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“I wouldn’t call it a trip exactly More a s of the past”

“And did you succeed?”

He raised an arrogant brow “What do you think?”

She scanned his face and body Her gaze fell to theon his knee “How did you come by that bruise on your knuckle?”

“Oh, that” He exaers “My hand collided with a gentleman’s nose and then smacked into his jaw”

“Was it anyone I know?”

“As a matter of fact, he is the son of a merchant who lacks manners when it comes to maids”

Estelle couldn’t help but feel a frisson of satisfaction “Is he dead?”

“No, though I fear he may need to recuperate for some time”

“I see”

Another gust of wind forced her to suck in her breath Ross reached over and drew his coat more firmly around her shoulders

“And what else were you up to on your secret lers

“I spoke to the istrate who showed an interest in what happened at Druerford did hire the Frenchman to attack you in the alley He also hired him to break into the shop When questioned, thepoisoned e of you when you were at your most vulnerable”

“Good Lord The level of deceit is astounding” Now she knehy Mr Hungerford insisted on serving macaroons when he knew she hated them

“Oh, and I spent a night in Wissant,” Ross continued “You’d be surprised what y