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stays “No, randmother”

The news came as a shock “You speak of Charlotte Drake? Charlotte Drake died a randson?”

An abrupt cough drew Juliet’s attention to the dressing rooaze

“Take Mrs Drake’s wet garments to the laundry, Tilly,” the housekeeper snapped “I shall assist her into the tub”

Tilly stood frigid for a few seconds, but then scooped up Juliet’s clothes and hurried frolacial stare from Mrs Barbary and it was as if a winter chill breezed in through theto freeze the blood in her veins

Mrs Barbary took a silk robe from the armoire and draped it around Juliet’s shoulders “You should direct any personal questions about the faeration As norant else they will ride roughshod over you every chance they get”

While she was in no doubt that Mrs Barbary meant well, her tone lacked the warh she felt the urge to chastise the servant for forcing her opinion, the heat of shahter of an actress, not a lady of the ton She kneork with servants not command them

A hushed conversation fro room

Tears prickled Juliet’s eyes

Oh, it was ridiculous that she should let the woman affect her mood

Mrs Barbary barked instructions at the foot steps preceded the click of the bedchamber door

“Your bath is drawn, ma’am,” Mrs Barbary called

Juliet sucked in a breath, straightened her shoulders and exited the dressing room “Thank you, Mrs Barbary, you may leave me I wish to bathe alone”

The housekeeper’s face remained expressionless “Then I shall stoke the fire before I do”

Juliet slipped out of the robe, the silk gar a little as she dipped them into the hot water The same would be true for her li herself into the steamy depths