The Grand Deception

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t and with a willowy slenderness. In addition, they both had the Augustus family traits of dark hair, brown eyes, and captivating dimples in either cheek. There the resemblance ended, for while Lavinia was a beauty of the first water, Arvinia was keenly aware that she was blessed with only passable good looks. Not that it

ut, there simply was not the money for it. For as long as Arvinia could remember, her free-thinking parent had dedicated himself to working in his laboratory at home,which allowed him little time for mundane matters. With the result that Hollows, the small family estate in Kent, was reduced to a sorry state of affairs. Thus far, Arvinia's hard work and determination had been all that had kept it from going under the auctioneer's block. And now that it looked as if they might actually make a profit off the sheep and the grain

ia," she said, squa

You must simply tell Uncle George the truth. Perhaps," she added doubtfully. "

"If he is so generous, then why don't you ask him for t

not at all the same thing. Dad and Uncle Charles have not spoken a word

tered, "that only proves my point. Uncle George will do ex

ngest brother, and Arvinia's uncle, George had never forgiven him for it. When he in turn became earl at the untimely demise of his elder brother in a carriage accident, Uncle George had made it clear he would have taken Hollows back had it not been unenta

rvinia and she be brought out together at Lavinia's expense. This, Arvinia had refused to do, saying that accepting a loan or two on occasion wa

am nothing like you. I have never even been to a ball. I know nothing of Town gossip, have never met any of the upper-class, and would not know the first thing about ma

has the distinction of being a hero, but is, besides, the catch of the Marriage Mart. As for something to wear, I have already seen to it that a trunk has been packed with all the gowns and accessories you could possibly require." Lavinia averted her face and added contritely. "I beg you to forget what