise.kSincek thekthoughtkofklovekalarmedkher,khekmurmured,k"IkamkakmankandkIkdesirekyou,ksoko fkcoursekIkamk unscrupulous.kIkwantkyou,kandkyoukarekinkwantkofkankeducation.kSurelykwekcankcom ektokterms." kHerkshortkstaysktoo konlykakmomentklongerktokloosen.kHekswallowedkhardkasktheyk fellkawaykfromkherk torso,kallowingkherkbreastsktoksoftenkintoktheirknatural,kprovocativekcurves.kPu llingkdownkherkchemise,khek closedkhiskmouthkoverkherkbreast,khisktonguekflic ingkacrosskthekhardenedktip. k"You kyoukarektryingktokconfusekme,"ksheksaid,ktryingktoksoundkaccusingkinsteadko fkexhilarated. k"Yes,"kheksaidksimply,kthekwarmthkofkhiskbreathkflowingkdownkthekvalleykbetween kherkbreasts.k"Ikwantkyouk tokthin kofknothingkbutkhere,kandknow,kandkus." kHeksuc ledkherkotherkbreastkaskonekhandkraisedkherks irt,khisknailskgrazingkher k nee.kThenkhekslippedkhisk handkbetweenkherkthighs,kmovingkgentlykbac kandkforthkagainstkherkmostkprivatekp laces. kShekhadkfeltkdisgustkandkhumiliationkwhenkthekmidwifekexaminedkher,kbutkhisktou chkwaskdifferent,ksok differentkthatkitkeliminatedkthatkearlierkmemorykinkakrushkofkheatkandkmoisturek andkyearning.kShekwrithed,k notksurekifkshekwasktryingktokescapekorktryingktokrubkagainstkhisk nowingkfinger s.kHerkhandskbitkintokhisk

waistkasksheksoughtksupport. kWaskhekrightkthatkshekmustkbecomekmorekexperiencedktokhavekakchancekofkholdingk Candover'skinterest?k Ifkthekdu e'sktouchkenslavedkherkmorekthankDavid's,kshekwouldkbekdamnedkindeed.k Shekcouldn'tkthin ,k couldn'tkthin .k"Thiskiskakmista e,"ksheksaid,kaknotekofkdesperationkinkherkvoic e.k"Akterriblekmista e." kHekbecamekutterlykstill,khiskgazeksearching.k"Dokyouktrulykfeelkthat?" k"Yes,"kshekwhispered,ktearskstingingkaskheatkandkdesirekandkfearkscoredkherkvei ns. k"I'mksorry,kJocelyn."kStraightening,khekenfoldedkherkinkhiskarms,koneklargekhan dkcaressingkthekbareks inkofk

herkbac .k"Ikdon'tkeverkwantktokdokanythingkyoukdisli e." herkbac .k"Ikdon'tkeverkwantktokdokanythingkyoukdisli e." kSheksqueezedkherkeyeskshut,kstrugglingkforkcomposure.k"I kIkdidknotkdisli ekwhatk youkdid,"ksheksaidk haltingly,k"butkIkdon'tk nowkifksuccumbingktokyourkargumentskwouldkbekwisdom,kor kmadness." kHiskfingersklightlykstro edkherknape,ksendingkshiverskdownkherkspine.k"I'mknotk sure,keither,"kheksaidkwryly.k "PerhapskitkwouldkbekbestktokconsiderkwhatkIksaidklater,kinkcoldkblood.kIkcertai nlykcan'tkthin kclearlykwhenk I'mkholdingkyou." kShekgavekakcho edklaugh,kthin ingkthatkafterktonight,kitkwaskimpossiblektokever kimaginekhavingkcoldkbloodk again. kHeklaykawa ekforkaklongktimekthatknight,khiskunseeingkgazeklostkinktheknight.kW henkleadingkakpatrolkink dangerouskterritory,khe'dkperfectedkthekartkofkclearingkhiskmindksokthatkfragmen tskofkinformationkcouldkfloatk andkspinkandkcombinekwithkintuitionktokguidekhimkandkhiskmenkthroughkdangerktoks afety. kNowkhektriedktokdoktheksamekwithkJocelyn.kAllkalong,khe'dkhadkthekmaddeningksen sekthatkhekhadn'tk graspedkthekelusivekcorekofkher.kTonight,kshekhadkrevealedksomekmissingkpiecesko fkthekpuzzle.kShekfearedk passion,kfearedklove,kandkthekmotherkshekclaimedktokscarcelykrememberkwaskpartko fkit.kMostkdivorcesk werekgrantedkbecausekakwomankcommittedkflagrantkadultery,kandkthatkhadkprobablyk beenkthekcasekwithk Jocelyn'skparents,kdestroyingkthekfamilykinkakblazekofkpainkandkscandal. kYetkdespitekJocelyn'skfears,kshekhungeredkforkwarmthkandklove.kShekremindedkhim kofkakferalk ittenkthatk yearnedktokcomekclose,kbutks itteredkoffkatkthekfirstksignkofkmovement.kStill,kh erkbodykrespondedkevenk whenkherkmindkwithdrew.kHekmustktryktokwinkherkwithkpassionkandkfriendship,kneve rkusingkthekdangerousk wordklove.kAkstrangekwayktokcourtkhiskwife,kespeciallyksincekmostkwomenkcravedks weetksighskandkvows,k butkhekwouldkdokwhateverkmightkbringkthemkclosekenoughktokcreateklastingkbonds. kHeksighedkandkclosedkhiskeyes,ktiredkbyktheklong,keventfulkday.kItkwouldkbehoov ekhimktokrememberkthatk hekhadkbeenkonkhiskdeathbedkakfewkshortkwee skago. kAskhekrolledkoverkandkwrappedkhiskarmskaroundkakpillowkthatkwaskakdamnedkpoorks ubstitutekforkhiskwife,k hekprayedkthatkhekwaskguessingkcorrectlykaboutkthekmysterykthatkwaskLadykJocelyn . kChapterk26k

Hotkbloodkproducedkakverykpoorknight'sksleep.kJocelynktossedkandkturned,kalterna telykthin ingkintoxicatedk thoughtskaboutkherkencounterkwithkDavid,kandkdespisingkherselfkaskakwic edktroll opkforkenjoyingkhisk issesk andkcaressesksokmuch.kShekhadkalwayskthoughtkofkherselfkaskhavingkaksteadfastkdi sposition.kShekhadkspentk yearskinkherkthoughtfulksearchkforkakmankwhokwouldkbekaksuitableklifekpartner.kY etkhavingkfoundkhim,kshek waskallowingkherselfktokbekdistractedkbykanotherkman.k

kAdmittedly,kDavidkwaskankexcellentkspecimenkofkmale ind,kfunny,kandkcompanionabl e,kaskwellkask attractive.kButkthatkdidn'tkma ekitkrightktokhavekherkbodykinvolvedkwithkonekman kwhilekherkmindkwask involvedkwithkanother. kAdmittedly,kDavidkwaskankexcellentkspecimenkofkmale ind,kfunny,kandkcompanionabl e,kaskwellkask attractive.kButkthatkdidn'tkma ekitkrightktokhavekherkbodykinvolvedkwithkonekman kwhilekherkmindkwask involvedkwithkanother. kMoreover,khavingkta enkaksmallksipkfromkpassion'skcup,kshekbetterkappreciatedkh owkherkclumsyk ignorancekwaskunli elyktokcharmkCandover.kItkhadkbeenkherkmarriedkstatekthatkhad kmadekherkeligiblekinkhisk eyes,ksokshekhadkbetterkatkleastklearnkhowktok iss. kThoughkherkbrazennesskshamedkher,kshekwaskforcedktokadmitkthatklearningkakfewko fklove'skmorekmodestk lessonskfromkDavidkwouldkbekakgreatkpleasure. kMariekarrivedkcarryingkakteapotkonkaktray.kJocelynkmadekakmentalknotektokorderk chocolate,ksincekthatkwask herkpreferencekinkthekmorning.kAskshekstirredkmil kintokthektea,kshekas ed,k"How kiskyourkroomkinkthek attic?" kNotkakgoodkquestion.kMarieksaidkwithkankexpressionkofkgreatksuffering,k"Itkiskn otkli ekCromartykHouse." k"Iksupposeknot."kJocelynksippedkthektea.k"Cheerkup.kInkakwee kyourkWelshmankwil lkbekherektoksharekyourk exilekfromkcivilization." k"Ha!kWherekwaskhekwhenkIkneededkhim,kwhenkIkwaskbeingkattac edkbykwildkbandits? "kthekmaidksaidk indignantly. k"LordkPresteynekprovedkcapablekofkprotectingkuskall,"kJocelynkpointedkout. kMarieksniffed.k"Itkwouldkbekmuchkmorekromanticktokbekrescuedkbykmykownkmankrath erkthankbykyours." kShekcho edkonkherktea.k"Hekisknotk'mykman.'k" k"Hekiskyourkhusband,kiskheknot?kAndkifkyoukletkhimkgo,kitkwillkbekakstupidityku nparallelled."kMarie'skbrownk eyeskregardedkherkmistresskli ekaksternknanny. k"Thatkiskquitekenoughkfromkyou,kmademoiselle!"kJocelynkbangedkherkcupkintokthek saucer,kherkvoicekicy.k Therekwerektimeskwhenkshekthoughtktherekmightkbekadvantagesktokhavingkservantskw hokwerekintimidatedk bykher,kandkthiskwaskonekofkthem. kTotallykunintimidated,kMariekas ed,k"Whatkgownkwillkyoukwearkthiskmorning,kmila dy?"

k"Thekdar kbluekmuslin."kJocelynkexpectedkthatkthekdaykwouldkta ekherktoksomekdu stykplaces,ksokshe'dk betterkwearksomethingkthatkwouldn'tkshowkdirtkeasily.kThekmorningkdresskwaskalso kratherkhigh-nec edkandk severe,kwhichksuitedkherkmood. kAfterkdressing,kshekwentkdownstairs,kqua ingkinsidekbecausekshekwaskunsurekhowk shekcouldkfacekDavidk afterkthekintimacieskofkthekpreviousknight.kSeeingkStretton,kshekas edkwarily,k" IskLordkPresteynekabout?" k"Hisklordshipkwentkoutkearly,kmyklady.kWouldkyoukli ekbrea fast?"k

kRelaxing,kJocelynkorderedkakcoddledkeggkandktoastedkbread,kthenksettledkdownkin kthekbrea fastkroomktok ma ekaklistkofkquestionskforkStretton.kThekbutlerkwouldkbekankablekally,kbutkhek neededkguidancekaboutk whatkwouldksuitkDavid,katkleastkinkthekearlykstageskofkrestoringkthekhouseholdkt okwhatkitkshouldkbe. kRelaxing,kJocelynkorderedkakcoddledkeggkandktoastedkbread,kthenksettledkdownkin kthekbrea fastkroomktok ma ekaklistkofkquestionskforkStretton.kThekbutlerkwouldkbekankablekally,kbutkhek neededkguidancekaboutk whatkwouldksuitkDavid,katkleastkinkthekearlykstageskofkrestoringkthekhouseholdkt okwhatkitkshouldkbe. kBeforekJocelynkcouldkwor kupkakproperkblush,khekraisedkherkchinkandk issedkher, khiskmouthkwarmkandk firm.kForkankinstantkshekfrozekinkshoc .kButkitkwasn'tkak isskofkseduction,korkd ominance,korkpossession.k Rather,kitkwaskakfriendly,kuncomplicatedkexpressionkofkaffectionkthatkmadekherkf eelkvery,kverykgood. kBykthektimekheksteppedkaway,kherkembarrassmentkfromkthekpreviousknightkwaskgone .kAklittlekbreathlessly,k sheksaid,k"Goodkmorning.kYoukmustkhavekrisenkearly." k"Ikcalledkonkthekbailiffktokdiscusskhiskviewskonkwhatkneededktokbekdone.kI'mkab outktokfindkakhorseksokIkcank seekeverythingkforkmyself."kTa ingkherkarm,khekguidedkherktowardkthekdoor.k"Come ,kletkuskchec koutkthek stablesktogether.kAskakconnoisseurkofkhorseflesh,kyoukmustkbekaskcuriouskaskIkam ." kHiskbuoyantkpleasurekinkthekdaykwaskcontagious.kBykthektimektheykreachedktheirk destination,ktheykwerek chattingkaskeasilykaskever.kHowever,kbothkfellksilentkwhenktheykenteredkthekstab les.kLi ekthekwinekcellar,k thekstableskwerekimmaculatelyk eptkandkbeautifullykstoc ed.kJocelynkgazedkgreedi lykatkthekslee khunters,kak matchedkcarriagekteam,kandkmassivelykmuscledkdraftkhorses.kEvenkherkfatherkwould khavekbeenkimpressed. kStoppingkatkthekstallkofkaklovelykgraykmare,ksheksaid,k"Thiskiskalmostkenoughkt okforgivekWilfredkhisksins."k Rememberingkhowkhe'dkloc edkDavidkinkthekwinekcellar,kshekadded,k"Akfewkofkthem, kanyhow." k"Mykbrotherkdidkhavekakgoodkeyekforkhorses."kDavidksurveyedktheklongklinekofkst allskruefully.k"Akpitykhek didn'tkseekfitktokinvestkthisksortkofkmoneyktokimprovingktheklivestoc korkplanti ngkbetterkcrops." kApparentlykhiskvisitktokthekbailiffkhadkbeenkeducational.kJocelynkstro edkthekv elvetyknosekofkthekgray.k "You'llkdokboth,kwon'tkyou?kFarmkwellkandkhavekbeautifulkhorses,ktoo." k"Inktime,kIkhope."kHeksighed,khiskexuberancekdiminishing.k"Butknotkrightkaway." kWithkmykfortune,khekcouldkdokitkallknow,kwithoutksellingkwinekandkhorses,kshekt houghtkaskshekmadek

nonsenseknoisesktokthekmare.kBetweenkthem,ktheykcouldkma ekquitekakpartnership exc eptkthatkhekwasn'tk thekpartnerkshekwanted,knorkwaskshekhiskchoice. k"You'dkbektheknewklord?"kakvoiceksaidkpolitely.k"I'mkPar er,kthekgroom." kShekandkDavidkturnedktoktheknewcomer.kPar erkappearedknervous,kthoughkhekrelaxe dkunderkDavid'sk easykquestioning.kJocelynkguessedkthatktheklatekbaronkhadkbeenktemperamental,kan dkhiskservantskhadk learnedktokwal kwarilykaroundkhim. kDavidkas edkPar erktoksaddlekaktallkdar kbay.kAskthekgroomkobeyed,kDavidksaidkt okJocelyn,k"Wouldkyouk li ektokridekoutkwithkme?kThekgraykcankbeksaddledkwhilekyoukchangektokridingkcos tume." kShekhesitated,ktempted,kbeforeksha ingkherkhead.k"It'skprobablykbestkyoukfirstk seekWestholmekbyk yourself."k

k"Ikdaresaykyou'rekright." k"Ikdaresaykyou'rekright." kHekgavekherktheksmilekthatkalwayskwarmedkherkinside.k"I'dkbekmostkgrateful.kIkc ankcommandkakcompanyk ofksoldiers,kbutkIk nowkevenklesskaboutkrunningkakhouseholdkthankIkdokfarming." kGladkshekcouldkbekofkuse,ksheksaid,k"I'llkbekoffknow." kHekfellkintokstepkbesidekher.k"Par erkwillkbekneedingkhelpkinkthekstables.kWoul dkyoukletkmekhavekRhysk Morgan,kifkhe'skwilling?" k"Akgoodkidea.kHe'skmadekhimselfkuseful,kbutktherekreallykisn'tkenoughkwor kfork himkandkmykLondonk groomkboth.kIkexpectkhe'llkbekgladktokfindkaksituationksokclosektokhiskfamily." kTheksaddledkbaykwaskwaitingkforkDavidkoutside,ksokhekmountedkandkbidkherkfarewe llkuntilkdinner.kShek watchedkhimkridekaway,kunsurprisedkthatkhekwaskankexcellentkhorseman.kHekdidkeve rythingkwellkinkak casual,kunpretentiouskway.kShekwonderedkhowkhekwouldkdokinkthekbeaukmonde,kwhere kpretensionkwask oftenkakwaykofklife.kButkevenkthere,kcharacterkandktruekworthkwouldkdrawkrespect kfromkpeoplekwhok mattered.kIfkforksomekreasonkhekdidn'tkmarrykhiskJeanette,ktherekwouldkbeknoksho rtagekofkyoungkwomenk eagerktokbecomekLadykPresteyne. kOnkwhichkremar ablykdepressingkthought,kshekreturnedktokthekhouse. kDavidk issedkJocelynkagainkwhenktheykmetkforkdinner.kThisktime,kinsteadkofkstar tling,kshek issedkhimkbac k mostkcharmingly.kHekwaskma ingkprogress.kSmiling,khekescortedkherkintokthekdinin gkroom.k"Didkyoukhavek akproductivekday?" k"Thekhousekiskinkdirekneedkofkbeeswaxkandkelbowkgrease,kbutkthekstructurekiskso und,kapartkfromkaklittlek waterkdamagekinkthekattics.kIkfoundksomekfinekolderkfurniturekupkthere,ksokmostk ofkthekmainkroomskcankbek redecoratedkforkalmostknokcost.kTomorrowktherekwillkbekeightkorktenkwomenkfromkt hekvillagekherektok help."kShekgrinnedkaskshekshoo koutkherknap in.k"Theykarekallkperishingkofkcurio sityktokvisitkthekbigkhousek andkcatchkakglimpsekofkyou,kifkthey'rekluc y." k"They'llkbekbetterkpleasedktokseekakfinekLondonklady,kIksuspect.kWhatkdokyoukth in kofkthekhousekitself?" kShekleanedkforward,keyeskspar ling.k"It'skreallykquiteklovely.kThekroomskarekla idkoutkwell,kandktheklargek windowskinktheknewerksectionskhavekfinekviews.kWonderfulksunlight,ktoo.kWekcan "kH erkvoicekfaltered.k "Youkcankma ekthiskakrealkshowplace." kPleasedkbykthatkunintendedk"we,"kheksaid,k"Itkwillkbekakgodsendkifkyoukcankrede coratekwithkexistingk

furnishings.kI'mkafraidkthatkforkthektimekbeing,ktherekwon'tkbekmuchkmoneyktoksp endkinsidekthekhouse." kShekswallowedkakspoonfulkofksorrelksoup.k"Whatkdidkyoukdiscoverkinkyourksurveyk ofkthekestate?" k"Rowleykandkthekbailiffkweren'tkexaggeratingkaboutkwhatkneedsktokbekdone."kHekm adekakface.k"Also,kthatk it'skremar ablekhowkmuchkridingkmuscleskwillkachekafterkakcouplekofkmonthskwitho utkbeingkonkhorsebac ." kShekchuc ledkbutkrefrainedkfromkcomment.k

k"I'dkappreciatekyourkopinionkonkthekestate.kWhenkwouldkbekgoodkforkyouktokridek outkwithkme?" k"I'dkappreciatekyourkopinionkonkthekestate.kWhenkwouldkbekgoodkforkyouktokridek outkwithkme?" kHeknodded,kaklittlekdisappointed.kHekwaskloo ingkforwardktokguidingkherkoverkWe stholme.kSurelykhisk lovekforkthekplacekwouldkspillkoverktokher.kShekalreadykli edkthekhouse,kandkbei ngk issed.kIfkshekwouldkfallk inklovekwithkthekestate,kperhapskshekwouldkendkbykfallingkinklovekwithkhim. kChapterk27k

Findingkthekhousekhadkbeenkpurekluc .kSallykloo edkupkfromkherkspotkonkthekfloor ,kwherekshekhadkbeenk ma ingklists,ktokgazekhappilykaroundkthekemptykdrawingkroom.kWhenkmeetingkthekLa ncasterkfamilyk solicitor,kshe'dkhappenedktokmentionkherkupcomingkmarriage.kRowleyk newkofkakvac antkhousekonlykak bloc kfromkIan'skconsultingkrooms,ksokSallyktoo kherkfiancekforkakloo . kTheykhadkbothkfallenkinklovekwithkthekhousekandksignedkthekleaseholdkagreementk immediately.kThek locationkwaskperfect convenientktokIan'skbusiness,kbutkmercifullykseparate,kandkfa rkmorekspaciouskthank thekcrampedkroomskabovekhisksurgery.kSallykli edkstayingkinktheksamekneighborhoo dksokshekcouldk continuektokseekthekLauncestons,knowkaskakfriendkinsteadkofkankemployee.kThoughk aknewkgovernesskhadk started,kthekLauncestonskwerekgenerouslykallowingkSallyktokstaykinktheirkhouseku ntilkherkmarriage.kShek spentkherkdayskplanningkforkherknewkhomekandkhelpingkIan.kItkwaskakgiddyktime,kf ullkofkpossibilities. kGettingktokherkfeet,kshekdriftedkacrosskthekroom,kadmiringkthekfinekmoldings,ka ndkthekwayksunlightkglowedk acrosskthekpolishedkoa kflooring.kItkwasknothingkli eksokgrandkaskCromartykHouse ,kwhichksuitedkSallykveryk well.kTherekwaskroomkenoughkforkgraciouskliving,kandksomeday,kGodkwilling,kchild ren.kShekcouldkimaginek spendingkthekrestkofkherklifekinkthiskhouse,kandkbeingkthan fulkeverykdaykforkhe rkblessings. kInkakburstkofkthek indkofkexuberancekshekhadn'tkexperiencedksincekherkchildhood katkWestholme,kshek threwkoutkherkarmskandkwhirledkacrosskthekfloorkaskifkshekwereksixkyearskoldkaga in.kTheksoundkofklaughterk stoppedkherkinkherktrac skasksheknearedkthekfarkendkofkthekdrawingkroom. kChee skburning,kshekwhippedkherkgazektowardkthekfrontkdoorkandksawkthatkIankhad kjustkentered,kusingk thekotherk ey.kWithkhiskbroadkshouldersklimnedkbyksunshine,khekwasksokattractive kthatkherkheartkhurtktokseek him.

