he had taken to warning other nobles against our new friend. I am hopeful you and your brother might help me smooth over the anxiety this has aroused.”

Nat clenched her jaw against the accusations she wanted to hurl at him. No doubt the other nobles were becoming suspicious now that the one voice of discontent had been silenced. Had her father reached any of them? Had he made a single bit of difference standing in open defiance? She could only hope he had not died in vain.

“I will do what I can,” she answered almost without thinking. The heat of the day coupled with her anger was making it difficult to concentrate.

“Excellent,” he replied, smiling hugely and patting her hand with affection. “You and your family must come to the ball tonight. We are celebra...

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