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“I have business in London,” he added.
She met his eyes. “So have I.”
Rafael cracked a walnut between his long fingers. “Oh? Were you planning to walk there?”
“No, I have twenty pounds. Rather, I have eighteen pounds now. I didn’t realize the cost of things. I shall have to be careful.”
“Did you steal the twenty pounds?”
Her eyes flew to his face, but his concentration was seemingly on the walnut meat.
“Not that I blame you, of course. I wonder what Damien will do. I wonder what he has done already. I assume he would know you’re long gone.”
He looked up at that moment and saw her go perfectly white. He felt like a bounder, scaring her like that.
“You didn’t stop at Drago Hall?”
“No, I didn’t. Look, Victoria, I can’t leave you here. Do you have relatives in London? Anyone who could take you in? Were you going to someone?”
She shook her head and at the same time said quickly, “Yes.”
“Ah.”
“I will pay you for this room and for the meal. How much was it?”
“Eighteen pounds,” he said mildly. He poured himself some thick black coffee, warmed his hands on the mug, and sat back in his chair, at his ease.
“You’re not a gentleman.”
“It appears to me that you haven’t experienced many gentlemen in your life thus far. Actually, I suppose I am, but I also understand that it would be difficult for you to judge. Now, what am I going to do with you?”
“I’ll leave tomorrow. Alone.”
“With your eighteen pounds?”
“Yes.”
“The devil you will,” he said. He rose and stretched, then turned toward her, his features softening.
She felt herself go rigid with fear.
4
Comparisons are odorous.
—SHAKESPEARE
“My God,” Rafael said, coming to an abrupt stop. “Did he frighten you so much, then? You believe I am like him? You’re afraid of me?”
“No. Yes. Go away.”
“Very clear. Thank you.”
“It is just that you look so very alike and . . .” She stopped and drew a deep breath. “I’m sorry, it’s not your fault.”
“But you’re wondering if blood runs the same in twins? Bad blood or good blood?”
She raised her face at his serious tone. “No, really not. Indeed, I’ve never known twins before.”