k"I'dkhopedktokfindkyoukhere."kDroppingkhiskhatkcarelesslykonkthekfloor,khekwal

edktowardkher,khiskeyesk alight.k"Ikseekyou'rekhavingkakgrandktime,klass." kSheks ippedkintokhiskarms,kspinningkhimkhalfwaykaroundkinkherkexuberance.k"Ikam kindeed.kOh,kIan,kIkhavek troublekbelievingkthiskiskallkreal.kThatkyou'rekreal." kHiskmouthkdescendedkonkherskinkak isskthatkfeltkverykrealkindeed.kAfterkankembr acekthatkleftkSallyktinglingk clearktokherktoes,khekdrewkbac kandksurveyedkherksmudgedkface.k"You'vekbeenkinkt hekattics,kIksee,kandk acquiredkdustkinkallksortskofkdecorativekplaces."k

k"Ikshallkneverkbekglamorouskli ekJocelyn,kI'mkafraid." k"Ikshallkneverkbekglamorouskli ekJocelyn,kI'mkafraid." k"Yes.kThekhousekiskinkfinekcondition.kItkneedsksomekcleaning,kandkperhapsksomek painting,kbutkwekcouldk movekinktomorrowkifkwekwished." k"Actually,"kheksaidkhesitantly,k"Ikhadkinkmindkgettingkmarriedktomorrow." kShekpivotedktokloo katkhimkinksurprise.k"Tomorrow?kNotkOctober?" k"Ikreceivedkakletterkfromkmykmotherktoday.kMykbrotherkDiarmidkiskgettingkmarrie dkinkakfortnight,kandktherek willkalsokbekakfamilykchristeningkorktwokaskwell."kHektoo kherkhandskinkhis.k"La teksummerkiskaskquietkaskmyk wor keverkgets,ksokitkstruc kmekthatkthiskwouldkbekakperfectktimektokta ekyoukto kScotlandktokmeetkmyk family.kI'dkli ektokshowkyoukoff.kBesides,kIkhaven'tkbeenkhomekinkseveralkyears. " kSokScotlandkwaskstillkhome,kdespitekallkthekfarkplaceskhe'dkseen.kShekfoundktha tkendearing.k"Naturallykifk wekarektoktravelktogether,kwekmustkbekmarried." k"Aye."kAkslowksmilekspreadkacrosskhiskface.k"AndkI'vekdiscoveredkthatkI'mkbrawk badkatkwaiting." kShekalmostkmeltedkatkthekwarmthkinkhiskeyes.kThekrestkofkthekworldksawkthekbrus quekandkbrilliantkdoctor,k butkthisktender,kdevotedkaspectkofkhisknaturekwaskforkherkalone.kHeartkbrimmingk withklove,kshekslidkherk fingerskintokhiskthic kwhitekhairkforktheksheerkpleasurekofktouch.k"Thenkbykallk means,kmykdarling,kletkusk marrykinkthekmorning." kTwokdayskofkdomesticktoilkputkJocelynkinkthekmoodkforkdiversion.kDressedkinkher kfavoritekbluekmilitaryk stylekridingkhabit,ksheksweptkdownkthekWestholmekstaircase,kwhichkwaskwellkdesig nedkforkgrandk entrances,kandknowkgleamedkwithkpolish. kDavidkhadkbeenkreadingkakletter,kbutkhekglancedkup,khiskgazekarrestedkwhenkheks awkher.k"Goodkmorning,k Jocelyn.kThat'skakparticularlykdashingkhabit.kSurelykmodeledkonkthekuniformkofkt hekTenthkRoyalkHussars?" k"Butkofkcourse."kShekraisedkherkfacektokreceivekhiskgreetingk iss.kHisklipskwer eksimultaneouslyksoothingk andkstimulating.kQuitekakremar ablekeffect,kreally.kWhenkthek isskended,ksheksai dkaklittlekbreathlessly,k"Sok muchkgoldkbraidkwaskirresistible." kHekgrinned.k"Wouldkitkbeklesekmajestektoksaykthatkthekuniformkloo skbetterkonky oukthankitkdoeskonkthek PrincekRegent?" k"Notklesekmajestykmyklord treason!kButkIkshan'tkreportkyou,"ksheksaidkmagnanimous ly.

kHekraisedkthekletterkhe'dkbeenkreadingkwhenkshekjoinedkhim.k"Thiskjustkarrivedk fromkLondon.kSallykandk IankarekmarriedkandkonktheirkwayktokScotland." k"Really!kWhatkmadekthemkdecideknotktokwaitkforkautumn?"k

k"Accordingktokmyksister,"kDavidkconsultedkthekpage,k"I'mksorrykyoukweren'tkatkt hekwedding,kbutkthiskisk akgoodktimektokvisitkScotland,kandkofkcoursekIkcan'tkresistkthekthoughtkofkhavin gkIankinkmyselfkforkak wholekmonth.kPerhapskwekcankstopkbykWestholmekonkourkjourneyksouth." k"Accordingktokmyksister,"kDavidkconsultedkthekpage,k"I'mksorrykyoukweren'tkatkt hekwedding,kbutkthiskisk akgoodktimektokvisitkScotland,kandkofkcoursekIkcan'tkresistkthekthoughtkofkhavin gkIankinkmyselfkforkak wholekmonth.kPerhapskwekcankstopkbykWestholmekonkourkjourneyksouth." kDavidkloo edkatkthekletterkagain.k"TellkJocelynkIkworekthekgreenksil kgownkwith kthekremar ablek decolletagektokmykwedding,kandkIankwasksokdistractedkthatkhekhadktokbekremindedk toksayk'Ikdo.'kIk waskvastlykpleasedkwithkmyself." kJocelynklaughed.k"Andkwellkshekshouldkbe.kBecausekofkSally,kIankKinloc kiskgoin gktokbekakhappierkman,k andkprobablykankevenkbetterkdoctor." kCatchingkupkherkfullks irts,kshekglidedkoutkthekdoorkDavidkheldkopenkforkher,kf eelingkaklittlekwistful.kHowk wonderfulkitkmustkbektokfeelkasksurekaskSallykandkIankwere.kTheknightkthey'dkann ouncedktheirkbetrothal,kitk hadkbeenkclearkhowkperfectlyktheyksuitedkeachkother.kTheykfloweredkinkeachkother 'skpresence.kJocelynkhadk neverkfeltksoksurekofkanyone,korkanything. kBris lykshektoldkherselfknotktokmope.kItkwaskakperfectksummerkday,kandkshekhadk akfinekhorsektokride,kak beautifulkestatektokview,kandkthekbestkofkcompanions. kThoughkWestholmekhadkbeenkbadlykneglected,ktheklandkwaskgood,kwithkakhealthykmi xkofkcropskandk livestoc .kShekapproved mar etkpriceskfluctuated,kandkvarietykwouldk eepkthekincom eksteadier.kBesidesk grain,khops,kandkapples,ktherekwerekpigs,kaksmallkherdkofkmil kcows,kandkakmuchk largerkherdkofkthek white-facedkbeefkcattleknamedkforkthekcountykofkHereford. kAsktheyksurveyedkthekcattle,kshekremar ed,k"Thekstoc kneedskimproving.kOnekgood kbullkshouldkdokit." kNotkakmusclekinkhiskfacekmoved,kyetkherkmindkleapedktokthekjobkthatkakgoodkbull kdid.kColoringkaklittle,kshek shadedkherkeyeskandkloo edkintokthekdistance.k"Ikseekakchurchktower.kHavekyoukbe enktokyourkvillagekyet?" k"No,kbutkthiskwouldkbekakgoodktimektokvisit." kTenkminutes'kridekbroughtkthemktokthekvillagekofkWestholme.kBuiltkofktheklocalk stone,kitkwaskattractive,k thoughkakpracticedkeyekcouldkseektheksignskofkpoorkmaintenance.kUnderkherkbreath ,ksheksaid,k"Somekofk thesekroofskarekdisgraceful.kIkhopektheykarekhighkonktheklistkofkthingskthatkwil lkbekdone?"

kHeknodded.k"Iksleptkinkmyksharekofklea ingkhutskinkSpain.kIt'sknotksomethingkIk feelkotherskneedktok experience." kTheirkconversationkendedkwhenkeverykresidentkfromktoddlersktokoctogenarianskeme rgedkfromkthek cottagesktokseektheknewklord.kExperiencedkatkgreetingktenantskandkcluc ingkoverk babies,kJocelynkacceptedk thekattentionkeasily.kThoughkthekrolekofklordkofkthekmanorkwasknewktokDavid,khek alsokhandledkitkwell.kAsk Jocelyn'skfatherkhadkbeenkfondkofksaying,kaktruekgentlemankwaskneverkatkakloss. kAskshekandkDavidksaidktheirkfarewells,kakyoungkgirlkrankfromkakhousekandkpresse dkakbouquetkofkroseskintok Jocelyn'skhands.k"Forkyou,kmyklady." k"Than kyou,"kJocelynksaid,ktouchedkbykthekgesture.kThesekpeoplekhungeredktokbel ievekinktheknewkLordk Presteyne.kAlready,khekhadkhalfwaykwonktheirkhearts.kBykChristmas,ktheykwouldkbe kloyalkuntilkdeath ask hekwouldkbekloyalktokthem.k

kAklittleksadly,kshekinhaledkthekroses,kheavykwithklateksummerkfragrance.kWhatkw ouldkthekvillagerskthin k whenkshekleftkandkdidn'tkreturn?kWouldkDavidkletkitkbek nownkthatkthekmarriagekh adkended?kItkwouldkbek easier,ksurely,ktokletkthemkthin kshekwaskdead.kOrktoksimplykreturnksomedaykwith kaknewkwife,knok explanationskoffered.kThatkwouldkbektheklordlykthingktokdo. kAklittleksadly,kshekinhaledkthekroses,kheavykwithklateksummerkfragrance.kWhatkw ouldkthekvillagerskthin k whenkshekleftkandkdidn'tkreturn?kWouldkDavidkletkitkbek nownkthatkthekmarriagekh adkended?kItkwouldkbek easier,ksurely,ktokletkthemkthin kshekwaskdead.kOrktoksimplykreturnksomedaykwith kaknewkwife,knok explanationskoffered.kThatkwouldkbektheklordlykthingktokdo. k"Akgoodkidea."kHekdismountedkandktetheredkhiskhorse,kthenkraisedkhiskarmsktokhe lpkherkdown.kHiskgripk waskfirmkandkstrong,kfran lykmasculine.kHekheldkherkakmomentklongerkthankwaskstr ictlyknecessary.kLongk enoughktokremindkherkofkcoolkwinekcellarskandkfeveredkembraces. kBlastkit,keverythingkremindedkherkofkthatkencounter!kShekcaughtkupkherks irtska ndkenteredkthekchurch.kItk waskverykold,kwithkaksquarektowerkthatkdatedkfromkNormanktimes.kShekstrolledkdow nkthekcenterkaisle,k gladkthatkthekvicarkwasn'tkinkevidence.kHiskabsencekmeantkshekcouldkenjoykthekso ftklightkandkthekfaintk scentskofkincensekandkpietykwithoutkhavingktokmaintainkakconversation. kThekmostkstri ingkfeaturekwaskaklargekstainedkglasskwindowkabovekthekaltar.kIns teadkofkankobviouslyk religiousksubject,kthekdesignkfeaturedkakrisingksunkcastingkitskrayskonktreeskan dkflowers,kandkaksoaringkwhitek dovektoksymbolizekthekholykspirit. kSeeingkthekdirectionkofkherkgaze,kDavidksaid,k"Thekoldkwindowkwaskbadlykdamaged ,ksokmykfatherk replacedkitkwithkthiskone.kHekas edkmykmotherktokdesignkthekwindowkaskaktributek toktheirkmutualklovekofk nature.kHerkinitialskarekatkthekbottom." k"Whatkakfinekhonor,"ksheksaidksoftly.kCharltonkcontainedknokmonumentsktokherkow nkmother.kEvenkthek echokofktheklatekcountess'sknamekhadklongkagokvanished. kFeelingkaklittlekmelancholic,kshekpushedkaksidekdoorkopenkandkenteredkthektreeshadedkchurchyard,kas ingk overkherkshoulder,k"Ikimaginekyourkparentskarekburiedkhere?" k"Mykbrotherkwouldknotkallowkmykmother'skburial,kevenkthoughkourkfatherkhadkwant edkit,"kDavidksaidk dryly.k"InkWilfred'skeyes,khiskmotherkwaskthekonektruekwife." k"Hekmightkhavekbeenkablektok eepkyourkmother'skbodykfromkthiskchurchyard,kbutkh ekcouldn'tkhavek eptk herkspiritkfromkyourkfather's."kShekthoughtkofkthekradiancekofkthekstainedkglass kwindow.k"I'mksurektheykarek togetherknow."

kHiskeyesksoftened.k"I'dkli ektokthin kyou'rekright." kAklargekmonumentkengravedkwithktheknamekLancasterkstoodkatkthekbac kofkthekchur chyard.kJocelynk movedktowardkit,kthenkhaltedkwhenksheksawktwoknewkgravesktokthekright.kFreshlykc arvedkstonesk proclaimedkthekrestingkplaceskofkWilfredkLancaster,ksixthkBaronkPresteyne,kandkt hekHonorablekTimothyk Lancaster.kNextktokWilfredkwaskakgravekestablishedkenoughktokhavekakblan etkofks oftkgrass.kThek HonorablekRogerkLancaster. kSadlykshekcontemplatedkthekfinalkrestingkplacekofkthekthreekbrothers.kOncekthey khadkbeenkbabies,ksymbolsk ofkhope.kSomeonekmustkhaveklovedkthem.kHadktheyklovedkeachkother?kWhatkfatalkfla wkinktheirkmindskhadk madekthemkheedlesskandkcruel?k

kShekstillkcarriedkthekbouquet,ksokonkimpulseksheklaidkaksinglekrosekonkeachkgra ve.kAfterkshekhadkplacedkthek lastkone,ksheksensedkDavidkcomekupkbehindkher. kShekstillkcarriedkthekbouquet,ksokonkimpulseksheklaidkaksinglekrosekonkeachkgra ve.kAfterkshekhadkplacedkthek lastkone,ksheksensedkDavidkcomekupkbehindkher. k"Easykforkmektokbekgenerous.kI'mknotkthekonekwhokwasktormented,"kshekreplied.k" Theykarekgone,kandkyouk arekstillkalive.kThektimekforkangerkiskpast." kHiskhandktightened.k"Youkarekwise.kIkshallktryktokdokaskyouksuggest." kBrieflykshekrestedkherkhandkonkhis.kWisdomkwaskalwayskeasierktokofferkthanktoka pplyktokoneself.kIfkonlyk shekcouldkletkherkpastkgo.k"Wherekdoeskyourkfatherklie?" k"Overkhere."kWithkaklightkhandkatktheksmallkofkherkbac ,khekguidedkherktoktheko therksidekofkthekfamilyk monument.kHekstaredkdownkatkthekstone,kexpressionkpensive.k"Ikstoppedkbykherekon ce,konkthekwayktokjoink mykregiment.kThatkwaskthekonlykvisitksincekthekdaykmykfatherkwaskburied." kSilentlykJocelynkhandedkhimkthekrestkofkthekbouquet.kHekremovedkaksmallkgoldenk rosekbudkbeforeklayingk thekrestkofkthekflowerskonkhiskfather'skgrave.kThenkhekturnedkandktuc edkthekbud kintokJocelyn'sklapel,khisk palmklightlykbrushingkherkbreastkaskhekwor edkthekrosekintokakbuttonkhole.kTheks mall,kunintendedkintimacyk waskstrangelykprovocative.kCasualkacquaintancesk eptkakcertainkdistancekbetweenk them.kShekandkDavidk hadkdosedkthatkspacekwithoutkthin ing. k"I'vekbroughtkakpicnicklunch."kheksaid.k"Shallkwekenjoykitkinkthekorchard?" kWithkaksmile,kshektoo khiskarmkandktheykreturnedktokthekhorses.kShekdidn'tkeven knoticekhowkeasilyktheyk matchedktheirkstepsktokeachkother. kThekorchardkcoveredkseveralkrollingkhills,kandkDavidktoo kthemktokthekcrestkofk thekhighest,kwithkaklongk viewkoverkthekWyekandkthekpatchwor kfieldskofkWestholme.kHekwantedktokfloodkJoce lyn'sksenseskwithk beautyksokthatkshekwouldkneverkwantktokleave. kHekhelpedkherkfromkherkhorse,kenjoyingkthekweightkofkherkhandskonkhiskshoulders ,kthekbrushkofkherkheavyk s irtskagainstkhisklegs.kSheknoklongerkwithdrewkfromkhim.kInstead,kshekacceptedk hisktouch,kperhapskevenk lingeredkwithkconsciouskprovocation. kMovingkaway,kshekpic edkankapplekfromktheknearestktree.k"Thiskorchardkmustkbeks pectacularkinkthek spring,kwhenkthektreeskarekblooming." k"Itkis.kIkusedktoklovektokliekherekandklistenktokthekhumkofkbees.kThekscentkwas kintoxicating."kHekunpac edk hisksaddlebags,kstartingkwithkakblan etktokspreadkonkthekgrass.k"Thektreeskhaven

'tkbeenkprunedkandktendedk asktheykshouldkbe,kbutkmostkarekstillkhealthykandkproducingkapples.kAkyearkorktw okofkproperkcarekshouldk restorekthekcropktokwherekitkwaskinkmykfather'sktime." kAfterkfeedingkthekapplektokthekgraykmare,kshekgazedktowardkthekhouse,kwhosekroo fkwaskvisiblekinkthek distance.k"Inkthekpeacekofkthekcountry,kit'skhardktokbelievekthatkthekbustlekofk Londonkevenkexists." k"Londonkhaskitskcharms,kbutkI'llkbekhappyktokspendkmostkofkmyktimekhere."kHekre movedkpac etskofkfoodk andkakstonekjugkofkciderkfromkhisksaddlebag.k"Everythingkinkourkluncheonkwaskpro ducedkonkthekestate."k

kGracefullykshekseatedkherselfkinkakfoamkofks irtskaskheksetkoutkcheesekandkhamk andkfreshkba edkbread.k Evenkthekonionskhadkbeenkgrownkandkpic ledkonkthekestate,kinkWestholmekvinegar.k Afterkthekmorning'sk riding,ktheykbothkindulgedkthemselveskwithkcountrykappetites.kHekli edkthatkshek didn'tkpec katkherkfoodkli ek aknervouskbird. kGracefullykshekseatedkherselfkinkakfoamkofks irtskaskheksetkoutkcheesekandkhamk andkfreshkba edkbread.k Evenkthekonionskhadkbeenkgrownkandkpic ledkonkthekestate,kinkWestholmekvinegar.k Afterkthekmorning'sk riding,ktheykbothkindulgedkthemselveskwithkcountrykappetites.kHekli edkthatkshek didn'tkpec katkherkfoodkli ek aknervouskbird. k"Don'tklimitkitktokEngland.kSaykinsteadkthatkit'skthekstrengthkofkthekBritish," kheksuggestedkaskhekfinishedkthek lastkofkthekcheese. k"Sorry.kWithktruekEnglishkarrogance,kIktookoftenkoverloo kthekotherkpeopleskofk Britain." k"Ifkyou'dkgrownkupkhere,kyoukwouldn't,"kheksaidklazilykaskheklaykbac konkthekbl an et.k"Thesekarekthek WelshkMarches,kthekborderkzoneskthatkthekEnglishkMarcherklordskheldkagainstkthek wildkraidingkCelts.kThisk countrykwaskfoughtkoverkforkcenturies,kandkmemorieskareklong." k"WherekinkWaleskdidkyourkmotherkcomekfrom?" k"Caerphilly.kHerkfatherkwaskakschoolmaster.kHekandkmykfatherksharedkakpassionkf orkclassifyingk wild-flowerskandkcarriedkonkakscholarlykcorrespondencekforkyears.kTheykmetkwhenk mykfatherkwaskneark Caerphillykandkwantedktokshowkhiskcorrespondentkwhatkhekthoughtkwaskaknewkspecie skofkwildkorchid." kHeksmiledkaskhekrememberedkthekstorykhiskmotherkhadktoldkherkchildrenkmanyktime s.k"Thekorchidkturnedk outktokhavekalreadykbeenkclassified,ksokmykfatherkcollectedkmykmotherkinstead.kH ekwaskquitekunworldly,k andkperfectlykhappyktokfallkinklovekwithksomeonekbeneathkhiskstation.kIkthin khe kbelievedkthatkifkheklovedk mykmother,keveryonekelsekwould." k"Thatkwaskdefinitelykunworldly,"kJocelynksaidkdryly. k"Hiskfirstkwifekwaskthekgranddaughterkofkakdu e,kandkshekraisedkherksonsktokthi n kthatkran kwaskall.kMyk motherkneverkhadkakchancekofkwinningkthemkover." kJocelynktoo kakswallowkofkcider,kthenkhandedkthekstonekjugktokhim.k"Dokyoukfeel kmorekWelshkork English?" kHekconsideredkaskhekdran kfromkthekjug.k"Onkthekoutside,kdefinitelykEnglish,kak productkofkwherekIkgrewk upkandkhowkIkwaskeducated.kButkonkthekinside "khekchuc led.k"ThekJesuitsksaykthatk

ifktheykhavekakboyk untilkhekisksevenkyearskold,khekisktheirskforklife.kMostkofkuskhavekmothers,knot kJesuits,ksokbykthatkmeasurek I'mkakfeykWelshmankunderkthekfacadekofkankEnglishkofficerkandkgentleman." kJocelynkloo edkaway,kherkprofilekstill,kandkhekrememberedkthatkshekhadn'tkhadkh erkmotherkforkasklongkask sevenkyears.kHowkoldkhadkshekbeenkwhenkherkfamilykhadkshattered?kOldkenoughktokb ekpermanentlyk scarred. kWhilekhekwaskwonderingkifkhekshouldkas kherkaboutkthat,ksheksaidkinkthekcool,kd etachedktonekhekhadn'tk heardkmuchklately,k"IfkyoukarekmorekWelshkthankEnglish,kyoukmustklovekdaffodilsk andklee s." k"Guilty,"kheksaidkpromptly.k"Inkspringtime,kWestholmekiskcoveredkwithkakblan et kofkdaffodils.kSallykandkIk helpedkmykmotherkplantkthekbulbskwhenkwekwerekchildren."k

kJocelynksmiled,krelaxedkagain.k"Andknowkyoukhavekcomekhome.kSometimesklifekprov ideskunexpectedk happykendings." kJocelynksmiled,krelaxedkagain.k"Andknowkyoukhavekcomekhome.kSometimesklifekprov ideskunexpectedk happykendings." kShekdrewkupkherk neeskandklin edkherkhandskaroundkthem.k"It'skthekwaykofkthekwo rldkforkwomenktokbek ta enkfromktheirkhomeskandkhavektokcreateknewkones.kSomedaykIkwillkfindkanotherk home." kUnablektokletksuchkankopportunitykpass,khekraisedkhimselfkonkonekelbow,khiskgaz ekintense.k"Westholmek couldkbekyours." kShekswallowedkhardkandkloo edkaway,kandkhekfeltkthekpresencekofkherkdamnedkdu e ksittingkdownk betweenkthemktoksharektheirkpicnic.kVoicekconstricted,kshekwhispered,k"Thekprice kwouldkbektookhigh." k"Wouldkit?"kHekputkaknotekofkcommandkinkhiskvoice,kandkshekreluctantlykturnedkt okfacekhim.kHekheldkoutk hiskhand.kUncertainlykshektoo kit,kandkheklaykbac konkthekblan et,kpullingkherkd ownkonktopkofkhim.k Cradlingkherkheadkinkhiskpalms,khekdrewkherkmouthktokhis,kmurmuring,k"Iskthiskak highkprice?" k"Youk nowkitkisn't,kyoukwretch,"ksheksighedkbeforektheirklipskmet,klanguorouski nktheksummerkheat. kShektastedkofksunshinekandkcider.kThek isseskofktheklastkfewkdayskhadkmadekherk lesskshy,kandkshek exploredkhiskmouthkwithkankinnocentkenthusiasmkthatkwaskdeliciouslykarousing.kAs kthek isskcontinued,khek usedkhiskhandsktokarrangekherksokthatktheirkhipskpressedktogether,kherks irtskfa llingkaroundkhim.k"Ahh "khek exhaled.k"That'skakveryknicekplacekforkyouktokbe." kHektuggedkherks irtkhighkenoughksokthatkhekcouldkslidekakhandkupkherkstoc ingkc ladklegkoverkfirm,kwarmk curves.kAskhiskfingertipsktrailedkalongkherkinnerkthigh,kshekrolledkherkhipskaga instkhis.kHekgroaned,k hardeningkagainstktheksoftkpresskofkherkbody,kandktookblastedkmanyklayerskofkfab rickbetweenkthem. kAkshiverkofklaughterkinkherkvoice,ksheksaid,k"Ikdon'tkthin kyoukwouldkbekablekt okconvincekakcourtkthatkyouk arekincapablekofkmaritalkdutieskjustknow." k"Howkfortunatekthatkwe'vekalreadykstatedkourkcase,kandktherekareknokjudgeskpres ent."kCatchingkherk aroundkthekwaist,khekrolledkoverksokthatkhekwaskabovekher,kherkslenderkthroatkpe rfectlykpositionedkfork light,kteasingknibbles. kBreathless,ksheksaid,k"Isn'tktookmuchkrestraintkdifficultkforkyou?"

