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Chapter Seven
Pierce regarded the rain.
The downpour continued, unabated. It was accompanied by a heavy fog, making it almost impossible to see more than a dozen feet in any direction. Pierce did not see, not the rain, not the blanket of mist, nor the few evergreens poking through pockets of it. He only saw A
How perverse life was.
He had not lied when he had told her that he had not thought to ever see her again. He was dismayed. He had not wished for their paths to ever cross again. Yet he was also elated, peculiarly so, and there was no denying it.'".
His pulse continued to pound.
He sighed, turning away from the window, clad only in his shirt and trousers, his sleeves rolled casually up. His single leather trunk, large enough to contain an average-sized man, lay on the floor. His single valise lay on the bed. His jaw set, he went to the black trunk and began removing his clothing from it. He had a job to do.
Which was why he could not leave. And it had nothing to do with A
A
A
She saw several men staring, including James Apple-ton Beard and the elderly Mr. Frank. A
"A
"That is because I have never worn it." A
He stuck his thumb in his mouth and smiled at her. "Goo'," he said.
His na
A
"Play ten?" he asked, taking his nursemaid's hand.
"Yes, we shall play te
Evan was led away. For one moment A
A
He smiled slightly at her and inclined his head. A
"So where did you get that dress, A
A
"Really?" Missy brightened. "I would certainly wear it, again and again."
"Do not give that dress away!" Lizzie said, glaring at Melissa. Then, "A
A
Had anyone recognized him?
"You look as if you have seen a ghost," Adam said, his tone kind. "Are you all right, A
"I am fine. I, er, did think I saw someone I knew, but I was quite mistaken." She flashed a smile, certain the world could see how contrived it was.
Lizzie was regarding her, her scrutiny u
A
A
She stiffened, dismayed. She had no wish for Braxton to see her courted by an old man-as if she were an old maid herself. And then her gaze fell upon James. The moment their eyes co
A
"Evening, Beard," Adam said, not smiling.
Lizzie nodded coolly. Neither one had forgiven him for the way he had treated A
But A
His cheeks remained red but he faced her with wide eyes. "Thank you, Miss Boothe, for your concern. Actually, I seem to be making a miraculous recovery."
"How wonderful," A
"Perhaps I will even be able to play a little te
"Well, I do hope that is the case," A
And how wonderful it felt! A