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The Medium C J Archer 7950K 2023-09-01

I sighed and stood I picked up my heavy woolen shawl fro it around my shoulders Hopefully the extra thick one would appease bothCelia I was leaving

Fortunately I didn't have to I slipped downstairs, tiptoed past the drawing room, plucked an umbrella fro

The drawing roo to Lord and Lady Preston was larger than one entire floor of s, vases, sculptures and other artworks-all with a touch of gold- was probably higher than the whole contents of my house too It was difficult to appear sophisticated and worldly in the presence of such wealth and exquisite taste, particularly as I was ensconced in an enor ain

Lady Preston sat with regal elegance on the sofa beside her daughter, her exact replica only younger Both had hair the color of honey, coifed in an intricate style atop their heads, and both had eyes of the same vibrant blue as Jacob Whereas his face was all les, theirs-while no less perfect-were softer and rounder as if the sculptor had lovingly polished instead of chipped Against the gold tones of the room, they looked like royalty

As if their fair beauty wasn't intiazes studied every inch of ht cuirass bodice again, it looked alainst their silks Whereas Lady Preston's expression rehter Adelaide's was more open and friendly She even attempted a smile I smiled back but it faded when Lady Preston's lips flattened in disapproval

"You say you knew my son, Miss Chambers?" she prompted

I had introduced myself to the butler who'd let me in only after I told him I needed to see Lord and Lady Preston about Jacob Since the viscount was taking lunch at his club, the servant had shownroom where I'd waited for Lady Preston to join hter on her heels

"Actually, that's not quite correct," I said "You see" I shifted in my seat but that only made me sink further into theto Jacob about thishad vanished Part of me wished I was curled up on the threadbare sofa at ho a book in front of the fire "You see, I know Jacob"