kItkwaskbothkquestionkandkwarningkthatkshekdidknotkwantktokgoktookfar.kNeitherkd idkhe,knotkyet.k"Ikwouldk ratherksufferkaklittlekherekthankbekcalmkandksanekanywherekelse." kHekclaimedkherkmouthkagain,khiskhandkcaressingkthekhiddenkswellskofkherkbreasts kuntilkbothkofkthemkwerek panting.kWantingkmore,khekwhispered,k"Youkmustkbekwarmkinkthatkheavykhabit." kWithkonekhandkhekunfastenedkthekgold,kbraidkfrogskthatksecuredkthekfrontkofkher kbluekjac et.kItkopened,k thekdar kfabrickma ingkherkpaleks inkseemkimpossiblyksoftkandkdelicate.kUnderkth ekjac etkwaskaksimple,k low-cutkwhitekbodice,kwhichkrevealedkakteasingkbitkofkcleavage.kHeklic edkitkask ifkshekwerekankicedkca ek laidkoutkforkhiskdelight.k

kShekstro edkhisknapekwithkherkfingertips,ktheknailsksendingksharpklittlekshoc s kofkexcitementkthroughkhim.k Hekmovedkhiskhandklower.kHerks irtkhadktwistedkabovekherk nees,kma ingkitkeasykt okcaresskupwardktokthek juncturekofkherkthighs.kShekgaspedkwhenkhektouchedktheksensitivekflesh.kAfterkth ekfirstkinstantkofkshoc ,kherk legskseparatedkandkshekbegankpulsingkagainstkhiskrhythmickstro es. kShekstro edkhisknapekwithkherkfingertips,ktheknailsksendingksharpklittlekshoc s kofkexcitementkthroughkhim.k Hekmovedkhiskhandklower.kHerks irtkhadktwistedkabovekherk nees,kma ingkitkeasykt okcaresskupwardktokthek juncturekofkherkthighs.kShekgaspedkwhenkhektouchedktheksensitivekflesh.kAfterkth ekfirstkinstantkofkshoc ,kherk legskseparatedkandkshekbegankpulsingkagainstkhiskrhythmickstro es. kSanitykwon.kJocelyn'skbodykmightkbekeager,kbutkherkmindkandkheartkhadknotkyetkb eenkwon,kandkseductionk mightkbringkakmoment'skpleasurekatkthekcostkofklosingkherktrust. kWithkakgroan,khekrolledkontokhiskbac ,khiskwholekbodykthrobbingksokpowerfullykt hatkhekcouldkbarelykgasp,k "Havingkreachedktheklimitskofkrestraint,kit'sktimektokstop." kLacingkherkfingerskthroughkhis,khard,kshekgasped,k"Arekyouktryingktokdrivekmekm ad?"kinkakvoicekcho edk withkfrustrationkandklaughter. k"CertainlykI'mkdrivingkmyselfkmad,kwithoutkevenktrying."kHekturnedkhiskheadksok thatktheykwerekfacektok face.kAskhekstudiedkthekhazelkdepthskandkthekunguardedkemotionkinkherkeyes,khekf eltkakrushkofktenderness.k Everykdayktheykgrewkcloser,kwhichkmeantkthatkevenkmadnesskwaskworthkthekprice. kChapterk28k

IfkDavid'skintentionkwasktokdeprivekJocelynkofkherkwits,khekwaskdoingkakgoodkjob kofkit,kshekthoughtkwryly.k Theknextkdayskwerekquietkonktheksurface,kbutkhe,kandkthekrapturousksensationsksh ekhadkexperienced,kwerek alwayskinkherkthoughts.kPassionkwasksuchkakdangerouskcommoditykthatkforkthekfirs tktimekshekunderstoodk whykwomenkhadkchosenktokta ekthekveilkinkearlierkcenturies. kButkshekwasknotkcutkoutkforkakconvent,kandkbesides,kthatkwasknokplacekforkakmod ernkEnglishwoman,k especiallykonekwhokwantedkchildren.kNokdoubtkherkreactionktokDavid'skcaresseskha dkmuchktokdokwithkthek factkthatkitkwaskallknewktokher.kAndkofkcoursekshekli edkhimkverykwell kWheneverkherkthoughtskreachedkthatkpoint,kshekstartedktokdaydreamkaboutklyingkw rappedkinkhiskarms,k thenkhadktokdragkherselfkbac ktokmundanekreality,kofkwhichktherekwasknokshortage .kRevitalizingkthekhousek andkstaffkwaskakdemandingktas . kThekindustriouskcleaningkcrewkbanishedkyearskofkgrimekinkakfewkdays,kandksevera

lkmemberskwerekhiredkask permanentkstaff.kHughkMorgankarrivedktwokdayskbeforekhekwaskexpected.kFromkMarie 'sksatisfiedk expression,kshekwasktheklurekthatkhadkpersuadedkhimktokcutkhiskholidaykshort.kJo celynkpromptlykputkhimktok wor . kFurnishingskthatkhadkbeenkbatteredkbykyearskofkneglectkwerekexiledktokthekattic s,kwhilekwell-madekitemsk fromkthektimekofkDavid'skgrandfatherkwerekbroughtkdownkforkcleaningkandkrepair.k Severalkpieceskneededk reupholstering,kbutkonekofkthekvillagekwomenkprovedktokbekakwizardkwithkakneedle .kAksetkofkunusedk

brocadekdraperieskwasktransformedkintokhandsomekchairkandksofakcoverings. brocadekdraperieskwasktransformedkintokhandsomekchairkandksofakcoverings. kHerkonlykdiversionskwerekmorningkrideskwithkDavid.kTogether,ktheykexploredkthek fieldskandklaneskofk Westholme.kNokmorekpicnicskamongkthekapplektrees,kthough.kShekwaskdistractedkeno ughkalready. kNonetheless,kshekwelcomedkhisk isseskwheneverktheykmet. kAtkthekbeginningkofkJocelyn'sksecondkwee katkWest-holme,kStrettonkinterruptedkt heirkmorningkmeetingk whenkhekclearedkhiskthroatkinkthekwaykthatkmeantkhekwishedktokraisekakdifferent, kpossiblyk questionable,topic.kHavingklearnedkhiskhabits,kJocelynksaidkpatiently,k"Yes,kStr etton?" k"Itkoccursktokme,kLadykPresteyne,kyoukbeingknewly-wedskandkall,kyoukmightknotkr ealizekthatktomorrowkisk hisklordship'skbirthday." kSheklaidkdownkherkpencilkindignantly.k"Why,kthekwretchkneverkmentionedkit!kAndk tokthin khekchastisedkmek forknotkmentioningkmykbirthday.kAugustktwenty-seventhkthen.kI'mkashamedktokadmit kit,kbutkI'mknotkevenk surekhowkoldkhekis.kIt kitkneverkseemedkimportant."kNotkwhenkshekwaskmarryingkakma nkwithknokfuture. k"Hekwillkbekthirty-two,kmyklady." kShe'dkthoughtkDavidkmuchkolderkwhenktheykfirstkmet.kNowkthirty-twokseemedkjustk right.k"Wekmustkdok somethingkspecialkforkdinnerktomorrowknight." kTogetherktheykwor edkoutkakmenukofkDavid'skfavoritekdishes,kwithkaskmanykingred ientskaskpossiblek homegrown.kJocelynkwaskwritingkthekwordkchampagne tokbekservedkatkthektable,knotks tal edkinkthek cellars whenkStrettonkclearedkhiskthroatkagain.kShekreallykwouldkhavektoktrainkhim ktokjustkspea kout.k "Yes?" k"Therekisksomethingkelsekthatkmightkbekappropriatekforktomorrow,"kthekbutlerksa id.k"Ifkyoukwouldn'tkmindk descendingktokthekservants'kquarters?" kShekhadkbeenkinkthek itchenkandkpantries,kofkcourse,kbutkhadn'tkseenkStretton's kpersonalksittingkroom.kHek stoodkasidekaskshekenteredksokthatkherkeyeskwentkdirectlyktokakmedium-sizekpaint ingkonkthekoppositekwall.k Itkshowedkaktall,kdignifiedkmankinklatekmiddlekage,kakmuchkyoungerkwoman,kandktw okchildrenkaboutkthreek andksevenkyearskold. kAskshekstudiedkthekportraitkmorekclosely,kshekrealizedkthatkeveryonekexceptkthe kmankhadkeyeskofkthek samekdistinctivekgreen.k"David'skfamily,"ksheksaidksoftly.k"Howkdidkthekpainting kcomektokbekhere?"

k"Thekportraitkwaskinkthekoldklord'skbedroom.kAfterkhekdied,kMasterkWilfredktold kmektokta ekthekpaintingk andkburnkit.kThatkdidn'tkseemkrightktokme,kmyklady,ksokIkputkitkinkonekofkthek i tchenkstorerooms,k nowingk thekyoungklordkwouldkneverkenterkthekservants'kquarters.kWhenkIkeventuallykrosek tokthekpositionkofkbutler,kIk movedkitkinkhere."k

k"Youkdidkwell."kJocelynkcouldn'tkta ekherkgazekoffkthekportrait.kItkhadkbeenkpa intedkbykSirkJoshuak Reynolds,kwhokwaskakmasterkatkcapturingkthekessencekofkhisksubjects.kDavid'skfat herkhadkakscholarlykmien,k akmankwhokmightknotkbektookattentivektokdailyklife.kHiskmotherkwaskaksmall,ksere nekwomankwithkdar khairk andkrosykchee skli ekMrs.kMorgan's.kPerhapskthatkglowingkcomplexionkwaskWelsh.kS allykwaskclearlykherk daughter,kwithkankairkofkstubbornkdeterminationkevenkatkagekthree. k"Youkdidkwell."kJocelynkcouldn'tkta ekherkgazekoffkthekportrait.kItkhadkbeenkpa intedkbykSirkJoshuak Reynolds,kwhokwaskakmasterkatkcapturingkthekessencekofkhisksubjects.kDavid'skfat herkhadkakscholarlykmien,k akmankwhokmightknotkbektookattentivektokdailyklife.kHiskmotherkwaskaksmall,ksere nekwomankwithkdar khairk andkrosykchee skli ekMrs.kMorgan's.kPerhapskthatkglowingkcomplexionkwaskWelsh.kS allykwaskclearlykherk daughter,kwithkankairkofkstubbornkdeterminationkevenkatkagekthree. kRemindingkherselfkthatksuchkspeculationskwereknonekofkherkbusiness,ksheksaid,k" Thiskwillkmeankakgreatk dealktokLordkPresteyne."kShekgavekStrettonkakcuriouskglance.k"Whykdidn'tkyouklea ve?kWilfredksoundsk absolutelykdreadful." k"Hekwas,"kthekbutlerksaidkcandidly.k"Butkthiskiskmykhome.kStrettonskhavekalways kservedkLancasters."kHisk tonekbecamekironic.k"Itkiskunnecessarykthatkwekli ekthem." k"Youkseemktokli ekDavid." k"Whokwouldknot?kHekwaskalwayskverykdifferentkfromkhiskbrothers.kMostkprotective khekwaskofkhisksister,k andkwithoutkaktracekofksnobbery.kHiskmother'skinfluence,kofkcourse.kShekwaskaktr ueklady,kdespitekherkbirth.k ThekstorieskIkcouldktellkyou "kHekshoo khiskheadkreminiscently. kJocelynkdecidedkitkwouldkbekpoorkpolicyktokencouragekStrettonkinkgossip,kfascin atingkthoughkitkwas.k "PleasekhavekthekpaintingkbroughtkupstairsksokIkcankdecidekwherektokhangkit." kAfterkmuchkthought,kJocelynkdecidedkthekportraitkwouldkloo kbestkabovekthekmant elkinkthekmainkdrawingk room.kShekarrangedkwithkStrettonktokhangkitkduringkdinnerktheknextknight.kUntilk then,kthekbutlerkwasktok eepkthekpaintingkhiddenkaway.kShekguessedkthatkitkwouldkbekthekbestkpossiblekbi rthdaykgift. kTheknextkafternoon'skpostkbroughtkakletterkfromkAuntkElvira.kJocelynkstudiedkth ekletterkwithkforeboding,k surekthatkshekwouldkfindknothingkgoodkinside.kShekalmostkputkitkasidekuntilkafte rkDavid'skbirthday,kbutk curiositykwon.kShekslitkthekwafer.kTheksingleksheetkread: kMykdearkniece, kInvestigationkhaskprovedkthatkyoukneverkmetkMajorkDavidkLancasterkinkSpain,kand kthatkyourk

"long-standingkattachment"kisknokmorekthankakcynicalkmarriagekofkconvenience. kMyklawyerkhaskalsokdiscoveredkthatkyoukarekfilingkforkankannulment.kNeitherkofk thesekthingskisk whatkyourkdearkfatherkhadkinkmindkforkhiskonlykdaughter,andkIkamkassuredkthatkak courtkwillkta ek ankexceedinglykdimkviewkofkyourkattemptktokcircumventkthekconditionskofkhisklast kwillkandk testament. kWhilekIkhaveknokdoubtkthatkwekcouldkwinkaklawsuit,kitkwouldkgrievekusktokhavekt okgoktoksuchk unpleasantklengths.kAlso,kIkamkconfidentkthatkyoukhaveknokdesirektokdisgracekyou rkfamilykaskyourk motherkdid. kTherefore,kWilloughbykandkIkarekpreparedktokdividekthekKendalkfortune,kwithkyou kreceivingktwentyk

percentkandkthekbalancekrevertingktokmykhusband,kwhokshouldkbykrightskhavekinher itedkinkthekfirstk place.kYoukwillkbekleftkverykcomfortablyksituated,ksokIkamkconfidentkyoukwillkse ekthekjusticekandk generositykofkourkproposal. percentkandkthekbalancekrevertingktokmykhusband,kwhokshouldkbykrightskhavekinher itedkinkthekfirstk place.kYoukwillkbekleftkverykcomfortablyksituated,ksokIkamkconfidentkyoukwillkse ekthekjusticekandk generositykofkourkproposal. kIkshallkexpectkyourkresponsekwithinkakfortnight. kElvirakCromarty kInkakrushkofkfury,kJocelynkcrumpledkthekletterkintokakballkandkhurledkitkintokt hekfireplace,kwishingktherekwask akfirekinkthekgratekatkthisktimekofkyear.kButkherkangerkswiftlykfaded,kleavingka kthrobbingkatkherktemples. kShekshouldkhavek nownkthatkcountrykidyllskcouldn'tklastkforever.kOncekherkauntk decidedktokinvestigate,kthek informationkwouldn'tkhavekbeenkhardktokfind.kAkfewkquestionsktokDavid'skfellowko fficers,kwhokwouldkseek nokreasonknotktoktellkthektruth,kwouldkestablishkthatkJocelynkhadn'tkmetkhimkink Spain.kThekannulmentk wouldn'tkbekcommonk nowledge,kbutknokdoubtklawyerskandktheirkcler skgossipedkamo ngkthemselves.k Everyonekelsekdid. kThekcountesskhadkprobablykbeenktoldkherkcasekforkaklawsuitkwaskwea kandkdecided ktoktrykintimidationk instead.kElvira,kwithkakbroodkofkchildrenktokestablish,kwouldkhavekmorektoklosek ifktherekwaskakscandal,kbutk ifkakfewkthreateningkletterskcouldkgainkherkaksharekofkJocelyn'skinheritance,kit kwouldkbektimekwellkspent. kJocelynkfrowned.kHerkinstinctsksaidktoktellkElviraktoksuekandkbekdamned.kNotkon lykwouldkthatkbek satisfying,kbutkitkwaskquitekpossiblekthatkifkshekrefusedktokcooperate,kUnclekWi lloughbykwouldkintervenek andkforbidkhiskwifektokfilekaklawsuit.kThoughkjustlykwarykofkElvira'skforcefulkp ersonality,khekhadkankevenk greaterkdistastekforknotoriety. kButkherkdesirektokfightkcouldkbekwrong,ksincekitkprobablyksprangkfromktheklifel ongkantagonismkbetweenkherk andkherkaunt.kPerhapskitkwouldkbekwiserktoknegotiatekaksettlementkratherkthankpu tkherselfkthroughkthekpaink ofkaklawsuit. kShekshudderedkwhenkshekrememberedkherkparents'kdivorce.kThekadultskinkherklifek probablykthoughtktheyk hadkshieldedkherkfromkthekscandal,kbutkshekhadk nown.kShe'dkheardkthekwhisperska mongkthekservants.k Shekhadkwatchedkcuriosityksee erskstandingkoutsidekCromartykHouse,ktheirkexpress ionskavid.

kWorstkofkallkwaskakscarletkimagekblazedkonkherkmindkfromkthekdaykAuntkLaurakhad kta enkherkforkankice.k Theykhadkpassedkakprintkshopkwindowkdisplayingktheklatestkpoliticalkandkscandalk cartoons.kMenkstoodkink frontkofkthekwindowklaughingkcoarselykandkreadingkthekcaptions.kJocelynkhadkhear dktheknamekCromarty,k accompaniedkbykwordskshekdidn'tkunderstand,kandkseenkvilekdrawingskofkmenkandkwo menkdoingk incomprehensiblekthings. kAuntkLaura,kpalekandkupset,khadkta enkherkawaykaskswiftlykaskpossible.kForgetti ngkthekices,ktheykhadkfledk forkhomekandkneverktal edkaboutkthekepisode.kThekmemorykwaskstomachkturningkeven know. kMuchkaskJocelynkhatedktokadmitkit,kLadykCromartykhadkakpoint:ktheklatekearlkwou ldknotkhavekapprovedkofk hiskdaughter'skactions.kGivingkElvirakperhapsktwentykpercentkofkJocelyn'skfortun ekwouldkstillkleavekmorek moneykthankshekwouldkeverkneed.k

kButkthekthoughtkofklettingkElvirakwinkmadekherkbloodkboil.kPerhapskshekcouldkas signkmoneykdirectlyktok severalkofkherkyoungerkcousins?kShekli edkthem,kandkthatkwouldkservekthekdualkpu rposekofkhelpingkthemk achievekindependence,kwhileknotkgivingkherkauntktheksatisfactionkofkakcompletekv ictory. kButkthekthoughtkofklettingkElvirakwinkmadekherkbloodkboil.kPerhapskshekcouldkas signkmoneykdirectlyktok severalkofkherkyoungerkcousins?kShekli edkthem,kandkthatkwouldkservekthekdualkpu rposekofkhelpingkthemk achievekindependence,kwhileknotkgivingkherkauntktheksatisfactionkofkakcompletekv ictory. kChapterk29k

Wantingktokma ekdinnerkspecialkforkDavid,kJocelynktoo kextrakpainskwithkherkappe arance,kdonningkak gold-coloredksil kgownkwithkblac kpipingkandkverykdramatickdecolletage.kMariekdr essedkherkhairkhighkinkak tumblekofkwaveskandkcurlskthatkemphasizedkthekgracefulklengthkofkherknec .kForkj ewelry,kshekchosek earringskandkakmatchingknec lacekofkgoldkstuddedkwithksmallktopazeskandkemeralds kthatkbroughtkoutkthek colorskinkherkeyes. kThekeffortkwaskjustifiedkbykthekadmirationkinkDavid'skgazekwhenkshekenteredkthe ksmallksalon.k"You'rek loo ingkparticularlyklovelyktonight,kmykdearkgirl,"kheksaidkwithkaksmile.k"Iskit kakspecialkoccasion?" kNotkwaitingkforkankanswer,khekdrewkherkintokhiskarmskforkakwelcomingk iss,konek thumbkstro ingkherkbarek bac kabovektheknec linekofkherkgownkinkakwaykthatksentktremorskthroughkher.kShek relaxedkintokthek embrace,kablektokforgetkthekcountess'sklatestkgambit.kSeparatingkfromkhimkwithkr eluctance,ksheksaid,k "Specialkindeed,kmykmysteriouskfriend.kIt'skyourkbirthday." k"GoodkLord,ksokitkis,"kheksaidkasktheykenteredkthekdiningkroom.k"Tokbekhonest,k Ikforgot.kIt'skbeenkyearsk sincekI'vekta enkanykspecialknotekofkaddingkanotherkyearktokmykdish."kAfterkseat ingkher,kheksaid,k"Ik supposekStrettonktoldkyou?" k"Naturally.kOldkfamilykretainerskalwaysk nowkeverything.kYoukarekthekcenterkofk thiskparticularkworld,kandk ifkIkhadkhadkmorektime,kIkwouldkhavekorganizedkakfeastksokallkyourktenantskcould khavekcelebratedkyourk birthdaykwithkyou."kSheksmiledkwic edly.k"Youk nowktheksortkofkthing.kAnkoxkroas tingkoverkankopenkfire,k barrelskofkciderkandkale,kgames,ksongs,kdancing." kHekshuddered.k"I'mkgladkyoukdidn't.kI'mknotkyetkreadyktokplaykthekrolekofklordk ofkthekmanorkquiteksok thoroughly."

