Chapter 67

She hesitated. She'd thought everyone was looking at her. But if Stillmore was known for being looked at, perhaps they weren't looking at her at all. Perhaps she could wait one more moment and see? She didn't just need that ten thousand pounds to get Gabe bought into the clergy. She needed it to pay off Madame Renare-without Gabe finding out. If he found out about her dressmaking bills, he'd kill her.

"Splen..."

"Shh."

"But-"

Win the prize money. Clear her account with Madame Renare. Buy Gabe with his soft dark hair and soulful eyes into the clergy. Marry him. Benefit the poor. Live happily ever after. Stop spending money like water.

This, as her dear papa always said, wasn't over till it was done. Stillmore could bluster all he wanted about duels. When it came to it, she'd beaten him fair and square, and that was all he could have on her. Not who she was. What she was from.