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"Cough, cough. I must decline to answer that question."

Egerton used a cough to mask his inner discomfort, feigning an air of mystery.

"And what if I insist you do not refuse?" The duchess smiled, her beauty and nobility shining through, yet it sent a shiver down Egerton's spine.

"Then I would have to speak against my better judgment," Egerton replied with a wry smile.

"Oh