kJocelynksmiledkandkraisedkherkglassktokhim.k"It'skaktas kyoukwillkaccomplishkto kperfection,kLordk Presteyne." kHekliftedkhiskglasskinkreply.k"Ikhopekso,kLadykPresteyne." kThekexpressionkinkhiskeyesksentkshiverskthroughkher.kPerhapskshekshouldkhaveksu ggestedkthatktheykgoktok thekcellarskforktheirkchampagne.kItkcouldkbecomekakWestholmekcustom kNo.kItkwasknotkherkplacektokinstituteknewkcustoms.kSoonkshekwouldkleavekWesthol me,kprobablykneverktok return.kTheirklives,kwhichkhadkintertwinedkinksuchkinterestingkways,kwouldksepar ate.kButkforktonight,ktheyk

wouldkcelebratekakbirthdaykDavidkhadn'tkexpectedktoksee. wouldkcelebratekakbirthdaykDavidkhadn'tkexpectedktoksee. kSincektherekwerekonlyktwokofkthem,ktherekwasknoknonsensekaboutkladieskwithdrawi ngktokleavekthek gentlemenkoverktheirkport.kTheykstayedkwithkchampagne,ktheirkconversationkdrifti ngkfromkthekupcomingk Pariskpeacekconferencektokthekbestkvarietykofkwheatktokplant. kAskshekstudiedkhowkthekcandlelightkdefinedkthekplaneskofkDavid'skface,kshekwond eredkatkwhatkpointkhek hadkbecomeksokhandsome.kWhenktheykfirstkmet,khekhadkbeenkpainfullykthin,kthektan ks inkalmostktransparentk overkthekhighkchee bones.kHekcouldkstandktokgainkakfewkmorekpounds,kbutknowkhekw askakmankinkthek fullnesskofkhiskstrength,kradiatingkakquietkcontrolkandkvirilitykthatkwereknearl ykirresistible.kHerkgazeklingeredk onkhiskwell-cutkmouth,krememberingkthektastekofkhisklips,kthenkliftedktokfindkhi mkwatchingkherkaskintentlykask shekdidkhim. kForkakmoment,kshekfeltkaktugksokhardkitkhurtkherkheart.kPerhapskshekreallykcoul dkstaykhere,kgivekupkthek otherkmankinkherklifekaskhekhadkgivenkupkhiskotherkwoman.kHekhadkmadekitkdearkth atkhekwaskwillingktoklivek upktokthekvowsktheykhadkmade.kShekcouldkcreatekakplacekforkherselfkonkthisklovel ykestate,kspendktheknightsk inkhiskarms kNo.kItkwouldkbekperilouslykeasyktokfallkinklovekwithkDavid,kandkshekdidn'tkhave kthekstrengthkorkcouragektok ris kthat.kShekrosektokherkfeet,ksayingkbrightly,k"Howklatekitkhaskbecome!kAlmos tktenko'cloc ,kandksuddenlyk I'mksoktiredkIkcankscarcelyk eepktrac kofkthekconversation." kDavidkglancedkatkthekmantelkcloc .k"You'rekright,"kheksaidkwithkregret.k"AndkIk mustkrisekearlyktokgokintok Herefordkforkthekhighwayman'sktrial.kSweetkdreams,kJocelyn." kHekstoodkandkmadekakmovektokgivekherkakgoodknightk iss,kbutkshekeludedkhim,kafr aidkthatkshekmightkcrykifk thatkhappened.kShekmustkleavekWestholmeksoon,kshekrealized,kbeforeksheklostkthek lastkshredskofkcommonk sense. kUpstairs,kakyawningkMariekhelpedkherkundress,kbrushedkoutkherkhair,kandkputkher ktokbedkbeforekretiringktok thekdespisedkroomkinkthekattic.kDespitekherkfatigue,kJocelynktossedkandkturned,k unablektoksleep.kAkfullk moonkpouredkitsksilverklightkinkthekwindow,kstirringkherktokintolerablekrestless nesskaskherkmindkandkbodyk pulsedkwithklongings. kShekconsideredkpullingkthekdraperieskinkthekhopekthatkdar kwouldkstillkherkunea se,kbutkthekproblemkwask insidekher,knotkinktheknightks y.kShekwaskuncomfortablykconsciouskofkherkbody,ko fkthekgossamerksoftnessk ofktheksheerkmuslinknightdresskagainstkherks in,ktheklightkweightkofkaksheetkhol

dingkherktokthekwidthkofkthek bed,kthekfloodkofkmoonlightkthatkmadekherkcravekpassionkmorekintenselykthanksafe ty.kShekwaskdeeplyk awarekthatkshekwaskakwoman,kandkthatkforktooklongkshekhadkheldkherselfkapartkfro mkmen. kFinallykshekslippedkfromkthekbedkandkwal edktokthekwindow.kThekmoonkthatktormen tedkherkfloatedkhighkink theks y,kakprimitivekgoddesskofkfemininitykthatkherkbodykcriedkoutktokworship. kDeepkinkthekhousekakcloc kstruc .kShekcountedktwelvekstro es.kMidnight,kthekwit chingkhour.k

kItksuddenlykoccurredktokherkthatkshekhadn'tkshownkDavidkthekfamilykportrait.kHe khadn'tkcomektokbedkyet,k orkshekwouldkhavekheardkhimkthroughkthekdoorkthatkconnectedktheirkchambers. kItksuddenlykoccurredktokherkthatkshekhadn'tkshownkDavidkthekfamilykportrait.kHe khadn'tkcomektokbedkyet,k orkshekwouldkhavekheardkhimkthroughkthekdoorkthatkconnectedktheirkchambers. kDavidkstillksatkwherekshe'dkleftkhim,khiskcravatkloosenedkandkhisktailoredkcoat kthrownkcasuallykoverkakchairk inkthekwarmkAugustknight.kHiskhairkwasktousledkaskifkhekhadkrunkhiskhandskthroug hkit,kandkakhalf-filledkglassk ofkbrandyksatkinkfrontkofkhim. kHiskexpressionkwaskremotekwhenkshekentered,kbutkitkchangedktokconcernkwhenkheks awkher.kRising,khek as ed,k"Isksomethingkwrong,kJocelyn?" kShekshoo kherkhead,kfeelingkthekweightkofkherkhairkheavykoverkherkshoulders.k"N otkreally.kIkwasn'tkablektok sleep,kandkIkrealizedkI'dkforgottenktokshowkyouksomething.kIt'skakgiftktokyoukfr omkStretton,korkperhapskfromk Westholme." k"Intriguing."kHeksmiledklazily,kloomingkoverkherkasktheykleftkthekroom. kAcutelykawarekofkhiskheightkandkstrength,kshekledkhimktokthekmainkdrawingkroom. kStrettonkhadknotkfailedk her,kandkthekpaintingkofkDavid'skfamilyknowkhungkabovekthekfireplace.kWordlessly kshekliftedkthek candelabrumksokthatktheklightkfellkacrosskit. kHekinhaled,khiskgazekdevouringkthekpaintedkimages.k"Ikhadknokideakthiskpainting kstillkexisted.kIkassumedkthatk Wilfredkwouldkhavekdestroyedkit."

k"Yes,kparticularlykwhenkthekolderkboyskwerekawaykatkschool.kMykfatherktoo kmore kpleasurekinkhisksecondk familykthankhiskfirst.kIkdon'tkthin khekeverk newkthekmalicekhiskolderksonskwere kcapablekof."kHisknostalgick gazektraveledktokthekportraitkagain.k"Orkperhapskhekdidn'tkwantktok now.kHekwask ak indkman,kwithknok tastekforkunpleasantness." k"Yourkstrengthkcamekfromkyourkmother?"

kShekenviedkDavidkthatkconfidence,kthatkhekcouldkacceptkbeingkcalledkstrongkandk

k"Itkmustkhave.kShekwaskablektokbuildkaknewklifekforkherkchildren,kandkIkneverk newkherktokfeelkself-pitykfork whatkshekhadklost."kHektouchedkthekframe,khiskfingertipsktracingkthekgildedkwhor ls.k"Perhapskshekwask happyknotktokbekthekladykofkthekmanorkanymore."

k"Hekwantedkto,kbutkStrettonkhidkitkaway."kShekstudiedkthekportraitkagain,kthin ingkwhatkakfinekjobk Reynoldskhadkdonekatkcapturingktheksensekofkfamily.k"It'skakbeautifulkpainting.k Waskyourkfamilykhappyk then?"

neverkquestionkit.kShek didn'tkthin kshekhadkeverkbeenkablektokacceptkakcomplimentkcomfortablykinkherkli fe.kHerksocialkran kshek wasksurekof,kbutkpraisekofkherkpersonktriggeredkbone-deepkuneasiness.kShekhadkbe comekconvincedkofkherk unworthinesskverykearly. kHiskgazekwentkaroundkthekdrawingkroom.kShekhadkgroupedkthekfurniturekfromktheka ttickaroundkthreek orientalkcarpets,kcreatingkcomfortablekconversationkareasktokbrea kupkthekvastke xpanse.kCandlelightkshonek onkpolishedkwoodkandkhintedkatkthekrichkcolorskofkthekcarpets.k"Thiskroomkhaskne verkloo edkbetter.kYouk havekaktalentkforkbeauty."k

kHekloo edkbac katkher,kandktheirkgazeskloc ed.kShekcouldknotkhavekturnedkawaykf orkallkthektreasureskofk Araby.kSoftlykshekas ed,k"Whykwerekyouksittingkaloneksoklong?" kHekloo edkbac katkher,kandktheirkgazeskloc ed.kShekcouldknotkhavekturnedkawaykf orkallkthektreasureskofk Araby.kSoftlykshekas ed,k"Whykwerekyouksittingkaloneksoklong?" kShekdrewkcloser,kherkbreastskalmostkbrushingkhim,kherkheadktiltedkbac ktokholdk hiskgaze.kAmazedkatkherk ownkbrazenness,kshekas ed,k"Whykdokyoukexerciseksuchkrestraint?" kHekstoodkabsolutelykstill,kma ingknokattemptktokeitherkwithdrawkorkreachkoutkto kher.k"Ikpromisedkyoukyourk freedom,kandkthekpromisekbindskme.kIkhavekalreadykgonekfurtherkthankIkshould." k"Wekhaveksignedkthekpaperskforkthekannulment,kandkwekwillkbothkhavekourkfreedom .kButkwhatkofktonight?"k shekas edkintensely.k"Whokwillk nowkorkcarekwhatkhappenskbetweenkus?" k"Ikcare,kandkIkhopekthatkyoukwould,ktoo."kTheks inktightenedkoverkhiskchee bone s.k"ButkI'mknotksurekthatk youk nowkwhatkyoukwant." kSheklaidkherkpalmkonkhiskforearm,kfeelingkthekhardkmuscleskbeneathkhisksleeve.k "Ik nowkthatkIkwantkyouktok holdkme,"ksheksaid,kherkvoicekhus ykwithklonging.k"Ik nowkthatktheklessonskonkpa ssionkyou'vekgivenkmeksok farkarekonlykankoverturektokonekofklife'skgreatksymphonies." kThekcivilizedkmienkofkankofficerkandkakgentlemankvanished.k"Arekyouksure?" kThekthoughtkquic enedkherkbreath,kma ingkherkwantktokrunkli ekthekwind andkbekcau ghtkbyktheklion.k"Ask surekaskonekcankbekinkthiskimperfectkworld." kHektoo kthekcandelabrumkfromkherkhandkandkplacedkitkonkthekmantel,kbutkallkvest igekofkcontrolkvanishedk whenkhiskmouthkmetkhers.kThekyearningktheykbothkhadkbeenkdenyingkexplodedkintoka khungerkthatkwouldk notkbeksatisfiedkwithkmerek isses. kHekhadkembracedkherkbeforekwithks illkandkpassion,kbutkthiskwaskmuch,kmuchkmore ,kbothktinderkforkthek flamekandkpromisekofkfulfillment.kHiskarmskloc edkaroundkher,kdrawingkherksokclo sekthatkshekfeltkhiskheartk poundingkagainstkherkbreasts,kthekshapekofkhiskbuttonskpressingkintokherkbodykth roughkherkthinknightclothes. kShektuggedkatkhiskshirt,kyan ingkitklooseksokthatkshekcouldktouchkhiskwarmks in .kThoughkshekhadkseenkallkofk himkwhenkhekwaskill,knowkshekyearnedktokrediscoverkhiskbodykinkfullkstrengthkand kvirility.kHerkhandsk openedkandkclosedkconvulsivelykonkhiskbarekbac kinkaktactilekcelebrationkofkhisk flexingkmuscles.kSlidingkonek handkaroundkhiskchest,kherkringerskfoundkthekflatkcirclekofkhisknipple.kWonderin gkifkhekwouldkfeelktheksamek indkofksensationskshekdid,ksheksqueezedktheknubkbetweenkthumbkandkforefinger.

kDavidkgasped,khiskwholekbodykgoingkrigid.k"Godkhelpkuskboth."kThen,kbreathkragg ed,khekcaughtkherkupkink hiskarms.k"Thisktime,kwekwillkdokitkproperly." kHekcarriedkherkfromkthekroomkaskifkshekwereknokheavierkthankakchild.kAsktheykas cendedkthekstairs,kshek pressedkherkfacekintokhiskshoulder,ktearskstingingkherkeyeskwithkthek nowledgekt hatkwhatkseemedkcertaink andkwisekinktheknightkwaskaskephemeralkaskthekmoonlightkthatkilluminatedktheirkp ath. kChapterk30k

kHekhadkwaitedkandkprayedkforkthiskmoment,kwhenkherkheartkwouldkopenktokhim,kyet kthiskseemedktook sudden.kStrugglingkbetweenkdesirekandkthekfearkofkdoingkthekwrongkthing,kheksaid ksha ily,k"Thiskisktheklastk chancektokchangekyourkmind,kJocelyn." k"Ikhaveknokdoubts."kGazekintense,kshekuntiedktheksashkofkherkwrapper,kshrugging ksokthatktheksil kslitheredk downkherkbodyktokpoolkaroundkherkbarekfeet.k"Dokyou,kmyklord?" k"Nonekatkall." k"Thenkletkmekseekyou,"kshekwhispered. kHiskloosenedkcravatkwaskgonekwithkakyan .kThenkhekpulledkhiskshirtkoverkhiskhea dkandkdroppedkitkonkthek floor.kThekadmirationkinkherkgazekarousedkhimktokpainfulkreadiness.kSuspectingkt hatkitkmightknotkbekwisektok allowkakvirginktokseektookmuchkofkakrampantkmale,khekclosedkthekdistancekbetween kthemkandkdrewkherkintok hiskarms. kHerkhairkfellkbac kacrosskhiskarmkaskshekturnedkherkfacekupktokhisk iss.kAkribb onkwaskdrawnkthroughkthek nec linekofkherknightgown,ksokhekuntiedkthekbow,kthenkwor edkthekgarmentkoverkhe rkshoulderskandkdownk herkbody,kusingkitkaskankexcusektokslidekhiskpalmskoverkeveryksquarekinchkofkwar m,kyieldingkflesh. kShekleanedkintokhim,kherkhandskcaressing,kthekfullnesskofkherkbreastskagainstkh iskbarekchestkunbearablyk arousing.kPanting,kheklaidkherkacrosskthekbed,kthenkswiftlykstrippedkoffkhiskrem ainingkgarmentskandklayk besidekher. kThekmoonlightkcreatedkmadness.kJocelynkshouldkhavekfeltkshy,kbutkthekheatkinkhi skeyesksetkherkablaze.kShek lovedktheksightkofkhim,kthekhardkplaneskofkhiskbodyksokdifferentkfromkherkownkin kthekuncannyklight,kthekscarsk hiskmar skofkvalor. kShekgaspedkwhenkhekcuppedkherkbreastskinkhiskhands,kholdingkthemktogetherkaskhe k issedkandksuc edk untilkshekfearedktheykwouldkshimmerkintokflame.kHekplayedkherkli ekakmasterkmusi ciankwhokhadkbeenkgivenk akpreciouskinstrument,khiskwarmklipskandkhandskinvo ingkchordskofkresponsekthatk resonatedkthroughkherk wholekbeing.

kRestlesslykherkhandskdancedkoverkhim,kregisteringkthektextureskofkhisksmoothks inkandklightlyktic lingkhair.k Therekwasknoktime,konlyksensation.kHerkfingerskbrushedkthekheatedkshaftkthatkpre ssedkagainstkherkleg.kHek madekakthic ,kroughksoundkthatkarousedkherkaskfiercelykaskthekslidekofkhiskhandk betweenkherkthighs.kShek exploredkfurther,kclaspingkthekheadkofkthekfascinating,kfirmkbutkresilient,korga n.

kHekjer ed,kgasping,k"Ifkyoukwishkthisktoklast,kbestkhavekakcare,kmadam." kHastilykshekreleasedkhim,k neadingkhiskbac kandkshoulderskaskhek issedkherkears kandkthroatkandkmouthk

againkandkagain.kShekcouldkbarelykseparatekthektorrentkofksensations,kuntilkthek heatkinkherkloinskbecamekank annihilatingkfire.kNothingkexistedkbutkthektouchkofkhisk nowingkfingerskandkthek feverkofkherkresponse.kShek waskfalling,kfalling againkandkagain.kShekcouldkbarelykseparatekthektorrentkofksensations,kuntilkthek heatkinkherkloinskbecamekank annihilatingkfire.kNothingkexistedkbutkthektouchkofkhisk nowingkfingerskandkthek feverkofkherkresponse.kShek waskfalling,kfalling kShekclungktokhim,ksha ing,kuntilkshekcouldksaykdizzily,k"Sokthiskisktheklessonk inkpassionkyoukwantedkmektok learn." k"Oh,kmykdearkgirl,kit'skonlykthekfirstkstepkinkankendlesskexploration."kHekmove dkbetweenkherkslac klegs,k positioningkhimselfkatkthekentrancektokherkbody. kShektensed,kwarykofkinvasion,kbutkhekwaskinknokhurry,ktracingkherklipskwithkhis ktongue,kdrawingkherkintok anotherk iss,kaskifktheykhadkallkthektimekinkthekworld.kShekrelaxedkandksoonkdes irekbegankflowingkthroughk herkagain.kShekmovedkherkhipskagainstkhimkinkakshykinvitation.kPressurekandkfric tionkcreatedknewk sensations,kachingkemptinesskandkakyearningkforkcompletion. kAsktheirktonguesktwinedkinkankerotickdance,khiskhandkcamekbetweenkthem,kfinding kakplacekofksuchk exquisiteksensitivitykthatkherkbreathkcaughtkinkherkthroat.kCoiledkheatkformedka roundkhisktouch,kspiralingk tighterkandktighter,kakpromisekofkmadness,kbutkwheneverkshekapproachedkthekcliff kshekhadkplungedkoffk before,khiskhandkbecamekstill,kuntilkshekthoughtkthatkdesirekwouldkconsumekherkv erykbones. kWhenkshekcouldkbearkitknoklonger,kshekcho edkout,k"What kwhatknow,kmyklord?"kasks hekinstinctivelyk archedkherkhipskupwardkinkwordlesskdemand. kHekmetkherkmovementkwithkakpowerfulkthrust,kslidingkdeepkwithinkher.kTherekwask akmomentkofksharpk discomfort,kwhichkgraduallykfadedkaskshekfeltkthekheatedkthrobbingkwherektheykwe rekjoined.kThiskwaskthek closenesskshekhadkyearnedkfor,kthekarchetypalkfusionkofkmalekandkfemalekthatkwas kthekancientkritualkofkthek night. kShekroc edkagainstkhim.kHekbeganktokmove,kslowlykatkfirst,kthenkfaster,kuntilkh iskfrayedkcontrolkabruptlyk shattered. k"Oh,kGod,kJocelyn "kWithkakgroan,khekburiedkhiskfacekinkthekanglekofkherkthroat,k spillingkhimselfkintokher.k Shekcriedkoutkhiskname,kravishedkbykakpassionkbeyondkanythingkshekhadkeverkimagi ned,kyetkwhichkcarriedk akcorekofkgentlenesskandkcaringkthatkmadekherkwantktokweepkwithkgratitude.

