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No matter, my dear. It was only an afterthought,” Albert interrupted.
    Thomas watched Evangeline sitting rigidly in her chair, and a pang of tenderness uncoiled in his gut. She seemed upset.
    “ This will give you reason to visit us again before the harshest weather sets in,” Albert suggested.
    “ Thank you, sir,” Thomas responded. “I look forward to it. Before Christmas, then.” He peered directly at Evangeline then, wanting to fire her ire, to dispel the stiff, awkward discomfort he saw in her by rousing the challenging woman he'd encountered thus far. “Miss Grey, perhaps you can rectify your oversight then.”
    “ Of course,” she answered, no ire evident. “Again, I am sorry I did not think of it.”
    She acted contrite, almost embarrassed, sparking unease in Thomas. He'd not meant to censure her.
    Is that what she thinks?
    “ Miss Grey, I am hardly sorry for your oversight,” he said after leaning near. “Now I have the perfect ruse under which to return and offend your adorable sensibilities.”
    She blanched at his remark, growing pale and wide eyed. If not for the fact he'd experienced her bite, Thomas would avow that Evangeline Grey flashed a look of sheer terror. Ramrod straight, prim Miss Grey collected herself, the recognizable impassive stare fixed upon him once again.
    “ You lack sufficient prowess to affect my sensibilities, Mr. Masterson. Please, endeavor to expend your energies on more promising pursuits.”
    “ Miss Grey,” Thomas raised his brow speculatively, “you issue a challenge to my person and my prowess.” She did not look away, her penetrating gaze fixed firmly on him, so he pushed a bit further. “And the most promising pursuits, undoubtedly, are those which require the greatest expenditure of energy.” Her failure to make a smart reply enhanced Thomas' sense of triumph; the spark in her earthy eyes signaled her return from the earlier bout with... Thomas wasn't certain what that had been. He did understand at once, however, that he already anticipated his next visit to Grey Manor.
    The afternoon passed quickly, and the gentlemen departed with good cheer and promises of return. Heaving a sigh of relief, Evangeline retired to her room. Alone with the shawl in her lap, she tucked away the busy chaos of the last few days, allowing her mind respite from thought.
    “ Evangeline,” Melody said, shaking her gently.
    At once she was awake, alarm subsiding as recognition dawned.
    Oh. Only Melody.
    “ I must have fallen asleep,” Evangeline admitted guiltily.
    “ Mother sent me to tell you dinner is ready.”
    Setting aside her knitting, Evangeline stretched, her neck stiff from resting awkwardly against the chair.
    “ All that sniping at Mr. Masterson has worn you out,” Melody prodded, mischief alight in her blue eyes.
    “ Mr. Masterson is tiring, indeed,” Evangeline replied coolly. “I'm thankful he and Mr. Lane have left.”
    “ Well, I am not,” Melody pouted. “I thought their company invigorating. And I dare say you enjoyed yourself as well. Even if you refuse to admit it.”
    “ One can hardly enjoy the company of a person depraved.”
    “ What do you mean by that?” Melody asked, wrinkling her brow.
    “ I mean, Melody, that a man such as Mr. Masterson is wont to say or behave in whatever manner he deems most likely to beguile his victims.”
    “ Victims?” Melody laughed. “I hardly think his acquaintances believe themselves victims, Evangeline. In fact,” she lowered her voice conspiratorially, “those victims claim him to be quite accomplished .” Melody arched her eyebrow wickedly.
    “ Melody!” Evangeline censured her sister. “I don't care to hear of Mr. Masterson's rumored abilities . Frankly, I am surprised you would give ear to such nonsense.”
    “ Oh my, Evangeline. What transpires between a man and a woman is hardly nonsense. It is lovely...and pleasurable.” A soft lilt tinged Melody's voice, her expression demulcent.
    “ Enough.