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again soon, Miss Ellingsworth," he whis- said with a smile, "a large home would be

pered. With a sly smile, he kissed her finger- needed for all the little ones that are soon to

tips, sending shivers that rocked through her come."

body. Without another word, he disappeared The wedding gown was finished and

into the crowd. hanging in her bedchamber at the Wexford

Before Adelina could blink her mind Manor. Numerous flower bouquets were

clear, her betrothed grabbed her arm, nearly lined along the walls of the manor for the

dragging her out of the ballroom. celebration, making everyone sneeze. Lord

"What was that all about?" Brandon Ellingsworth and Wexford hired additional

asked when they were out of earshot of other servants to aid in the preparations.

guests. There was something familiar about that Each night, more and more guests ar-

man. rived at the Wexford Manor, leading to danc-

"You seemed preoccupied with Juliet. ing and drinking in the ballroom. Adelina

Besides, what's wrong with dancing with a patiently danced with the male family mem-

different partner?" Adelina asked, shocked bers and friends of the Wexford family as she

that Brandon was so angry with her. I've been met them. By the time she retired at midnight

dancing with different men each night, Adelina was

all night. Why does he sud- She could tell there sore and exhausted. What
denly care now? "Don't else is there to do?

worry, Brandon, I've nev- was more to this feeling It was finally three

er seen him before. And I

doubt I ever will again." - and she "ranted it. nights before the wed-

"Damn it, Adelina, I ding. Adelina, again, de-

love you," Brandon said. "It hurts to see you scended the stairs to join the excitement in the

dance with someone else." ballroom. She stepped around the drunken

"And I love you, too. You don't think guests that littered the steps and the hall-

it hurt me to watch you dance with Juliet?" way. She passed by the dining room, where

Adelina asked sarcastically. "Let me guess, the guests could help themselves to the large

you expected me to just sit and watch with a buffet. Forcing herself to smile, Adelin~ f?l-

pretty little smile on my face, didn't you?" She lowed the music and laughter to the adJOIn-

could feel the tears approaching and turned ing ballroom. .d
"Sir, milord, please," cried a fnghtene
to walk away before Brandon could stop her.

For the rest of the night, Adelina avoided voice. Adelina followed the whimper to the fa~

Brandon. She had said the words. She had corner. In the shadows, Adelina was shocke

told him "I love you." Adelina felt dumb- to find a drunken man fondling Mary. .

founded at her own words. Perhaps I fell in "You-hiccup-are mine. You see-hIC-

love after all, she thought. But who was Henry? cup - I am -" the man never got to introduce
himself to Mary. Right before he pas:ed

Arrangements had already been made out, he caught a glimpse of Adelina holdmg
for their future. Wexford moved from his
large mansion to a townhouse in the middle fa large candlestick. Then he felt the warm
of London, leaving the estate to his son. For
the time being, the Ellingsworths were to stay sticky feeling of blood trail down the back 0

his neck. . hr

"Mary," Adelina whispered, holdIng e

at Wexford Manor to help with the move and maid as she trembled. "Go up to my r?:
prepare for the wedding. Wexford had told and lock the door. Stay in my bed to~g
Brandon that it was time to move to a smaller, You can use the water warmm. g by.the fIrethtoe
more convenient home, where he was closer freshen up. There is water warrrung by
to the office, anyway. "And besides," he had fir e."

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