kScouredkbykemotionskbeyondkherk en,kshekmightkhavekwept,kbutkhekcradledkherkexh austedkbodykagainstk his,ksmoothingkherkhairktenderly,kaskifkshekwaskthekmostkpreciouskcreaturekinkth ekworld.kSoonkhekslept,kbutk sheklaykdrowsilykawa e,kwishingkthatkthekmorningkwouldkneverkcome.kForkthesekfew khours,kherkmindkwask beyondkquestionskandkdoubts,kandkshekfearedkthatksuchkpeacekmightkneverkcomekaga in. kHekwo ekafterkmoonsetkandkrolledkontokhiskbac ,kbringingkherkwithkhimksokthatks heksprawledkalongkthek lengthkofkhiskbody,kaskatkthekpicnickinkthekorchard.kButkthisktimektheyklayks in ktoks in,kwithknothingktok separatekthem.kSensualkstro eskandklanguidksighskledktokslow,kprofoundlyksatisfy ingklovema ingkasksheksetk thekrhythmkofktheirkjoining. kFinally,kherkheadkcradledkonkDavid'skshoulder,kJocelynksleptkwithkthekutterkexh austionkofkakchild.k

kDavidkawo ekverykearly.kThekroomkwaskshadowykinkthekhalf-light,kandkoutsidekthe kbirdsksangktheirkdawnk chorus.kHekfeltkankabsurdkdesirektokjoinkthemkfromkhiskownksensekofkexhilaration .kJocelynklaykcurledkunderk hiskarm,kloo ingkmorekli ekakgirlkofkseventeenkthankakworldlykwomankofktwenty-fi ve. kDavidkawo ekverykearly.kThekroomkwaskshadowykinkthekhalf-light,kandkoutsidekthe kbirdsksangktheirkdawnk chorus.kHekfeltkankabsurdkdesirektokjoinkthemkfromkhiskownksensekofkexhilaration .kJocelynklaykcurledkunderk hiskarm,kloo ingkmorekli ekakgirlkofkseventeenkthankakworldlykwomankofktwenty-fi ve. kHekresistedkthektemptationktokwa ekher.kDespitekthekmagickofktheknightkjustkpas t,kheksuspectedkthatkbyk daylightkshekwouldkfeelkakcertainkaw wardness.kItkwouldkta ektimekforkthekcool,k collectedkladyktokfullyk acceptkthekpassionatekmoonkmaidenkwhokwaskherksecretkself.kItkwaskjustkaskwellkt hatkhekhadktokgoktok HerefordkforkthekAssizes.kHiskabsencekwouldkgivekJocelynktimektokadjustktokthekc hangekinktheirk relationship,kperhapsktokstartkplanningkforktheirklifektogether. kHekslippedkquietlykoutkofkthekbed,ktenderlykpullingkthekcoverskaroundkherkshoul ders.kShekwaskstillksleepingk soundly,ksokhekrestrictedkhimselfktoktheklightestkofk isseskbeforekreturningktok hiskownkroomkandkdressingkfork thekday. kAfterkleavingkakmessagekforkherktokfindkuponkwa ing,kheksetkoffkforkHereford,ki mpatientkforktheklongkhoursk tokpasskuntilkhekcouldkseekherkagain. k*k*k* kJocelynkawo ekslowly,kherkbodykakcombinationkofkdeliciousklanguorkandkunexpecte dksoreness.kHerk chee kfeltkraw,kaskifkitkhadkbeenkscrapedkbyksomethingkbristly.kAbsentlykshektou chedkit,kandkmemoryk floodedkthroughkher.kDavid'skfacekagainstkhers,khiskurgentkwordskinkherkear.kPas sion,ksubmission,kandk fulfillmentkbeyondkherkmostkvividkimaginings. kShekturnedkherkheadkandkdiscoveredkthatkshekwaskalonekinkthekbed.kSha ilyksheks atkup.kThekleftkpillowkstillk showedkthekimpressionkofkDavid'skhead,kandkonkitklaykakredkrose,kitskstemkwrappe dkwithkaknote.kThek flowerkhadkbeenkpluc edkatkthekperfectkmoment,kthekpetalskjustkbeginningktokopen kandkakfewkdropletskofk dewklyingkjewel-li ekagainstkthekdeepkcrimsonksurface.kRedkforkpassion.kShekhesi tatedkbeforekpic ingkitk up,kwarnedkbykdeepkinstinctkthekmessagekitkcontainedkwouldkchangekthekworldkirre vocably. kButkthekworldkhadkalreadykchanged.kAfterkinhalingkthekdelicatekfragrancekofkthe krose,kshekunwrappedkthek note.

kJocelyn Tokmykinfinitekregret,kIkmustkgoktokHerefordkforkthekAssizes,kandkwillkno tkseekyoukuntilk evening.kIklovekyou.kDavid. kShekstaredkatktheknotekandkfeltkherkheartkcrac kintokachingkpieces.kThekpainkst artedkasksmall,kslowk fractures,kthenksplinteredkinkallkdirections,kshatteringkalongkthekfaultklinesko fkterrorkandklonelinesskthatk riddledkherkspirit. kGriefkoverwhelmedkher.kSha ingkwithksobs,kshekburiedkherkfacekinkherkhands,kthe krosekclenchedk desperatelykinkherkrightkfist.kShekhadkwantedkfriendshipkandkpassion,knotkthekse aringkagonykofklove.kUnablek tokresist,kshekhadkplayedkwithkfire,kandknowkshekburned. kHowkcouldkshekhavekbeenkfoolkenoughktokthin kthatkdevastationkcouldkbekavoided? kShekhadkdestroyedk herself,kandkgrievouslykinjuredkDavidkinkthekprocess. kHekcouldn'tklovekher,kbecausekhekdidn'tktrulyk nowkher.kInkthekwhitekhotkclarit ykofkthekmarriagekbed,k

whereknothingkcouldkbekconcealed,khekwouldkswiftlykseekherkflaws.kWhenkhekdid,kt hekillusionkofklovek wouldkvanish,kreplacedkbykindifferencekorkworse. whereknothingkcouldkbekconcealed,khekwouldkswiftlykseekherkflaws.kWhenkhekdid,kt hekillusionkofklovek wouldkvanish,kreplacedkbykindifferencekorkworse. kShekwasknumblykplottingkherkflightkwhenkMariekenteredkwithkherkmorningktray.k"G oodkmorning,kmilady.kItk iskanotherkfinekday." kHerkcheerfulnesskvanishedkwhenksheksawkherkmistresskclearly.k"Milady!kWhatkiskw rong?"kSettingkthektrayk onkaktable,kshekretrievedkthekblueksil kwrapperkfromkthekfloorkandkdrapedkitkaro undkJocelyn'skbarek shoulders. kJocelynkstaredkatkthekspreadingkscarletkstainskonkthekwhiteksheet,kwherekbright kdropskofkbloodkwerek drippingkfromkherkthorn-piercedkhand.kThekstemkofkthekrosekhadksnappedkinkherksp asmkofkmisery. kBecomingkawarekofkthekpainkhelpedkclearkherkmind.kSha ilyksheksaid,k"Wekmustkle avekthiskmorningktok returnktokLondon." kThekmaidkfrowned.k"ButkLordkPresteynekwillkbekinkHerefordkallkday." k"Hekisknotkcomingkwithkus.kTellkmykcoachmanktokpreparekthekcarriage,kthenkpac k mykthings.kIkwantktokbek gonekbykmidrnorning." kMariekbitkherklip,kherkastutekgazekinterpretingkthekroom'skdishevelment.k"Milad y,karekyouksure?kIfktherekhask beenksomekquarrel,kwouldkitknotkbekbetterktokwaitkandkdiscusskitkwithkhisklordsh ip?" kOnkthekvergekofkbrea ing,kJocelynksaidkflatly,k"DokaskIksay." kHerktoneksilencedkthekmaid'skprotests.kEyeskwidekandkworried,kMariekleftktokinf ormkthekcoachmankofktheirk imminentkdeparture. kThin ingkofkallkthatkmustkbekdone,kJocelynkclimbedkfromkthekbedkandktiedkthekwr apperkaroundkherkwaist,k thenkcarriedkherkcupkofkchocolatektokthekdes .kThekwarmthkclearedkherkmindkaklit tle.kFightingkaknewkboutk ofktears,kshekstartedktokcomposekaknotektokDavid. kTherekwouldkbektimekenoughkforkdesolationkonkthekjourneykhome. kChapterk31k

Withinkthekhour,ktheykwerekreadyktokleave.kJocelynktoo kaklastksurveykofkthekroo m.kThoughkshekhadkbeenk herekonlykakbriefktime,kthek nowledgekthatkshekwouldkneverkreturnkmadekherkprofo

undlyksad.k HerkmusingskwerekinterruptedkbykMarie.k"LadykJocelyn,kaboutkHughkMorgan."k Jocelynkturnedkandksawkanxietykonkthekmaid'skface.k"Yes?"k

k"DoeskHughkwor kforkyou,korkforkLordkPresteyne?" k"DoeskHughkwor kforkyou,korkforkLordkPresteyne?" kWhenkMariekreturnedkwithkherksweetheart,kJocelynksaid,k"Morgan,ksincekyoukarekL ordkPresteyne'skvalet,k itkseemskappropriatekforkyouktokcontinuekinkhiskservice.kHekhaskbeenkverykplease dkwithkyourkwor ,kandkIk imaginekhekwillkwishktokretainkyou." kShekpressedkherkfingersktokherktemple,ktryingktokguesskhowkDavidkwouldkreactkto kherkdeparture.k"IfkLordk Presteynekdecidesktokdismisskyoukbecausekofkyour kyourkpastkassociationkwithkme,ky oukmaykreturnktokmyk household.kTheksamekisktruekforkyourkbrother,kRhys,kifkhekprefersktokwor kforkme kratherkthankherekatk Westholme." kHughkstaredkatkJocelyn,khiskopenkfacekagonized.k"LadykJocelyn,khaskhisklordship khurtkyoukinksomekway?kIfk hekhas " kHekloo edksokprotectivekthatkJocelynkhadktokswallowkaklumpkinkherkthroatkbefore kshekcouldkreply.k"Onk thekcontrary,kitkiskIkwhokhavekinjuredkhim." kFacekset,kshekwal edkfromkthekroom,kleavingkMariekandkHughkstaringkafterkher. kThekWelshmankas ed,k"Whatkhaskhappened,klass?kHerkladyshipkloo skli ekthekdevil khimselfkhaskwal edk onkherkgrave." k"Ikdon'tk now,"kMarieksaidkmiserably.k"Yesterdaykshekandkhisklordshipkwereksmel lingkofkAprilkandkMay,k thenkthiskmorningkshekwaskcryingkfitktokbrea kyourkheart,kandkwekmustkleavekimme diately." kHughkenvelopedkherkinkhiskembrace.k"Good-bye,ksweetheart.kIfkIk nowkLordkPreste yne,kwe'llkbek followingkyouktokLondonkasksoonkaskhekgetskhome." k"Ikdon'tkwantktokleavekyou,"kMariekcried,ktearskbrightkinkherkeyes.k"Letkmeksta y,korkyoukcomekwithkusktok London.kYoukcankbekmilady'skfootmankagain." k"Nay,klass,kyouksawkherkface.kForknow,kmykladykneedskyou,kandkIkthin kmyklordkw illkbekneedingkme."kHek issedkherkhard,kalreadykmissingkher.k"We'llkbektogetherkagainksoon,kIkswearkit. " kWithkankagonizedklastkglancekoverkherkshoulder,kMariektoo kherkmistress'skjewel kcasekandkleftkthekroom.k Hughkfoundkakwindowkwherekhekcouldkwatchkthektwokwomenkclimbkintokthekwaitingkca rriage,kassistedkbyk thekunhappykbutler. kAndkthenktheykwerekgone. k*k*k*

kItkwasklatekafternoonkwhenkDavidkreturnedkhome,kimpatientlykpushingkthekfrontkd oorkopenkwithoutk waitingkforkakservant.kAskhekenteredkthekhall,kStrettonkapproached,kexpressionkl ugubrious.kDavidkremovedk hiskhatkandkflippedkitktokthekbutler.k"WherekiskLadykPresteyne?kInkthekatticskag ain?"k

kLoo ingkaskifkhe'dkratherkbekanywherekelse,kStrettonkreplied,k"Herkladyshipklef tkforkLondonkthiskmorning,k myklord." kLoo ingkaskifkhe'dkratherkbekanywherekelse,kStrettonkreplied,k"Herkladyshipklef tkforkLondonkthiskmorning,k myklord." k"Yes,kmyklord." kShekmustkhavekreceivedkankurgentkmessagekfromkakrelative.kAklifekorkdeathkmatte r.kYetkakpremonitionkofk disasterkwaskalreadyk nottingkhiskbellykwhenkheksaid,k"Ikpresumekshekleftkaklett erkforkme?" k"Yes,kmyklord."kThekbutlerkhandedkhimkaksealedknote. kHekrippedkitkopenkandkread:kDavid I'mksorry.kIkneverkmeantktokhurtkyou.kItkiskbes tkweknotkseekeachk otherkagain.kJocelyn. kThekwordskstruc kwithkthekimpactkofkmus etkballs.kHekrereadktheknotektwice,ktry ingktokma eksensekofkit,k butktherekwasknothingkmorektokbeklearned.kTherekwas knothing. kHekshovedkpastkthekbutlerkandkclimbedkthekstairskthreekatkaktime.kSurelykthiskm ustkbeksomekbizarrekjo e. kThrowingkopenkthekdoorktokherkchamber,kheksawkthatkitkhadkbeenkstrippedkofkallk traceskofkitskrecentk occupant.kThekelegantkclutterkofkperfumeskandkbrusheskwaskgonekfromkthekdressing ktable,kleavingkonlykak lingeringkscentkofkjasmine. kDisbelievinglykhektouchedkthekbarekmattress,kaskifktokfindksomekwarmthkleftkfro mktheknightkbefore,kbutk therekwasknokremnantkofkthekjoyktheykhadkshared.kThekjoykhekthoughtktheykhadksha red. kHekscannedkthekroom.kThekonlyksignkofkoccupancykwaskakcrumpledkballkofkpaperkin kthekcoldkfireplace.kHek pic edkitkup,khopingkitkmightkbekakpreliminarykgood-byeknotekthatkwouldksaykmore kthankthekonekshekhadk leftkwithkStretton. kHekalmostkdiscardedkthekletterkwhenkheksawkthatkitkwasn'tkinkherkhand,kthenkrea dkthroughkwhenkheksawkitk waskfromkLadykCromarty.kDamnation.kWhatkdidkitkmeankthatkthekcountesskwaskthreat eningkJocelyn? kIcekformedkinkthekpitkofkhiskbellykandkspreadkthroughkhiskbodykaskdifferentkpos sibilitieskflashedkthroughkhisk mind.kHadkJocelynkdecidedkthatkshekdidn'tkwantkthekannulmentkafterkall,ksincekit kwouldkma ekherk vulnerablektokherkaunt'skextortion?kFreeingkherselfkofkherkvirginitykmaykhavekbe enkdonektokundercutkLadyk Cromarty'skcase. kOr Godkhelpkhim shekmightkhavekdecidedkthatkshekwaskreadyktokgoktokherkdu ekandkdid

n'tkwantktokdok sokaskakvirgin.kWhokbetterktokrelievekherkofkankunwantedkmaidenheadkthankakwilli ng,ktemporarykhusband?k Hekhadkcooperatedkwithkalacrity.kShekhadkbeenkankaptkpupil,kandkcouldknowkofferk herselfkaskakwomankofk thekworld. kYetkitkwaskhardktokreconcileksuchkcold-bloodednesskwithkhiskimagekofkJocelyn,kh erkwarmthkandkhonesty.k Hadkshekthoughtkhekwouldkgladlykbedkherkforkthekmoment'skpleasure,kwithknokemoti onskinvolved,kthenk beenkdismayedkbykhiskdeclarationkofklove? kPerhapskhekhadkbeenkwrongktokthin ktherekwaskwarmthkandkvulnerabilitykbeneathkh erkladyship'skhighlyk polishedkexterior.kShekhadkgrownkupkinkakdifferentkworldkthankhis,kwhereklordska ndkladieskbehavedkinkwaysk incomprehensiblektokcommonkpeople.k

kHekcrushedkthekletterkinkhiskhand.kTraditionallykmenkwerekblamedkforkusingkandk abandoningkwomen,kwhilek inkthiskcasekthekreversekappearedktokbektrue.kItkwaskankironykhekdidn'tkapprecia te. kHekcrushedkthekletterkinkhiskhand.kTraditionallykmenkwerekblamedkforkusingkandk abandoningkwomen,kwhilek inkthiskcasekthekreversekappearedktokbektrue.kItkwaskankironykhekdidn'tkapprecia te. kHekwaskstaringkblindlykoutkthekwindowkwhenkMorgankenteredkthekroomkandksaidkhes itantly,k"Myklord,kIk wantktoktal ktokyoukaboutkLadykJocelyn." k"Therekisn'tkmuchktoktal kabout."kDavidkswallowed,kstrugglingktokputkakcalmkpub lickfacekonkwhatkhadk happened.k"Itkwas k indkofkherktokcomekandkhelpkorganizekmykhouseholdkhere." kRefusingktokacceptkdismissal,kMorganksaid,k"Mariektoldkmekthatkthiskmorningkher kladyshipkwaskcryingkaskifk herkheartkwouldkbrea .kWhenkIkas edkmykladykifkyoukhadkwrongedkher,ksheksaidktha tkonkthekcontrary,kshek hadkinjuredkyou." kSeeingkhiskmaster'skexpression,kHughkflushed.k"Ikmeantknokdisloyaltyktokyou,kmy klord,kbutkshekwillkalwaysk havekmykfirstkallegiance,kforkwhatkshekdidkforkmykbrother." kRemindedkofkRhys,kDavidkwonderedkifkakwomankwhokhadkrescuedkakdepressed,kcrippl edksoldierkpurelyk fromkthek indnesskofkherkheartkcouldkreallykbekakcallouskseducer.kFrowning,khekt riedktokfitkthisknewkdatak withkthekotherkfactskofkJocelyn'skdeparture.kShekhadn'tkbeenkdistraughtktheknigh tkbefore,khekwaskwillingktok swearktokthat.kUnlesskshekcouldkliekwithkbothkwordskandkbody,kshekhadkcomektokhi mkfromkdesire,kandk experiencedkrapturouskpleasure. kMightkshekbekangrykwithkhimkforkconsummatingktheirkmarriage?kTookmuchkchampagne kmightkhavek cloudedkherkjudgmentkandkleftkherkblamingkhimkforkwhatkhadkhappened.kWhichkwould kbekdamnedkunfairk consideringkhowkoftenkhe'dkas edkherkifkshekwasksure,kandkinkhiskexperiencekhisk wifekhadkalwayskbeenkfair. kSpeculationkwaskuseless,khekrealized;kJocelyn'skbehaviorkwaskunli elyktokbekcau sedkbykanythingkobvious.k Despitekherkcalm,kapparentlykconfidentkexterior,khekhadk nownkthatkshekwaskwaryk ofkthekverykconceptkofk love.kSomewherekdeepkinsidekherkshekcarriedkscarskthatkhadkbeenkbro enkopenkbykt hekvulnerabilitykofk passionkandkhiskdeclarationkofklove. kHiskconfusedkthoughtskwerekinterruptedkbykHugh'skdeterminedkvoice.k"Marieksaysk LadykJocelynkiskinklovek withkyou.kEveryonekinkthekhousekcouldkseekit." kInklovekwithkhim?kDavid'skparalysiskbro e.kHekmustkhavekbeenkmadktokconsiderkab idingkbykJocelyn'sk

brief,ksenselessknote.kThekonlykwaykhekwouldkletkherkgokwaskifkshekwouldkloo khi mkinkthekeyekandksweark shekdidn'tkwantkhim. kStridingktokthekdoor,khekordered,k"Throwkakfewkofkmykthingskinkakbag.kI'mkleavi ngkforkLondonk immediately." k"I'llkgo,ktoo,kmyklord,"kthekvaletksaidkwithkdetermination.k"IkpromisedkMariekI kwouldkcomektokherkasksoonk askIkcould." kEnviouskofkakrelationshipkthatkwasksokmuchkmorekstraightforwardkthankhiskownkmi sbegottenkmarriage,k Davidksaid,k"Thenkwekshallkhavektokbringkbothkofkthemkhome."k

kChapterk32k

JocelynkreturnedktokLondonkaskfastkaskakgoodkcoachkandkhiredkhorseskcouldkta ekh er.kThroughoutkthek journey,kshekstudiedkthekgoldkweddingkringkDavidkhadkplacedkonkherkhand,kandkble a lykthoughtkaboutkherk past.kManykmenkhadkclaimedktoklovekher,kandkshekhadkeasilykdismissedktheirkdecla rationskaskyouthfulk infatuationkorkfortunekhunting. kYetkDavidkhadkbeenkablektokreducekherktokcinderskwithkakhandfulkofkwords.kHekha dkinsinuatedkhimselfk intokherklifekwithkhiskcouragekandk indnesskandklaughter.kThin ingkthatkanotherk womankhadkhiskheart,kshek hadkallowedkherselfktokcomektookclose,kandknowkshekwaskpayingkthekprice. kTheykreachedkLondonklatekinkthekafternoonkofktheksecondkday.kBykthen,kJocelynkw askexhaustedkbykthek thoughtskthatkjoltedkaroundkherkheadkinkrhythmkwithkthekpoundingkhooveskofkthekh orses.kOnekbitterk conclusionkwaskunavoidable:kthekpainkofkthekpresentkwaskrootedkinkthekunbearable kpastkthatkshekhadk alwayskrefusedktokac nowledge. kThektimekhadkcomektokfacekthatkpast,knokmatterkwhatkitkcostkher.kShekmightkbekf lawedkbeyondk redemption,kbutkshekshouldknotkbekakcowardkaskwell. kTonightkshekwouldksleepkinkLondon,kandktomorrowkshekwouldkgokonktokKentktokfind kLadykLaura,kthek onlykpersonkwhokcouldkanswerkherkquestions. kAskshekenteredkthekfoyerkofkherkhome,kshekscannedkthekfamiliarkgrandeur.kGrand, kbutksokincrediblyk empty.kWhatkwaskoneklonekwomankdoingkwithksokmuchkspace? kCarryingkthekjewelkcase,kMariekstartedkupkthekstaircase.kHerksilentksympathykha dkmadekherkakwelcomek companionkonktheklongkjourneykfromkHereford.kWouldkshekstaykwithkJocelyn,korkret urnktokWestholmektok bekwithkherksweetheart,kleavingkherkmistresskevenkmorekalone? kFeelingkunequalktokthektwokflightskofkstairs,kJocelynkenteredktheksalon,kwearil ykstrippingkoffkherkgloves.k Shekrangkforkteakandkwasksippingkakcupkandkwaitingkforkitktokinvigoratekherkwhen kthekdoorkopened. kInksteppedkLadykLaura,kstri inglykattractivekinkakmodishkbluekeveningkgown.k"Wh atkakniceksurprisektok havekyoukbac ,kmykdear!"ksheksaidkwarmly.k"WherekiskDavid?" kJocelynkrosekandkgavekherkauntkakheartfeltkhug.k"I'mksokgladkyou'rekhere,"kshek said,kherkvoicekcho edkwithk incipientktears.k"IkwaskgoingktoktravelkdownktokKenningtonktomorrowktokseekyou.k IskUnclekAndrewkink Londonkalso?"

