Her Stepmother Sent Her to the Duke as a Joke – He Offered Her a Chair Before He Said a Word

Hector flinched, looking up at his master in betrayal.

“Draft the letter, Miss Hawthorne. The nose-breaking was deeply satisfying, but unfortunately, it does not replenish the coffers.”

Norah dipped her quill again. “As you wish.”

They worked through the afternoon. Bates brought in tea and cold meats at 3, placing them silently between the desks. They continue reading …