“
Or maybe,” Violet continued, warming to the endeavor, “she’s the illegitimate child of a nobleman.” That was considerably more plausible—and more palatable. “One would think he’d have settled enough funds on her so that she didn’t have to work as a housemaid.” “A great many men completely ignore their by-blows,” Violet said, her face wrinkling with distaste. “It’s nothing short of scandalous.” “More scandalous than their having the by-blows in the first place?” Violet’s expression turned quite peevish. “Besides,” Benedict said, leaning back against the sofa and propping one ankle on the other knee, “if she were the bastard of a nobleman, and he’d cared for her enough to make sure she had schooling as a child, then why is she completely penniless now?” “Hmmm, that’s a good point.” Violet tapped her index finger against her cheek, pursed her lips, then continued tapping. “But have no fear,” she finally said, “I shall discover her identity within a month.” “I’d recommend asking Eloise for help,” Benedict said dryly. Violet nodded thoughtfully. “Good idea. That girl could get Napoleon to spill his secrets.
”
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