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Chapter 1

London August 1820

“Good evening ,you in the library”

Gyles Frederick Rawlings, fifth Earl of Chillingworth, paused in the act of divesting hied and let the heavy coat fall into his butler’s waiting hands “Indeed?”

“I understand Lord Walpole will shortly return to Laes for the Dowager Countess”

“In other words,” Gyles ossip and knows better than to return to Mama and my aunt without it”

“As you say,called earlier On ascertaining that you were returning this evening, he left word that he would hold himself ready to wait on your lordship at your earliest convenience”

“Thank you, Irving” Gyles strolled into his front hall Behind him, the front door quietly shut, propelled by a silent footreen-and-white tiles, Gyles glanced back at Irving, waiting, a picture of patience in his butler’s black “Su” Gyles turned down the hall “Send a footiven it’s so late”

“Immediately, my lord”

Another well-trained footman opened the library door; Gyles walked in; the door closed behind him

His uncle, Horace Walpole, was sitting on the chaise, legs stretched out, a half-empty brandy balloon in one hand He cracked open one eye, then opened both and sat up “There you are, o back newsless, and considering ould be safe to concoct”

Gyles crossed to the tantalus “I believe I can spare your i shortly”