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Chapter 11
Taking the Trouble to Practice.
Having made his way past the hosts and a good many of Maria's "close" friends, George found himself looking longingly at the punch bowl and then at the reason why he both wanted to be at the bowl and was not allowed. He glanced around at the assembled throng attending Lord and Lady Gordon's ball, wishing he could feel a thrill at being among such illustrious personages; at one time he would have seen it as a great opportunity, but now it was rather losing its luster.
"Do not slouch, George," Maria's superior tone made him flinch.
"No, dearest," he said dutifully.
"Remember, you are now my husband and a Montcraven; use your charms wisely."
"Yes, dearest," he muttered agreeably, while inwardly cursing Lucy Younge for putting him in the path of Maria Montcraven. He could not believe that she had still been angry about Ramsgate. It had be
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