“Her name is Priscilla Hobbs,” he continued. “Lady Priscilla Hobbs. Her father’s an earl—she’ll make a perfect mother for my children. Oh, and she’s very nice,” he added unconvincingly. “Why are you telling me all this?” she asked, confused. “I’m just trying to explain why I cannot…pay court to you.” Humiliated, she lashed out at him. “Pay court to me? Because of a little kiss? What an absurd notion!” Her voice rose an octave in her agitation. “I’d never expect you to marry me—you’ve tried to get rid of me at every turn.” “That’s not true,” he protested. “It is so true,” she contradicted, but
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