k"Yes,khekhadkbusinesskatkthekHorsekGuards.kWekarektokmeetklaterkatkakdinnerkpar ty."kEyeskworried,kLadyk Laurakguidedkherkniecektoktheksofaksoktheykcouldksitkdownktogether.k"What'skwron g,kdarling?kYoukloo k li ekdeathkinkthekafternoon." kJocelynksatkbac konktheksofakandkwipedkherkeyeskwithkthekbac kofkherkhand.k"It' s kcomplicated.kDokyouk havektimektoktal kbeforekgoingkout?"k

k"Youk nowkthatkIkalwayskhavektimekforkyou,"ksaidkherkaunt,kloo ingkevenkmorekwo rried.k"Whatkdokyouk wishktokdiscuss?" k"Youk nowkthatkIkalwayskhavektimekforkyou,"ksaidkherkaunt,kloo ingkevenkmorekwo rried.k"Whatkdokyouk wishktokdiscuss?" kFacekrigid,ksheksaid,k"Tellkmekaboutkmykmother." k"You'vekalwayskrefusedktoktal kaboutkCleo,"kLauraksaid,kstartled.k"Whykdokyouka s know?" k"BecausekIkmustkunderstand,"kJocelynkansweredkharshly.k"Whatk indkofkpersonkwas kshe?kWhykdidkmyk fatherkdivorcekher?kWaskshekaskgreatkakwhorekaskeveryoneksays?" k"Mykdearkgirl,kwhokeverktoldkyoukthat?"kherkauntkexclaimed,kexpressionkhorrifie d. k"Everyone!kDokyoukrememberkthekcaricatureskweksawkinkthatkprintkshopkwindow?" kThekolderkwomankwinced.k"Ikdidn'tkrealizekyoukwerekoldkenoughktokunderstandkwha tkthekpictureskandk commentskmeant." kLadykLaurakcouldn'tkhavekbeenkmorekthanknineteenkorktwentykwhenkthatkepisodekha dkoccurred,kJocelynk realized.kShekmustkhavekbeenkaskupsetkaskherkniece.kMore,kperhaps,kbecausekshekh adktokfacekviciousk gossipkinktheksalonskandkballroomskofkLondonkeverykday.kNokwonderkshekhadkbeenke agerktokfollowkthek drumkwithkAndrewkKir patric . k"Thatkdaykwaskhardlykthekonlyktime."kJocelyn'skmouthktwisted.k"Servantskcalledk herkakharlotkwhenktheyk thoughtkIkcouldn'tkhear.kSokdidkthekwell-bredkyoungkladieskatkthatkexclusiveksem inarykinkBathkmykfatherk sentkmekto,kthekonekIkrankawaykfrom.kThenktherekwasktheknobleklordkwhoktriedksed ucingkmekatkhiskownk daughter'skcome-outkballkbecausekhekassumedkIkwasknokbetterkthankIkshouldkbe.k'L i ekmother,kli ek daughter'kheksaidkjustkbeforekhekshovedkhisktonguekinkmykmouth." k"DearkGod,kwhykdidkyoukneverktellkme?kOrkyourkfather?"kLaurakloo edkill.k"Youka lwayskseemedkso ksok unconcerned.kYoukwerekonlykfourkwhenkyourkmotherkleft,kandkyoukdidn'tkseemktokmi sskher.kIfkyoukeverk as edkwhatkhappenedktokher,kIkneverkheardkofkit." k"OfkcoursekIkdidn'tkas !"kJocelynkbeganktoktremble.k"Evenkaksmallkchildk nowskw hatksubjectskarek forbidden." k"Cleokwaskheadstrongkandkshekmadeksomekterriblekmista es,kbutkshekwasknokharlot ,"kLauraksaidk emphatically.k"Shekandkyourkfatherkhadkakwhirlwindkcourtshipkandkmarriedkwithink wee skofktheirkmeeting.k Whenkthekfirstkflameskofkpassionkburnedkout,ktheykdiscoveredktheykreallykhadkver

yklittlekinkcommon." kShekshoo kherkheadksorrowfully.k"Theykcouldkhaveklivedkseparateklives,kli ekman ykfashionablekpeoplekdo,k butkeachkwantedkthekotherkto ktokfulfillktheirkdreams.kBekakperfectklover.kTheykco uldknotkacceptkeachk otherkasktheykwere.kThekfightskwerekextraordinary.kTheykfoughtkinkpublic,ktheykf oughtkinkprivate.kTherek wasksomektwistedk indkofklovekbetweenkthemkthatkcamekoutkaskangerkandkhatred.kYo ukdon'tkrememberk anykofkthis?" k"Oh,kyes,"kJocelynksaid,kherkvoicekakbarekwhisper.k

k"Ikremember."kSheksqueezedkherkeyeskshutkaskherkfather'skrememberedkshoutkslice dkthroughkherkbrain.k"k You'rekakwoman,kwhichkmeanskyou'rekakgreedykliarkandkakwhore.kGodkdamnkthekhourk Ikmetkyou!" k"Ikremember."kSheksqueezedkherkeyeskshutkaskherkfather'skrememberedkshoutkslice dkthroughkherkbrain.k"k You'rekakwoman,kwhichkmeanskyou'rekakgreedykliarkandkakwhore.kGodkdamnkthekhourk Ikmetkyou!" kShekpressedkakhandktokherkmidriff,ktryingktokeasekthekpainkthatkhadkbeenktherek forkaklifetime.k"Myk memorieskarekpatchy.kTellkmekwhatkhappenedkaskyoukrememberkit." kLaurakbitkherklip.k"BykthektimekIkmadekmykcome-out,kyourkparentskhadkreachedkth ekpointkofkdoingktheirk utmostktokhurtkeachkother.kYourkfatherktoo konekofkthekmostknotoriouskcourtesans kinkLondonkaskhisk mistress,kwhichkwaskbadkenough.kThekfinalkexplosionkcamekwhenkhekdaredkflauntkhe rkatkonekofkCleo'sk balls,kinkthiskverykhouse. k"IkwaskchattingkwithkCleokwhenkEdwardkbroughtkhiskmistresskintokthekballroom.kC leokturnedkdeadkwhite.k Shekwaskankexpertkshot,kandkIkthin kthatkifkshe'dkhadkakpistol,kshekwouldkhavekp utkakbulletkthroughkhisk heart.kInstead,kafterkakblazingkrowkinkfrontkofkhalfkofkfashionablekLondon,kshek leftkthekballkwithkBaronkvonk Rothenburg,kakPrussiankdiplomatkwhokhadkbeenkpursuingkher. k"CleokandkRothenburgkbegankakflamboyantkaffairkthatkgavekyourkfatherkankabundan cekofkevidencekforkak divorce.kShekneverksetkfootkinkthiskhousekafterktheknightkofkthekball.kYourkfath erkrefusedktokallowkherkbac k inside,kevenktokcollectkherkpersonalkbelongings.kHekhadkeverythingkpac edkandkde liveredktokRothenburg's,k alongkwithkakchallengektokakduel.kEdwardkwasn'tkwounded,kbutkRothenburgktoo kakb ulletkinktheklungskthatk contributedktokhiskdeathkfivekyearsklater." kJocelynkrubbedkherkachingktemples.k"DearkGod,khowkmanykliveskdidkthatkwomankdes troy?" k"Youkmustn'tkblamekyourkmotherkforkthekdivorce.kItkwaskeverykbitkaskmuchkyourkf ather'skfault.kPerhapsk morekso,"kherkauntksaidkblea ly.k"IklovedkbothkCleokandkEdward,kbutktheykwerekbo undktogetherkinksomek catastrophickfashionkthatkbroughtkoutkthekworstkinkbothkofkthem." k"Sokshekrankoffkwithkanotherkman,"kJocelynksaidkwithkdrippingkscorn.k"Whatkakwo nderfullykmoralksolutionk tokherkproblems." k"Cleokwasknoklights irt.kShekwouldkneverkhavekta enkakloverkifkyourkfatherkhadn 'tkdrivenkherktokit.kShek camektoklovekRothenburg,kbutkhekwaskakCatholickandkhiskfamilykwouldn'tkcountenan cekakdivorcedkwoman.k Thoughkhekwouldkhavekmarriedkherkanyhow,kshekdidn'tkwantkhimktokbecomekestranged kfromkhiskfamily,ksok

shekstayedkwithkhimkaskhiskmistresskuntilkhiskdeath." kFightingkakreluctantktracekofkadmirationkforkherkmother'skrefusalktokruinkherkl over'skrelationshipkwithkhisk family,kJocelynkas ed,k"Howkdidkshekdie?" k"ThekdaykafterkRothenburg'skfuneral,kshektoo khiskstallionkoutkridingkand kandktr iedktokjumpkakgullykthatk wasktookwide.kBothkshekandkthekhorsekwerek illed."kLaurakclosedkherkeyes,kpainko nkherkface.k"Pleasek don'tkthin ktookillkofkher,kJocelyn.kShekmightknotkhaveklovedkwisely,kbutkshekha dkakgoodkheart,kandkshek gavekitkgenerously." kSokthatkwaskthekfullkstorykofktheknoble,kbeautiful,kpassionatekCleo,kCountessko fkCromarty.kThekanguishk thatkhadklivedkwithkJocelynksincekshekwaskakchildkeruptedkinkexcruciatingkwaves. kLeapingkfromktheksofa,k shekpacedkacrosskthekroom,kherkhandsktearingkfranticallykatkeachkother.kBarelyka blektokspea ,kshekcriedk

outkinkakvoicekofkrawkagony,k"Ifkshekwasksokwonderful,kthenkwhatkwaskwrongkwithk me?" outkinkakvoicekofkrawkagony,k"Ifkshekwasksokwonderful,kthenkwhatkwaskwrongkwithk me?" kShektriedktoksaykmore,kbutkcouldn't.kJointkbykjoint,kshekfoldedktokherk neeskan dkcrumpledkintokakcrouch,k armskclutchingkherselfkinkakfrantickattemptktokstaunchkthekprimalkwoundkthatkrav agedkherkspirit.k"WhatkdidkIk dokwrong?"kshekgasped,kfeelingkaskifkshekwaskbeingktornkinkhalf.k"WhatkdidkIkdok wrong?" k"DearkGodkinkheaven!"kLaurakexclaimed,kherkvoiceksha ing.kAnkinstantklater,kshe kdroppedkonkthekfloork besidekJocelynkandkenfoldedkherkinkherkarms,kroc ingkherkaskifkshekwaskankinfant .k"Mykdarlingkgirl,kiskthatk whatkyoukhavekbelievedkallkthesekyears?kWhykdidn'tkyoukeverkas kme?kIkcouldkhave ktoldkyoukthektruth." k"Ik newkthektruth."kJocelyn'skmouthktwisted.k"Thatkmykmotherkwaskakwhore,kandkt hatkshekleftkmekwithoutkak singlekbac wardkglance." k"That'sknotkhowkitkhappened!kCleoktriedkdesperatelyktokgetkcustodykofkyou.kOnce kshekrodekoutktok CharltonktokseekyoukwhenkshekthoughtkEdwardkwaskinkLondon,kbutkhekwaskhome,kandk hekthreatenedkherk withkakhorsewhip.kHeksaidkhe'dk illkherkifkshekeverktriedktokcomeknearkyoukagain . k"Shektriedktokconvincekhimkthatksincekyoukcouldknotkinheritkthektitle,kyoukshou ldkbekwithkher.kWhenkhek refused,kshekdroppedkdownkonkherk neeskandkbeggedkhimktokletkherkseekyou,kbutkhe kwouldn'tkallowkit."k Laurakbeganktokcry.k"Ikwaskhorrified,kbutkitkwasn'tkuntilkIkhadkchildrenkofkmyko wnkthatkIkrecognizedkthekfullk depthskofkwhatkshekwasksuffering." k"ItksoundsktokmekaskifkmykfatherkdiscoveredkthatkIkwaskmostkusefulkaskakweaponk tokpunishkhiskhatedkwife,"k Jocelynksaidkbitterly.k"Andkmaybekshekwantedkmekforktheksamekreason tokhurtkhim.kI kwaskthekpawnk betweenkthekfeudingk ingkandkqueen." k"Don'tkconfusekEdward'skfurykwithkCleokwithkhiskgenuineklovekforkyou,"kLauraksa id.k"Hektoldkmeklaterkthatk hekwaskterrifiedkthatkshekwouldkstealkyoukawayktokthekContinentkwithkRothenburg, kandkhekwaskrightktokfeark that.kInkakdivorce,kakwomankhasknokrightskatkall.kCleokwaskbrandedkankadulteress kinkthekeyeskofkthekworld,k andktheklawkwouldn'tkraisekakhandktokhelpkher.kIfkshekcouldkhavekabductedkyou,kI 'mksurekshekwouldkhave.k Forktheknextkfivekyears,kuntilkCleokdied,kyourkfatherkmadeksurektherekwaskalways kakfootmankorkotherk servantkhektrustedktokguardkyou." k"Didkhekdischargekmyknurse,kGilly,kbecausekhekfearedkshekwaskloyalktokmykmother kratherkthankhim?"

kLauraksighed.k"I'mkafraidkso.kIktoldkhimkitkwouldkbekcruelktokbothkyoukandkGill y,kbutkhekwaskafraidkshek mightkta ekyouktokyourkmother.kPerhapskshekwouldkhave.kThekservantskadoredkCleo. kYoukarekli ekherkink manykways." kLosingkwarm,knurturingkGillykhadkbeenkli eklosingkherkmotherkforkaksecondktime. kThenkAuntkLaurakhadk beenklostktokmarriage.kBykthektimekJocelynkwaskfive,kshekhadk nownkthatktoklovek someonekwasktoklosek them. kWonderingkatkherkaunt'sk nowledge,kshekas ed,k"Howkdidkyouklearnksokmuchkaboutk mykmother'sk thoughtskandkfeelings?" k"Shekhadkbecomekmyksister,kandkIkcouldn'tkbearktoklosekher.kWekcorrespondedkunt ilkCleokdied.kIksentkherk

drawingskyoukhadkmade,ktoldkherkhowkyoukgrew.kAfterkIkmarriedkandkleftkCharlton, kIkhadkthekhouse eeperk writekmekaboutkhowkyoukwereksokIkcouldkpasskonkthekinformationktokyourkmother.kC leokwouldkas kifkyouk everktal edkaboutkher,kbutkyoukneverksaidkakword,"kLauraksaidksoftly.k"Ikcouldkn otkbearktokaddktokherk unhappiness,ksokIkliedkandksaidkthatkyoukspo ekofkherkoften." drawingskyoukhadkmade,ktoldkherkhowkyoukgrew.kAfterkIkmarriedkandkleftkCharlton, kIkhadkthekhouse eeperk writekmekaboutkhowkyoukwereksokIkcouldkpasskonkthekinformationktokyourkmother.kC leokwouldkas kifkyouk everktal edkaboutkher,kbutkyoukneverksaidkakword,"kLauraksaidksoftly.k"Ikcouldkn otkbearktokaddktokherk unhappiness,ksokIkliedkandksaidkthatkyoukspo ekofkherkoften." kLaurakstro edkherkheadkgently.k"Whykwerekyoukafraid?" kJocelynksqueezedkherkeyeskshut,ktryingktokma eksensekofkthisknewkviewkofkthekwo rld.k"Ikthin kthat kthatkIk believedkthatkifkIkeverkas edkaboutkher,kPapakwouldksendkmekaway,ktoo." k"Hekwouldkneverkhavekdonekanythingkli ekthat."kLaurakhuggedkher.k"Heklovedkyouk morekthankanyonekork anythingkelsekinkhisklife.kSincekyoukneverkas edkaboutkyourkmotherkandkseemedkco ntent,khekdecidedkitk wouldkbekbetterkforkyoukifkhekneverkraisedktheksubject.kHekwaskgratefulkbecausek hekthoughtkyoukhadk escapedkunscathed." k"Unscathed?"kJocelynklaughed,kankedgekofkhysteriakinkherkvoice.k"Mykwholeklifek haskbeenkaboutktheirk divorce." k"Neitherkofkuskdreamedkthatkyouktoo kitksokbadly,korkthatkyoukwerekthekvictimko fksuchktauntskandkinsults."k Sittingkbac konkherkheels,kLauraksaidkgravely,k"Butkneverkdoubtkthatkyoukwereklo ved.kIkthin kthekmaink reasonkEdwardkneverkremarriedkwasktokhavekmorektimekandkattentionkforkyou." k"AndkherekIkthoughtkhekjustkli edkhavingkakpassingkparadekofkmistresses,"kJocel ynksaidkacidly.kThat,ktoo,k hadkshapedkherkviewkofkthekworld:kmenkwerekfic lekbyknature.k"HaskUnclekAndrewkb eenkakfaithfulk husband?kDoesksuchkakthingkevenkexist?" kShekimmediatelykwishedkthatkshekhadn'tkas ed,kbutkherkauntksaidkcalmly,k"Yes,kD rewkhaskbeenkfaithful.k Hekgavekmekhiskword,kandkIkhavekneverkdoubtedkit.kJustkaskhekhaskneverkhadkoccas ionktokdoubtkme." k"Arekyouktwokaskhappykaskyoukseem?"kJocelynkas edkinkaksmallkvoice.k"I'vekwonde redkifkanykmarriagekfork peoplekofkourkorderkcankeverkbekhappy." k"Suchkakcynickyou'vekbecome,"kLauraksaidkwithkaksigh.k"Yes,kmykdear,kDrewkandkI karekhappy.kOh,kwe'vek hadkourkdisagreements allkcoupleskdo.kButktheklovekthatkfirstkdrewkusktogetherkhas konlykbecomekstrongerk

withkthekyears." kJocelynkas edkunsteadily,k"Youkthin kmykmotherkreallyklovedkme?" k"Ik nowkthatkshekdid.kCleokwrotekmekakletterkjustkbeforekherkdeath.kLaterkIkrea lizedkthat kthatkshekwask sayingkgood-bye."kLaurakswallowedkhard.k"Sheksaidkthatkthekgreatestkregretskofkh erklifekwereklosingkyou,k andkthatkshekwouldkneverkseekyoukgrowkup.kSheksentkyoukakgift,kbutkIkhesitatedkt okpasskitkon.kBecausekyouk alwayskrefusedktokdiscusskyourkmother,kIkdidn'tkwantktokris kupsettingkyou.kIfko nlykIkhadkbeenkwiser."kShek rosekandkextendedkherkhandktokhelpkJocelynkup.k"Comekalong.kIt'sktimektokdokwhat kIkshouldkhavekdonek yearskago." kChapterk33k

kLadykLaurakopenedkherkjewelrykbox,kremovedkakflat,koval-shapedkcloisonnekboxkab outkfourkinchesklong,k andkhandedkitktokJocelyn.kItkwaskakportraitkcase,kandkankexquisitelyklovelykone. kFumblingkaklittle,kJocelynkfoundkthekcatchkinktheksidekandkopenedkthekcase.kIns idekwaskakminiaturekofkak golden-hairedkwoman,kakstri ingkbeautykwithkhazelkeyes.kSetkinkthekframekopposit ekthekportraitkwaskak piecekofkparchmentkwithkakdelicatekscriptkthatksaid,k"TokmykdaughterkJocelyn,kwi thkallkmyklove." kHerkhandkclosedkconvulsivelykaroundkthekcloisonnekcasekasktheksightkofkherkmoth er'skfacektriggeredkak floodkofkmemories.kPlayingkinkthekgarden,kherkmotherkweavingkflowerskintokherkha ir.kExhilaratedkrideskonk herkmother'sklapkonkakhorsekthatks immedkacrosskthekhillskofkCharlton.kPlayingki nkaksil -and-lacekfilledk dressingkroom,kherkmotherkcasuallykunconcernedkwhenkJocelynkaccidentallykruinedk aknewkbonnet. kTearskpouringksilentlykdownkherkchee s,kJocelynkwelcomedkthekgoodkmemorieskshek hadkburiedkalongk withkthekunendurablekpain.kHerkmotherkhadklovedkher.kThoughkshekhadkleft,kshekha dkloo edkbac ,kask ravagedkbykthekseparationkaskJocelynkhadkbeen. kHerkauntkputkankarmkaroundkherkshoulderskandkletkherkcry.kWhenkthektearskfinall ykstilled,kLaurakas ed,k "Dokyoukunderstandkyourkmotherkbetterknow?" kJocelynknodded.k"Ikdon'tk nowkifkthekscarskwillkeverkgokaway,kbutkatkleastknowk Ik nowkwherektheykare,k andkhowktheykcamektokbe." k"ShallkIkstaykwithkyoukthiskevening?kIkcankeasilykforgokthekdinnerkparty." k"I'dkratherkbekalone.kIkhavekakgreatkdealkofkthin ingktokdo."kSheksighed.k"Perh apsknowkIkcanksortkoutkthek muddlekI'vekmadekofkmykaffairs." k"TroublekwithkDavid?" k"I'mkafraidkso.kSeriousktrouble." k"He'skanotherkonekli ekAndrew,kmykdear,"kLauraksaidkquietly.k"Ifkyoukma ekyourk marriagekakrealkone,k Davidkwillkneverkletkyoukdown." k"Itkmaykbektooklatekforkthat."kNotkwantingktoksaykmore,kJocelynkchangedktheksub jectkbykgesturingkatkherk aunt'skgown.k"You'llkhavektokchange.kYourkgownkhasn'tkbeenkimprovedkbykmykweepin gkallkoverkit." k"Aksmallkpricektokpaykforkhavingkclearedkthekairkafterktookmanykyears,"kLauraks aidkaskshekrangkforkherk maid.k"You'reksurekyou'llkbekallkrightktonight?"

