Mrs Hamilton received me willingly.

 'I'm so glad you've come, my lady. Even if it was only to get out of the rain!'

 'I'm sorry not to have come before this. But it wasn't because the desire wasn't there, I assure you.'

 'Then you are forgiven. Indeed, I did hear that you have visitors.'

 'Yes,' I sighed. She raised an eyebrow. 

 'Can it be that you are not enjoying their visit?'

 'Of course I'm not,' I burst out. 'Miss Elizabeth Fanshawe has always disliked me, added to which her intimate friend Emma Forbes seems to feel that I stole Hardley away from her, which puts them both in league against me. Which is not exactly comfortable.'

 'No. I'm sure...

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