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“It’s Daniel … I mean Mr Thorpe Don’t worry He’s fine But he’s been shot”

“Shot!” Bostock booive a fellow for cursing” Two large steps and Bostock was at Daniel’s side, his frantic gaze searching for evidence of the injury

“It’sto the tear in his coat “But it’s nothing serious Just a graze I suspect, but find Murphy and take me home”

“Home?” Bostock frowned “To Rainham Hall?”

“No,” Daniel snapped If only Bostock would engage his brain before speaking “Take me to the house on Church Street”

“There’s no need to leave” Daphne straightened “I can tend to the wound here”

“No” To feel her warm hands on his bare skin would be the end of him Besides, there was a chance it needed a stitch or two, and he’d not put her through the agony of doing that “Bostock will see to it”

Daphne placed her hands on her hips in defiance “I have seen a man’s bare chest before if that’s what concerns you Granted, it e and impressive but—”

“Bostock knohat he’s doing, and I need a change of clothes If we’re to go to Witham, there are some matters I need to attend to”

While his explanation appeased her somewhat, the two lines were still pro is all right?”

“Bostock will return within the hour” After what had o

ccurred in Covent Garden and the alley near the docks, Daniel could not leave her without protection “And he’ll stay here with you until I return tomorrow”

Betsy’s bealad to have Bostock for colad to be rid of him

Daphne sighed “Very well We o quickly Heaven knows the extent of the dae beneath that coat”

“Lock the door behind us and do not open it until Bostock returns” It crossed histo ease the sudden ache in his chest caused by his i departure Instead, he reached into the pocket of his greatcoat and handed her the pistol “An extra precaution Perhaps use the time to teach Betsy hoield a weapon”