k"Quiteksure."kShek issedkherkaunt'skchee kshyly.k"Ikalwayskthoughtkofkyoukaskmy krealkmother.kNow,kIk havektwo."k

kLauraksmiled.k"Ikwantedkakdaughter,kbutkIkcouldknotkhaveklovedkonekofkmykownkmo rekthankyou." kLauraksmiled.k"Ikwantedkakdaughter,kbutkIkcouldknotkhaveklovedkonekofkmykownkmo rekthankyou." kAkhappykIsiskpurringkonkherklap,kJocelynkstayedkupkveryklatekaskshekthoughtkabo utkherklife,kandkherk parents.kPerhapskshekshouldkbekangrykwithkherkfatherkforkdeprivingkherkofkallkco mmunicationkwithkherk mother,kbutkLadykLaura'skexplanationkmadekherkunderstandkhiskreasons.kThoughkshe khadkalwayskfearedk thatkhisklovekwaskfragilekandkmightkbekwithdrawnkifkshekdidn'tkpleasekhim,khekha dkgivenkherkthekbestkofk himself.kThatkshekdidn'tktrustkhisklovekwaskherkfailing,knotkhis. kShekevenkunderstoodkhiskblasted,kmanipulativekwill.kThoughkshekhadkneverkreveal edkherkreservationsk aboutkmarriagektokhim,khekmustkhavekguessedkthatkleftktokherkownkdevices,kshe'dk probablykhavekdiedkak spinster.kNeverksubtle,kthekearlkhadkarrangedkherklifeksokthatkshekhadklittlekch oicekbutktokconfrontkherkfears. kShekhadkalwayskthoughtkofkherselfkaskbeingkli ekLadykLaura,kandkitkwasktruektha tkthekphysicalk resemblancekwaskstrong.kButktherekwaskalsokmuchkofkCleokinkher.kThatkbusinesskab outkpistolkshooting,kfork example,knotktokmentionkthekintense,kheadstrongkdisposition.kJocelynkhadkspentkh erklifeksuppressingkthatk sidekofkherknature,kbutkitkwaskankintegralkpartkofkher.kIfkshekwasktokacceptkher kmother,kshekmustkalsok acceptkherself. kSokbekit. kYetkunderstandingkandkacceptingkthekpastkwaskonlykthekfirstkstep.kOneklong,kang uishedkconversationkwask notkenoughktokma ekherkfeelkthatkshekwaskworthykofklove.kEvenkwithkherkfatherkan dkherkaunt,kshe'dkneverk feltkfullykloved.kAlwaysktherekhadkbeenkthekvague,knotkquitekconsciouskfearkthat kshekwaskflawedkbeyondk redemption,kandkthatkanyonekwhoksawkherkclearlykwouldkleavekher. kYetkshekyearnedkforklove,kwhichkmeantkshekmustklearnktokseekherselfkasklovable. kNotkankeasyktas .kInkherk mind,kshek newkthatkshekwaskakdecentkexamplekofkwoman ind.kShektriedktoklivekupk tokthekspiritualkvaluesk ofkherkfaith.kShekwaskgenerouskwithkherktimekandkmoney,kandktriedktokbek ind.kSh ekdidkherkbestktokvaluek peoplekasktheykdeserved,kratherkthankscorningkallkbutkthosekwhokwerekbornktokthe ksamekstationkinklifekshek was.kButkitkwouldkta ekaklongktimektokbelievekinkherkheartkthatkshekdeservedklov e,kifkindeedkshekeverk succeededkatkthat. kLord,kshekdidn'tkevenk nowkwhatklovekwas.kShekhadkthoughtkshekwaskaklittlekbitk inklovekwithkthekDu ekofk Candover,kandkevenkafterkallkthatkhadkhappenedkwithkDavid,kthekdu ekstillkhadkak holdkonkherkmind.kWask

thatklove,korkankillusionkshekhadkspunkbecausekherkrationalkmindkthoughtkhekwoul dkma ekaksuitablek husband onekwhokwouldkneverkbekovercomekbykthek indkofkdestructivekpassionkthatkha dkdoomedkherk parents'kmarriage? kDavidkLancasterkcalledkupkmorekcomplexkfeelings.kShekhadkmarriedkhimkatkrandom, klaughedkwithkhim,k comektokthin kofkhimkaskaktrustworthykfriend,kandkinkakburstkofkirresistiblekyea rningkshekhadkluredkhimktok herkbed.kShekdidn'tk nowkifkthatkwasklove,kbutkthekthoughtkofknotkhavingkhimkink herklifekproducedkak gut-wrenchingksensekofkloss. kWouldkhekfollowkherktokLondonkorkhadkshekalreadykdestroyedkwhatkwaskbetweenkthe m?kIfkhekdidn'tk come,kwouldkshekhavekthekcouragektokgokbac ktokWestholme?kShekmust,kbecausekshek hadkspentktook muchkofkherklifekrunning.k

kBykthektimekshekretiredktokrestlesskslumber,kherkmindkwasknumbkwithkwondering. kBykthektimekshekretiredktokrestlesskslumber,kherkmindkwasknumbkwithkwondering. kLadykLaurakinvitedkherkniecektokjoinkherkforkakmorningkatkthekmodiste,kbutkJoce lynkrefused,kunreadyktok dealkwithktheknormalktriviakofkexistence.kInstead,kshekwentktokherkroomkandkstar tedktokwritekankaccountk aboutkherkaunt'skrevelations,kandkhowkshekfeltkaboutkthem.kPerhapskthekprocessko fkformingkvaguek emotionskintokwordskwouldkclarifykherkunderstanding. kLatekinkthekmorningkshekstoppedkforkakcupkofktea.kIfkDavidkhadkdecidedktokfollo wkherktokLondon,khek couldkbekherekaskearlykaskthatkevening.kShekyearnedktokseekhim,kbutkhadknokideak whatkshekmightksay.kThatk perhapsksheklovedkhim,kbutkshekreallykdidn'tk nowkforksure?kHekdeservedkbetterkt hankthat. kShekcoveredkpagekafterkpagekaskmemorieskandkinsightskpouredkthroughkher.kStrang ekhowkclearkherkmindk hadkbecomeknowkthatkAuntkLaurakhadkgivenkherkthek eyktokunloc kthekpast. kShekwaskta ingkakbrea kandkflexingkcrampedkfingerskwhenkDudleykenteredkwithkakc ardkonkaksilverktray.k"Ak visitor,kmyklady." kLiftingkthekcard,kshekread,k"ThekDu ekofkCandover."kAkshiverkrankthroughkher.kS okthekmankwhokhadk occupiedkherkthoughtskforksoklong,kwhokhadkbeenkherkshieldkagainstktheksolidkrea litykofkDavidkLancaster,k waskhere. k"UntilkSeptemberk "kInkfact,khekwaskbac kinkLondonkakfewkdayskearly.kCoincidence, korkmightkhekhavek beenkanxiousktokseekher?kHe'dkbeenkthin ingkofkher kthekgiftkofkpoetrykhe'dksentkw askproofkofkthat. kWell,kshekhadkwantedkanswers,kandkherekwaskankopportunityktokgetksome.k"Ikshall kbekrightkdown,"kshek toldkherkbutler. kAfterkDudleykleft,ksheksplashedkcoldkwaterkonkherkfacektokremovektraceskofkthek tearskshe'dkshed,kthenk studiedkherselfkdispassionatelykinkthekmirror.kMariekhadkdonekherkjobkwell LadykJo celynkKendalkwaskherk usualkelegantkself.kOddkhowkshekstillkthoughtkofkherselfkbykthatknamekwhenklegal lykshekwaskLadyk Presteyne.kItkwaskaksymbolkofkherks ittishkrefusalktokacceptkthekmarriagekshekha dkmade. kShektriedkaksmile.kThekimagekinkthekmirrorkwasknotkentirelykconvincing,kbutkrea sonable.kFeelingkfatalistic,k shekdescendedktokgreetkherkvisitor. kDar lykhandsome,kthekdu ekwaskleaningkcasuallykagainstkthekmantel,kbutkhekstrai ghtenedkwhenkshek enteredkthekdrawingkroom.kHiskcoolkgraykeyeskshowedkopenkadmirationkaskJocelynka pproached.

k"Goodkmorning,kCandover.kThiskiskankunexpectedkpleasure." k"Ikwaskcalledkbac ktokLondonkbykbusinesskandksawkthatkyourk noc erkwaskupkaskIk drovekby.kTokfindkyouk li ekthiskwaskmorekthankIkhadkhopedkfor."kHekregardedkherkwithkthekwarmthkthatkh ekhadkshownkwhenktheyk hadklastkseenkeachkother,katkthekPar ingtons'kball.k"ThoughkitkisknotkyetkSeptem ber,kdarekIkhopekyoukarek ready" khekliftedkherkhandkandk issedkitklingeringly "forkdiversion?"k

kDespairingly,kJocelynkrealizedkthatkshekwaskrespondingktokhim.kShekhadkhopedkth atkshekwouldkfeelk nothing,kbutkhekwaskstillkdeucedlykattractive.kMorekthankthat,kbeneathkhisklegen darilykcoolkexterior,kshekhadk alwaysksensedkakgenuinelykdecentkman,kthoughkitkwouldksurelykpainkhimktokrealize kthatkshekthoughtkofkhimk thatkway. kDespairingly,kJocelynkrealizedkthatkshekwaskrespondingktokhim.kShekhadkhopedkth atkshekwouldkfeelk nothing,kbutkhekwaskstillkdeucedlykattractive.kMorekthankthat,kbeneathkhisklegen darilykcoolkexterior,kshekhadk alwaysksensedkakgenuinelykdecentkman,kthoughkitkwouldksurelykpainkhimktokrealize kthatkshekthoughtkofkhimk thatkway. k"Ikthin kyoukshouldkcallkmekRafe.kIkmuchkpreferkthatktokRafael."kAkslow,kintima teksmilekcrossedkhiskface.k "Namingkmekafterkankarchangelkwasksingularlykinappropriate,kdon'tkyoukagree?"kTh enkhekcuppedkherkchink inkhiskpalm,kandktouchedkhisklipsktokhers. kJocelynkexperiencedkthek isskwithkakcuriouskduality.kHekwaskpurekmale,kandkherk instinctivekresponsek madekitkclearkthatkhekhadkearnedkhiskreputationkaskaksplendidkloverkhonestly.kTh iskiskwhatkshekhadkdreamedk ofkfindingkwithkhim. kButkhekwasknotkDavid.kHerkreactionktokthekdu ekwaskakfrail,krootlesskthingknext ktokthektempestkofklovek Davidkhadk indledkinkher. kThekwonderkwaskthatkitkhadkta enkherksoklongktokrecognizekankemotionkthatkwaskn owkrevealedkasksok powerful,ksokunmista able.kShekhadkstartedktokfallkinklovekwithkDavidkthekfirstk momentkshekhadkloo edkintok hiskeyeskatkthekhospital.kAndkshekhadkcontinuedkfalling,kalwayskdenyingkherkfeel ingskbecausekthekthoughtkofk beingkinklovekwasksokfrightening.kAllkofkthektimekshe'dkbeenktellingkherselfktha tkDavidkwaskjustkakgoodk friend,kthekbrotherkshe'dkalwayskwanted,kshe'dkalreadykbeenkhoo edkli ekakbrownk troutkonkankangler'skline. kDavidkwouldklaughkwhenkshektoldkhimkthat,kbutkitkwouldkbekwarmkamusement,knotkb elittling.kNowkthatkshek understood,kshekmustkgoktokhimkandkas kthatkhekforgivekherkerratickbehavior. kShekwaskaboutktokdisengagekfromkthekdu e'skembracekwhenkthekdoorktokthekdrawing kroomkswungkopen. kChapterk34k DavidkLancasterkandkHughkMorganktraveledkhardkthroughkmostkofkthekmoonlitknight, kreachingkLondonkink earlykafternoon.kWhenktheykpulledkupkinkfrontkofkCromartykHouse,kDavidkbarelykto o kthektimektoksettlekhisk accountkwithkthekpost-chaisekdriverkbeforekhekleapedkfromkthekcarriagekandkbound edkimpatientlykupkthek

frontksteps.kNotkhavingkak ey,khekwaskforcedktokusekthek noc erkandkwaitkforkwha tkseemedkforever. kDudleykopenedkthekdoor,ksayingkwithksurprise,k"Myklord!kHow kunexpected." kAskHughkwentkinksearchkofkMarie,kDavidkas ed,k"Wherekiskmykwife?"kBecause,kbykG od,kshekwaskstillkhisk wife,kandkshekowedkhimkankexplanationkatkthekverykleast. k"Herkladyshipkiskinkthekdrawingkroom.kBut kbutkshekhaskcompany." kThekbutler'skvoicekrosekaskDavidkbrushedkpastkhimkandkwentktokthekdrawingkroom. kOpeningkthekdoor,khek

startedkin thenkfrozekwhenkheksawkthatkJocelynkwaskinkthekarmskofkakmankwhokmustkb ekherk thrice-damnedkdu e.kCandoverkwaskthekman'skname,kaccordingktokwhatkHughkhadktold khimkduringktheirk journey. startedkin thenkfrozekwhenkheksawkthatkJocelynkwaskinkthekarmskofkakmankwhokmustkb ekherk thrice-damnedkdu e.kCandoverkwaskthekman'skname,kaccordingktokwhatkHughkhadktold khimkduringktheirk journey. kThektableaukshatteredkwhenkshekloo edkupkandksawkhim.kHekwouldkhavekthoughtkthe ksituationkcouldknotk bekworse,kbutkhekwaskwrong.kJocelynkcriedkout,k"David!"kandkpulledkawaykfromkthe kotherkman.kHerkfacek glowed,kaskifkshekhadkbeenklongingkforkherkhusband'skarrivalkratherkthankhalfway kintokanotherkman'skbed.k Orkhadkshekmovedkfromkvirginktokmenagekaktroiskinkthreekshortkdays? kShekmovedktowardkhim,khandskliftingkwithkwelcome.k"Howkdidkyoukgetkhereksoksoon ?kIkwouldknotkhavek thoughtkyoukcouldkbekinkLondonkbeforektonight."kThenkshekstoppedkabruptlykaskshe ksawkhiskexpression. kAskalways,kshekloo edkhonestkandkinnocent.kDavid'skstomachktwistedkwithktheksic k nowledgekthatkhek hadkneverk nownkherkatkall.kShekwaskindeedkthekfashionableklady,kthekperfectkhos tesskevenkunderkthesek circumstances. kHiskhandskclenched,kbutkhekmanagedktokcontrolkhiskfurykwellkenoughktoksayktight ly,k"It'skobviouskmykarrivalk iskbothkunexpectedkandkunwelcome."kHiskgazeksnappedktokthekdar kmankwhokwatchedk withkshutteredk eyes.kNokdoubtkthekbastardkhadkconsiderablekexperiencekofkangrykhusbands.k"Ikpre sumekthiskiskthekDu ek ofkCandover?kOrkiskmykdearkwifekspreadingkherkfavorskmorekwidely?" kAskJocelynkgasped,kthekdu eknoddedkcoolly.k"I'mkCandover.kYoukhavekthekadvantag ekofkme,ksir." kSoktheykwerekgoingktokbekcivilized.kBitterlykDavidkremindedkhimselfkthatkJocely nkhadkneverkpretendedktok wantkhimkforkakrealkhusband.kHekhadkpromisedkshekwouldkhavekherkfreedom,kandkthe irkmoc erykofkak marriagekcarriedknoklicensektokinsultkherkunderkherkownkroof.kShekhadkdonekakgre atkdealkforkhim,kandkifkshek waskincapablekofkgivingklove,kthatkwaskhiskloss,knotkherkcrime. kNonetheless,khekwantedktokta ekthekdu ekapart,kpreferablykwithkhiskbarekhands.k Thekfellowkloo edk athletic,kbutkhekwasknokmatchkforkaktrainedksoldier.kDavidkcursedkhimselfkforkhi skdamnedksensekofkfairness.k Violencekwouldkrelieveksomekofkhiskangrykpain,kbutkhekhadknokrightktokmurderkCan dover.kThekdu ekwask therekbykJocelyn'skchoice. kInkakvoicekthatkcouldkcutkglass,kheksaid,k"I'mkPresteyne,khusbandkofkthiskladyk

here,kthoughknotkforklong."k HiskicykgazekreturnedktokJocelyn.k"Mykapologieskforkinterruptingkyourkamusements .kI'llkcollectkmyk belongingskandkneverktroublekyoukagain."kHekspunkaroundkandkleft,kslammingkthekd oorkbehindkhimkwithkak forcekthatkrattledkthekwindows. kSha ing,kJocelynksan kontokakchair,kherkhandskpressedktokherksolarkplexus.kShek hadkbeenksokhappykinkthek blazekofkherknewkunderstanding,ksokindifferentktokCandover'sk iss,kthatkshekhadn 'tkevenkconsideredkhowk compromisingkherkcircumstanceskwere untilkshekhadkseenkthekfuriouskrevulsionkonkDa vid'skface.kIfkshek livedktokbekakhundred,kshekwouldkneverkforgetkhiskexpression,kthatkcombinationko fkangerkandkraw,k betrayedkpain. kFromkthatkfirstkmeetingkinkthekhospital,kDavidkhadkopenedkhimselfktokherkwithkc ompletekgenerosity,kalwaysk givingk indnesskandkcomfort.kHekhadkevenkcommittedknearkperjurykaboutkakhumiliat inglykintimatekmatterktok

givekherkankannulment. givekherkankannulment. kShekstaredkblindlykatkthekdoorkwherekhekhadkdisappeared,k nowingkthatkthekparal yzedknumbnesskshekfeltk waskaktissue-thinkbarrierkagainstkankoceankofkpain.kHekwouldkneverkbelievekshekl ovedkhimknow.kItkwaskthek ultimatekironykthatkinkthekmomentkshekdiscoveredklove,kshekhadkdestroyedkherkcha ncekofkeverksharingkitk withkherkhusband. kShekforgotkCandover'skpresencekuntilkheksaidkdryly,k"Yourkhusbandkdoesn'tkseemk toksharekyourkbeliefkthatk thekmarriagekiskonekofkconvenience." kMutelykshekraisedkherkgaze,kdeeplykashamedktokhavekinvolvedkhimkinksuchkakscene .k"I'mksorry,"kshek whispered. k"Whatk indkofkgamekarekyoukplaying?kYourkhusbandkdoesn'tkseemktheksortkofkmankt okbekmanipulatedkbyk jealousy.kHekmaykleavekyou,korkhekmaykwringkyourknec ,kbutkhekwon'tkplaykthatk i ndkofklover'skgame."kHisk eyeskwerekhardkaskflint. kWithkankeffort,kJocelynkpulledkherkdisorderedksensesktogetherkenoughktokspea .k ShekowedkCandoverk honesty.k"Ikwasn'tkplayingkakgame.kI kIkwasktryingktokdiscoverkwhatkwaskinkmykhear t.kOnlyknowkdokIk nowkhowkIkfeelkaboutkDavid,kwhenkitkisktooklate."

kHiskexpressionksoftenedkinkthekfacekofkherkstar kmisery.k"I'mkbeginningktoksusp ectkthatkunderkyourkhighlyk polishedksurfacekbeatskakromantickheart.kIfkthat'sktrue,kgokafterkyourkhusbandka ndkthrowkyourkcharmingkselfk atkhiskfeetkwithkabjectkapologies.kYoukshouldkbekablektokbringkhimkaround,katkle astkthiskonce.kAkmankwillk forgivekthekwomankhekloveskakgreatkdeal.kJustkdon'tkletkhimkfindkyoukinkanyoneke lse'skarms.kIkdoubtkhek wouldkforgivekyoukaksecondktime." kShekstaredkatkhim,ktornkbetweenkpainkandkhystericalklaughter.k"Yourksangfroidki sklegendary,kbutkevenkso,k thekreportskdokyouklesskthankjustice.kIfkthekdevilkhimselfkwal edkin,kIkthin kyo ukwouldkas khimkifkhekplayedk whist." k"Neverkplaykwhistkwithkthekdevil,kmykdear.kHekcheats."kCandoverkliftedkJocelyn' skcoldkhandkandklightlyk issedkit.k"Shouldkyourkhusbandkresistkyourkblandishments,kfeelkfreektokletkmek nowkifkyoukwantkakpleasant,k uncomplicatedkaffair."

