I'd never really expected that he would go. So far he had refused whenever I had urged it. But he did. It was easier than I'd thought, watching him walk away. Perhaps because I knew that a word to Mrs Hamilton could bring him back. For now. If Hardley's plan took years to come to fruition then I might lose that option. And that would be a shame. Options are good to have. 

 Mrs Hamilton had evidently seen Lucas leave too. She entered the room only a few minutes after he'd left it. 

 'You must forgive me for not being here to welcome you, my lady. A small staff emergency! But I expected Mr Brand to stay much longer?' She paused diplomatically and I blushed. 

 'I collect that My Brand has told you something of our circumstances, Mrs Ha...

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