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For soht when Mr Thorpe stepped forward, took Miss Cartwright’s hand and assisted her into a sitting position

“What large hands you have, sir” Miss Cartwright looked upon Thorpe as one would a juicy piece of plurateful to have so to offer his protection”

Sister? The veiled insult did not slip past Daphne What the woman meant to say was spinster “That is why introductions are made before conversation com foolish assumptions”

Miss Cartwright scanned the muddy hem of Daphne’s plain dress with some amusement “It could have been worse With your inappropriate attire, I ht have mistaken you for a maid”

Her inappropriate attire? This woreeting guests in a robe

“I heard you find excessive clothes an encu her face but ignored it “For once it appears the gossips were right”

Miss Cartwright gave a light, airy chuckle as she trailed her fingers across the exposed skin at her collarbone “From her stuffy manner, am I to assume she’s your wife?”

“Mrs Chambers is my business partner,” Thorpe informed in the tone of a schoolmaster quick to put an end to his pupils’ childish banter

“How quaint I would ask you more about your business, sir, but I’m more interested in what you do when at your leisure”

Lord above Surely Thorpe wasn't duped by her insincere flattery

“Your interest reat indeed,” Daphne interjected, “since you appear to have forgotten all about your ailment of the heart”

Miss Cartwright moistened her lips as she studied Thorpe’s impressive form “If presented with a muscular stallion would one mourn the loss of a shabby pony?”

Thorpe cleared his throat “As you currently have no claiet to the matter at hand”

A smile formed on Daphne’s lips and she squared her shoulders A war filled her chest at Thorpe’s complete lack of interest in the brazen beauty before them

“If Tranmere wants me to take him back, he will have to make it worth my while The humiliation alone is worth a substantial increase in allowance”