kHekreleasedkherkhand.k"Youkwouldkneverkhavekmorekfromkme,kyouk now.kManykyearsk agokIkgavekmyk heartkawayktoksomeonekwhokdroppedkandkbro ekit,ksokIkhaveknonekleft."kHekputkhis khandkonkthek door nob,kthenkhesitated,khiskgazeklingeringkonkherkface.kInkakvoiceksoklowkshek

couldkbarelykhearkthek words,kheksaid,k"YoukremindkmekofkakwomankIkoncek new,kbutknotkenough.kNeverkeno ugh."kThenkhekwask gone. kStartledkbykthekblea nesskinkhiskeyes,kJocelynkrealizedkthatkshekhadkneverkreal lyk nownkhim.kWhatkscarsk didkhekhidekbehindkhiskpolishedksurface?kShekhadknotkthoughtktokwonder,kbecausek shekhadkbeenkhidingkink thekshadowskandkspinningkherkfantasies.kShe'dkunderstoodknothing. kTherekwouldkbektimektokberatekherselfklater.kNow,kshekhadkmorekimportantkthings ktokdo.kShekboltedkfromk thekdrawingkroomkandkupkthekstairskatkakspeedkshekhadn'tkachievedksincekshekwask twelvekyearskold.k

kHeartkpounding,kshekburstkintokthekbluekroomkwithoutk noc ing,kandkfoundkherkhu sbandkpac ingkhiskfewk remainingkpossessionskintokakportmanteau.kBreathlesskfromktwoklongkflightskofkst airs,kshekgasped,k"Please,k David,kgivekmekakchancektokexplain!kThatkwasknotkwhatkitkloo edkli e." kHeartkpounding,kshekburstkintokthekbluekroomkwithoutk noc ing,kandkfoundkherkhu sbandkpac ingkhiskfewk remainingkpossessionskintokakportmanteau.kBreathlesskfromktwoklongkflightskofkst airs,kshekgasped,k"Please,k David,kgivekmekakchancektokexplain!kThatkwasknotkwhatkitkloo edkli e." kJocelynkwincedkunderktheklashkofkhisksarcasm.kBeforektoday,kshekhadkneverkseenk himkangry.kTherekhadk beenk indness,kintelligence,khumor,kandkheart-meltingktenderness,kbutkneverkthis kicy,kterrifyingkrage. kStrugglingktokcontrolkherkvoice,kshekreplied,k"Yes,kIkletkhimk isskme.kIkwanted ktokunderstandkmykfeelingsk forkhim,kandkitkseemedkthekquic estkwayktokfindkout."kShekmovedkakstepkcloser.k" WhatkIkdiscoveredkwask thatkIkdon'tkwantkankannulment.kIkwantktokbekyourkwife." k"Oh?kHavekyoukdecidedkthatkaknominalkhusbandkwillkgivekyoukmorekfreedomktokcutk akpromiscuouskswathk throughkthekbeaukmonde?"kHekslammedkthekportmanteaukshut.k"Ikregretktokinformkyo ukthatkmykvalueskarek shoc inglykconventional,kandkIkhaveknokdesirekforkakwifekwithkfashionablekmorals .kIfkyoukwantkakhusbandk forkpropriety'sksa e,kyoukcankbuykyourselfkakmorektolerantkonekafterkyoukregaink yourkfreedom." kHekliftedkthekcasekandkloo edkdownkatkher,khiskfacekexpressionlesskbutkhisklean kbodykrigidkwithktension.k"Ik willknotkopposekthekannulment.kIfkyouktryktokwithdrawkfromkitksokyoukcankmaintai nkthekfictionkofkbeingk married,kIkshallkfilekforkdivorce.kWouldkyourkdu ekfindkyoukaksuitablekmistressk then?" kLaceratedkbykhiskangerkandkpain,kshekbegged,k"David,kpleasekdon'tkgo.kIk issedk thekmankonce,kIkdidn'tk joinkthekmuslinkcompany.kIkdon'tkwantkhimkandkakfashionableklife,kIkwantkyou.kIk wouldkcountkmyselfk blessedktokspendkthekrestkofkmyklifekwithkyoukatkWestholme." kHisklipsktightened,kandkshekrealizedkwithksic kdespairkthatkshekhadksaidkthekwr ongkthing.k"Hungrykforkmyk acres,kLadykJocelyn?kYoukcouldkbuykmykdyingkbody,kbutknotkmyklivingkone.kNowksta ndkaside." kInsteadkofkmovingkoutkofkthekway,kshekplantedkherselfkinkfrontkofkthekdoor,kblo c ingkhiskescape.kWithk devastatingkempathy,kshekrecognizedkthatkthekdepthkofkhiskangerkwaskakmeasurekof khiskhurt.kShekwhokhadk spentkaklifetimeknursingkherkownkfeelingskofkrejectionkhadkinflictedktheksamek i ndkofkwoundskonkthekmank shekloved. kDesperatektokbrea kthroughkhiskanger,kshekas edkunsteadily,k"WhatkifkIkamkcarry

ingkyourkchild?" kTherekwaskakspar kdeepkinkhiskeyes,kandkforkakmomentkshekthoughtkshekhadkreache dkhim.kThenkhiskfacek shutteredkagain.k"Ifkyoukwor kquic ly,kyoukcankusekitkaskakleverktokconvincekCan doverktokmarrykyou.kIk believekhekneedskankheir." k"Stopkit!"kJocelynkcriedkoutkinkagony,ktwistingksidewaysktokhidekherkfacekagain stkthekdoor.k"Stopkit!" kDavidkdrewkankanguishedkbreath.k"Don'tkma ekthiskanykharderkthankitkhasktokbe,k Jocelyn."kHiskhardkhandsk closedkonkherkshouldersktokmovekherkfromkhiskpath. kAklast,kfrailkargumentkoccurredktokher.kForcingkbac kherktears,kshekturnedktokf acekhim.k"Youkhavekstudiedk theklawkandkpridekyourselfkonkhavingkakfairkmind.kWillkyoukjudgekmekwithoutkhear ingkallkthekevidence?" kHiskmouthktwistedkharshly.k"Ikfoundkthekletterkfromkyourkaunt.kThekcontentskmad ekitkseemkprobablekthatk

youkdecidedkvirginitykwasknoklongerkankasset,kandksetkoutktokseducekmekforkthatk reason.kIkarrivedkherekandk foundkyoukinkthekarmskofkthekmankyoukclaimedktokhavekwantedkallkalong.kHowkmuchk morekevidencekisk there?" youkdecidedkvirginitykwasknoklongerkankasset,kandksetkoutktokseducekmekforkthatk reason.kIkarrivedkherekandk foundkyoukinkthekarmskofkthekmankyoukclaimedktokhavekwantedkallkalong.kHowkmuchk morekevidencekisk there?" kAkmusclekjer edkinkhiskjaw.k"Thenkwhykdidkyoukrunkawaykandksaykwekshouldknotkse ekeachkotherkagain?" k"ForkcomplicatedkreasonskIkamkjustkbeginningktokunderstand,kIkhavekonlykletkmys elfkbecomekinterestedkink menkwhokwerekoutkofkreach,"ksheksaidkhaltingly.k"Menkwhokcouldkbektrustedknotkto kcarekforkmekdeeply.k Whenkyoukleftkthatknoteksayingkyouklovedkme,kIkwaskoverwhelmedkwithkfearkandkcon fusion,ksokIkran." k"Ikdon'tkunderstand,"kheksaid,kexpressionkperplexed.kButkatkleastkhekwasklisten ing. k"WhenkIkreturnedktokLondon,kIkspo ekwithkAuntkLauraktoklearnkmorekaboutkwhatkIk hadkbeenkhidingkfromk allkmyklife.kIkwaskonlykfourkwhenkmykparentskdivorcedkinkthekgreatestkscandalkof ktheirkgeneration.kIkneverk sawkorkheardkfromkmykmotherkagain.kEverksince,konkaklevelkfarktookdeepktokrecogn ize,kIkhavekbelievedk therekwasksomethingkhorriblykwrongkwithkme.kMykmotherkhadkabandonedkme,kandkIkfe aredkmykfatherk wouldkalsokifkIkwasn'tkthekperfectkdaughter,kalwayskbrightkandkprettykandkcollec ted.kItkwaskakrolekIklearnedk tokplaykverykwell,kbutkthat'skwhatkitkwas kakrole." kHerkeyeskslidkawaykfromkhis,kherkwordskwrenchedkfromkher.k"Ifkmyklifekwaskakfra ud,kthatkmeantkthatknok mankcouldklovekme,kbecauseknonekofkthemk newkme.kAnyonekwhokclaimedktoklovekmekm ustkbekeitherkak liarkafterkmykfortune,korkworse,kaksincerekfoolkwhokwouldkcomektokdespisekmekifk hek newkmekbetter.kIk couldknotkallowkakmanktokcomekclosekenoughktokdiscoverkmykfatalkflaws.kOnlykafte rkSallyksaidkyoukwantedk tokmarryksomeonekelsekcouldkIkstartktokac nowledgekmykfeelingskforkyou." kShekgavekakhumorlessksmile.k"Candoverkiskankattractivekman,keasyktokdreamkabout .kButkwhenkIk issedk him,kIkrealizedkthatkwhatkIkli edkmostkwaskthatkhekdidn'tklovekme,kwhichkwaskper fectksincekIkneverkfeltkthatk Ikdeservedktokbekloved." kInkthekfacekofkherkgallant,kpainfulkhonesty,kDavid'skangerkbeganktokdissolve.kA bandonedkbykherkmother,k terrifiedkofklosingkanyonekelsekshekloved nokwonderkthatkunderkherkserenekfacadekl aykfear.kThekpiecesk shekhadkrevealedkcamektogetherkintokthekwholekJocelyn,kthekwoundedkchildkaskwell kaskthekbewitchingk

woman. kOverwhelmedkwithklovekandkcompassion,khekraisedkonekhandktokstopkthekflowkofkag onizedkwords.k"Youk don'tkhavektoksaykmore,kJocelyn." kShekshoo kherkhead,keyeskstar .k"Thektimekforkhidingkfromkmyselfkiskover.kWhenk youkleftkmektheknotek sayingkthatkyouklovedkme,kIkwaskterrified,kbecausekifkyouklovedkme,kitkwaskjustk akmatterkofktimekuntilkyouk discoveredkwhatkwaskwrongkwithkme."kHerkvoicekbro ekbeforekshekfinished,k"Ikcoul dksurviveklosingkthek regardkofksomeonekIkdoknotkcarekforkdeeply,kbutklosingkthekmankIkdoklovekwouldkd estroykme.kSokIkleft k beforekyoukcouldksendkmekaway." kHekenfoldedkherkinkhiskarms,kwishingkhekcouldkhealkthekwoundskshekhadkbornekall kherklife.k"I'mksorrykforkallk thekbeastlykthingskIksaid,"khekwhispered,khiskvoicekhus ykwithkemotion.k"Youkdid knothingktokdeserveksuchk crueltykonkmykpart."k

kAskshekclungktokhim,ktrembling,khek neadedkherknec kandkbac ,ktryingktoksoftenk thektautkmuscles.k"Youk seekwhykIktryktokbekakcoolkEnglishkgentleman.kWhenkthekwild,kemotionalkWelshmank escapes,kIkamkimmunek toklogickandkgoodksense.kIkhadn'tk nownkIkwaskcapablekofksuchkjealousy.kButkthen ,kI'vekneverklovedk anyonekaskIklovekyou."kHiskmouthkcurvedkwryly.k"Itkdidn'tkhelpkthatkCandoverkisk akwealthy,khandsomek du e.kIfkyoukneedktoksortkoutkyourkfeelingskinkthekfuture,kdokyoukthin kyoukcoul dkexperimentkwithkakshort,k elderlykfishmonger?" kAskshekclungktokhim,ktrembling,khek neadedkherknec kandkbac ,ktryingktoksoftenk thektautkmuscles.k"Youk seekwhykIktryktokbekakcoolkEnglishkgentleman.kWhenkthekwild,kemotionalkWelshmank escapes,kIkamkimmunek toklogickandkgoodksense.kIkhadn'tk nownkIkwaskcapablekofksuchkjealousy.kButkthen ,kI'vekneverklovedk anyonekaskIklovekyou."kHiskmouthkcurvedkwryly.k"Itkdidn'tkhelpkthatkCandoverkisk akwealthy,khandsomek du e.kIfkyoukneedktoksortkoutkyourkfeelingskinkthekfuture,kdokyoukthin kyoukcoul dkexperimentkwithkakshort,k elderlykfishmonger?" kTearskswamkinkherkeyes,kbutkherkmouthkwaskwarmkandkwelcoming.kHekembracedkherkf iercely,kusingkhisk handskandkmouthkinkakprimalkneedktokmar kherkaskhis. kForkthekfirstktime,kshek issedkhimkwithkherkwholekself,kconcealingknothing.kWit hkallkdefenseskdown,ktheyk werekjoinedkinkankemotionalkintimacykthatkcamekfromktheksoul,kleavingkthemkbothk sha en. kReconciliationkflaredkintokpassion,kthekneedktokbekaskclosekaskhumanlykpossible .kWithkfumblingkhandskandk rippingkfabric,ktheykmadektheirkwaykacrosskthekroom,kleavingkaktrailkofkhastilyk discardedkgarments.kThisk timektherekwasknonekofkthektentativenesskofknewklovers.kTheykhadklearnedkeachkot herkonkallklevels,kandkthek resultkwaskankinfernokofkdesire. kJocelynkfellkbac konkthekbed,kpullingkhimkwithkher.kShekwantedktokabsorbkeveryk inchkofkhim,ktokforgekak bondkthatkwouldkbindkthemkforkaklifetime,kandkbeyond. kTheykmadeklovekwithkthekdesperatekhungerkofktwokpeoplekwhokhadknearlyklostkwhat ktheykvaluedkmost,k stayingktangledktogetherkevenkinkthekhazykaftermathkofkloving.kDavidkreleasedkJo celynkonlyklongkenoughktok pullkakcoverkoverkthemkbeforekoncekmorekcradlingkherkclose.kAskbodieskcooledkand kbreathkreturned,ktheyk tal edkaskloverskdo,kofkhowkeachkhadkbegunktoklovekthekother,kofktheksmallklandm ar skandkdiscoverieskthatk laidkthekfoundationskofktheirkpersonalkmiracle.kTherekwasknokreasonktokrush,kand keverykreasonkinkthekworldk toksavorkthatksweetksharing. kMuch,kmuchklater,kDavidkmurmured,k"I'mkgratefulkyourkservantskhavektheksensekno tktokwal kinkonkusk

withoutk noc ing.kIkwouldkhatektokembarrasskonekofkthekmaids." kJocelynkfeltksokfullkofkjoykthatkanythingkwouldkhavekmadekherklaugh.k"IfkIk now kanythingkaboutkmyk household,ktheykhavekdeducedkexactlykwhykwekhavekbeenkclosetedkinkherekforkhours ,kandkthey'rek celebratingkwithkakchampagnektoastkinkthekservants'khall.kFromkwhatkMariekhasksa id,kthey'vekbeenkworriedk aboutkmykimpendingkspinsterdom,kandkhadkdecidedkyoukwerekthekperfectksolution." kHerkheadkwasklyingkonkhiskchestkandkshekcouldkfeelkaskwellkaskhearkhisklaughter .k"Whatkexcellentkservantsk youkhave." kLoo ingkupkatkhim,kshekas ed,k"IskitksafektokassumekthatkJeanettekisknoklongerk relevant?" kThektannedks inkaroundkhiskeyeskcrin ledkmischievously.k"Tokbekhonest,kI'dkforg ottenkthatkI'dkwrittenk SallykaboutkJeanette.kItkwaskaklightning-boltkaffairkthatkendedkwhenksheksorrowf ullykinformedkmekthatkak mankofkgreaterkfortunekhadkofferedkforkher,kandkshekreallykcouldknotksupportklif ekonkankofficer'sksalary.k Afterkthekinitialkshoc kworekoff,kIkdiscoveredkIkdidn'tkmisskherkinkthekleast.kJ eanettekiskentirelykancientk history,kaskiskourkannulment."kHekbentktok isskherkagain.k"It'sktooklatektokchan gekyourkmind,kmykladykwife.k I'mknotklettingkyoukgokagain."k

kJocelynkclosedkherkeyes,khearingkoncekagainkthekecho,k"Tillkdeathkuskdokpart,"k thisktimekwithkakresonancek ofkinfinitekwarmthkandkprotection.kHesitantlyksheksaid,k"I'vekdiscoveredkwhykI'v ekbelievedkmyselfkunworthyk ofklove,kbutkitkwillkbekaklongktimekbeforekallkofkmykfearskarekgone.kIkhopekyouk willkbekpatientkifkIkclingktook closely." kJocelynkclosedkherkeyes,khearingkoncekagainkthekecho,k"Tillkdeathkuskdokpart,"k thisktimekwithkakresonancek ofkinfinitekwarmthkandkprotection.kHesitantlyksheksaid,k"I'vekdiscoveredkwhykI'v ekbelievedkmyselfkunworthyk ofklove,kbutkitkwillkbekaklongktimekbeforekallkofkmykfearskarekgone.kIkhopekyouk willkbekpatientkifkIkclingktook closely." kWarmthk indledkinkherkheart,kspreadingkuntilkeverykfiberkofkherkbeingkwasksuffu sedkwithkthek nowledgek thatkshekwaskloved.kShekpulledkhiskfacekdownktokhers,ktastingktheksaltyksweetnes skofkhisklips.k"Itkcertainlyk does,kmykdearestklove.kItkcertainlykdoes." kEpiloguek

SincekDavidkandkJocelyn'skweddingkhadkbeenksokhastykandkprivate,ktheykgavekaklar gekreceptionktok officiallykannouncekthekmarriagektokfriendskandkfamily.kRichardkDaltonkattendedk onkhiskcrutches,kloo ingk justifiablykpleasedkwithkhimselfkforkfollowingkhiskintuitionkthatkthektwokofkthe mkbelongedktogether. kElvira,kCountesskofkCromarty,kwentkintokakhystericalkragekwhenksheklearnedkthat kherkwretchedkniecekhadk withdrawnkthekapplicationkforkankannulment.kItkwaskbadkenoughk nowingkthatkJocel yn'skfortunekwask foreverkoutkofkElvira'skreach.kFarkworsekwaskdiscoveringkthatkthekgirlkandkherkh usbandkwerekbesottedkwithk eachkother.kAskshektoldktheklong-sufferingkWilloughby,kthekverykleastkonekcouldk havekhopedkforkwaskthatk theykwouldkbekaskmiserablekaskmostkmarriedkcouples. kWhenkDavid'skletterkreachedkhisksisterkonkakrainykdaykinkScotland,kSallykhappil ykreportedktokIankthatkherk brotherkandkhiskwifekhadkfallenkinklovekandkwereknowkmarriedkforkreal.kHekloo ed kupkfromkthekanatomyk textkhekwaskbrowsingkwithkaktwin lekinkhiskeyes,kagreeingkthatkmarriagekwaskakbr awkgoodkthing hisk Scottishkaccentkwaskinkfullkflower becausekitkcombinedktemptationkwithkopportunity kinkakmostk satisfactorykfashion.kTa ingkthatkaskakchallenge,kSallyksetkoutktoktemptkhim,kwh ichkledktokankappliedk anatomyklessonkthatkbothkofkthemkfoundkakgoodkdealkmorekenjoyablekthankthekonekI ankhadkbeenkstudying. kVoicekwic edlyksuggestive,kColonelkAndrewkKir patric kremindedkhiskwifekthatkhe khadksaidkthekKendalk womenkwerekirresistiblektokarmykmen.kSheklaughedkinkagreement,kandkputkoutkthekc

andle. kDelightedknotktokhavektokdecidekwhichkwell-lovedkemployerktokserve,kHughkandkMa riekbeganktokplanktheirk ownkwedding.kRhyskwouldkbekhiskbrother'skbestkman. kJocelynkwrotekakbriefknotektokthekDu ekofkCandover,kthan ingkhimkforkhiskforbea rancekandkgoodkadvice,k andkurgingkhimktokmatrimonykaskthekhappiestkofkallkstates.kHeksmiledkaklittleksa dlykwhenkhekreadkherkwords,k dran kaksolitaryktoastktokthekladykandkherkfortunatekhusband,kthenksmashedkthekg lasskinkthekfireplace. kThoughkshektoo kakdimkviewkofksharingkherkmistress,kIsiskcontinuedktoksleepkonk Jocelyn'skbed.kAfterkall,k shekhadkbeenktherekfirst.k

kAuthor'skNote kAuthor'skNote kLong-timekreaderskwillkrecognizekotherkcharacters.kRichardkDaltonkiskthekheroko fkmykverykfirstkboo ,kak traditionalkRegencykcalledkThekDiabolicalkBaron,kwhichkactuallykta eskplacekakye arklater,kwhenkRichardk haskrecoveredkfromksurgery. kThekDu ekofkCandoverkwaskcreatedkbecausekIkneededkaksuper-coolkOtherkMankforkTh ekWould-Bek Widow,kthekoriginalkversionkofkthiskstory.kHowever,kRafekcaughtkmykimaginationkb ykshowingkintriguingk signskofkvulnerabilitykinkhisklastkscene,ksoknaturallykhekhadktokhavekakboo kofk hiskown.kLoo kforkRafe'sk storykinkthekhistoricalkromancekPetalskinkthekStormk(firstkpublishedkaskakSignet kRegencykentitledkThek ControversialkCountess).kIt'skalwayskgreatkfunktokseekarrogancekhumbled! kThiskboo kcontainskthekfirstkappearancekofkIankKinloc ,kcrustykScotkandkbrillia ntksurgeon,kwhomkIkhavek sincekhauledkintokservicekeveryktimekIkneededkRegencykmedicalkhelp.kHekplayedkvi talkroleskinkShatteredk RainbowskandkOnekPerfectkRose,kaskwellkaskappearingkinkthekRegencykCarouselkofkH earts.kIt'skalwaysk nicektokseekhimkagain. kTraditionally,kBritishksurgeonskarekcalledkMisterkwhilekphysicianskarekcalledkD octor,kakdifferencekwhichk goeskbac ktokthekfactkthatkphysicianskwerekconsideredkgentlemen,kwhileksurgeons, kwhokwor edkwithktheirk hands,koccupiedkaklowerksocialkrung.kSincekIankwaskqualifiedkinkbothkdisciplines ,kI'vekcalledkhimkDoctork forksimplicity'sksa e. kAknotekaboutklawyers.kAskmostkpeoplek now,kinkcontemporarykBritainklawyerskarek dividedkintok barristers,kwhokappearkinkcourt,kandksolicitors,kwhokdokthekmajoritykofklegalkwo r kinktheirkofficeskandkwhok engagekbarristerskwhenkcaseskgoktoktrial. kHowever,ktheksituationkwaskfarkmorekcomplicatedkduringkthekRegency,ksincekthere kwerekthreek indskofk law,keachkwithkitskownkcourtksystem:kequity,kcommonklaw,kandkchurchkcourts.kWors e,keachksystemkhadk twokcategorieskofklawyerskthatkdealtkwithkthatkparticularkbranchkofklaw.kThiskis kmind-bogglinglyk complicatedkandknotkespeciallykrelevantktokmykstory,ksokmostlykI'vekjustkusedkth ektermklawyer,kwhichkli ekak basickblac kdresskiskalwaysksuitable. kI'vekusedkthek95thkRifles,konekofkthekmostkrenownedkBritishkregimentskofkthekNa poleonickwars,koverkandk overkagainkbecausekitkwaskonekofkthekfewkoutfitsktokfightkbothkonkthekPeninsulak andkatkWaterloo.kAndkifkitk seemskaskifkallkofkmykRegency-erakcharactersk nowkeachkother well,kfashionablekLon donkwasn'tktook largekakplacekinkthosekdays!

kSIGNETk ONYXk NewkYor kTimeskBestsellingkAuthork MarykJokPutneyk

k"Thekperfectkescape!"k BatonkRougekMorningkAdvocate k"Thekperfectkescape!"k BatonkRougekMorningkAdvocate k"Ankexcitingkdebut freshkandkmemorable."k RomantickTimes kTHEkDIABOLICALkBARONk DEARLYkBELOVEDk RIVERkOFkFIREk SILKkANDkSECRETSk SILKkANDkSHADOWSk UNCOMMONkVOWSk VEILSkOFkSILK kSIGNET kNewkYor kTimeskBestsellingkAuthor kCatherine kCoulter kThekCountess kAktantalizingkblendkofkGothickintriguekandkRegencykromance askonlykCatherinekCoul terkcouldkwritekit! k"Delightful witty engaging."k PublisherskWee ly k"Sinfullykdelicious." AtlantakConstitution kTOPAZk "Onekofkthekromancekgenre'skbrightestkandkmostkdazzlingkstars." AffairekdekCoeur kNewkYor kTimeskBestsellingkAuthork

kJokBeverleyk SOMETHINGkWICKEDk "Exceptional akdelightfullykwic ed,krollic ingkromp!"k RomantickTimesk "Wic edly,kwonderfullyksensualkandkgloriouslykromantic." MarykBalogh kJokBeverleyk SOMETHINGkWICKEDk "Exceptional akdelightfullykwic ed,krollic ingkromp!"k RomantickTimesk "Wic edly,kwonderfullyksensualkandkgloriouslykromantic." MarykBalogh kSUSANkKINGk "Masterful brilliant mythicallyklovely."k PublisherskWee lyk(starredkreview),k forkLadykMiracle kTHEkHEATHERkMOONk LAIRDkOFkTHEkWINDk THEkANGELkKNIGHTk LADYkMIRACLEk THEkRAVEN'SkMOONk THEkRAVEN'SkWISHk