"Not a penny until the conditions are met, and there is dirt falling upon a grave."

Horatia's heart shot into her throat as she struggled to listen to the low voice on the other side of the garden hedge.

"Oh my God," Horatia hissed at the same time that Lucien growled, "That bastard!"

Lucien pulled Horatia by the hand back through the hedges and once more into their room.

"We have to leave now," he said in a tone rough.

"I can see myself home." She ...