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“The whispers.”

She shook her head. “It isn’t your fault people like to talk.”

He nodded. “I suppose, but-”

“Are you two coming back there?”Penelope interrupted.

“Yes, of course we are,” Rebecca said, chasing after her.

William just smiled and followed behind her.

The trio enjoyed a pleasant afternoon. When they went to leave, Penelope’s mother met up with them and the pair headed off ontheir own with a polite goodbye, leaving William and Rebecca to return to their carriage just the two of them.

“That went rather well,” she said as they walked.

“So you had a good time then?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Good, I’m glad I was worried we-”

Rebecca drew in a sharp breath and he fell silent for a moment.

“What is it?” he asked, following her gaze.

William grit his teeth when he saw her father and sister approaching them with tight smiles on their faces.

“If we go back into the park for a few moments, we can do another round so we can miss them.”

She shook her head. “I think it’s too late for that.”

Then they were on them, Dorothy stepped forward first, a cruel smirk on her face.

“Rebecca,” she poured out, voice deceptively sweet. “I’m surprised to see that we ran into you here.”

“Why is that?” William asked.

“Well, it’s just a bit surprising Rebecca would want to be out. After all, it isn’t as if she has any connections.”

William stepped between them. “I hardly see how that is any of your concern.”

“She’s my sister. She’s always my concern.”

“And my daughter,” Solomon stepped forward, a critical gaze tracing over her.

“And now she’s my wife, so she’s my concern.”

“Is that right?” Solomon studied him for a moment then frowned. “I must admit I thought you had better tast than that, being a duke and all. It would seem I was wrong. Thought I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“Its strange, I could say the same about you. For all the airs you put on, showing off your status you are hardly the pinnacle of taste yourself. Other wise, you would spend far more time with your fine daughter.”

“I spend plenty of time with my fine daughter Dorothy. I treat them as they deserve to be treated.”

“And what exactly did Rebecca do to warrant her treatment?”

His eyes hardened, turning to her. “She knows what she did. If you don’t know yet, you will soon enough.”

“And why is that?”