A Dangerous Deception by L.R. Olson

Author:L.R. Olson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, historical, historical romance, regency romance, victorian romance, lisa kleypas
Publisher: L.R. Olson

Chapter 6

Lillian

The children were playing in the yard when I returned. I could hear their laughter from the path that led up to the front stoop. For the briefest of moments, I paused, taking in the sound. Despite my inner turmoil, I couldn’t help but smile.

Perhaps it was merely wishful thinking on my part, but Benny and Caroline seemed to be getting along better than normal here in the country. They were thriving. At night they slept deep, and peacefully, and the moment they awoke they raced outside, eager to start the day, much like Haddie and I had been when we were children. As it should be.

How ironic that I’d finally found what I’d wanted all those years ago: a peaceful life in the country with William. Yet it was all a lie. A mockery of my dreams. And it would end.

I trudged up the front stoop. My exhaustion had more to do with my emotions than a physical wariness. Seeing William with the children had been too much to bear. My heart had broken for what he and I had both lost. Hearing him condemn all women because of what I’d done those years ago had been the final nail in my coffin of guilt.

Had I destroyed any chance he might have had for wedded bliss? I was honest enough to admit that the thought of him marrying another made my stomach roil. Yet I cared about him. I didn’t want him to be alone. He needed a wife, a family, to help him through his dark days. He deserved that wedded bliss he hadn’t found with me.

The butler opened the door and bowed. “My lady.”

Rupert had been with my family since I’d been a babe. Sharp as a tack, he knew everything that occurred in our household, yet was loyal to a fault. I could count on him to keep my secrets safe. The maids had come from London, hired by my mother. But soon enough, the neighbors would spy me trudging back and forth to William’s estate.

“Evening, Rupert. Where is my mother?”

“The parlor, my lady, having tea.”

“Thank you.”

I took off my bonnet and handed it to the maid waiting near the doors, then made my way toward the parlor. It was a quaint house, comfortable and lovely, if a bit small. I could imagine centuries of families enjoying their lives in these rooms. Mother had complained relentlessly that it made no impression. Who she was trying to impress, I wasn’t quite sure.

“Evening, Mother.”

She sat near the windows, watching the children play. At my approach she didn’t even stir, as if she hadn’t heard me. I had to resist the urge to sigh, wondering what sort of bee she had in her bonnet this time.

“Evening,” she finally murmured.

Watching her warily, I tugged off my gloves and placed them on the sideboard. As the silence stretched my wariness shimmered into unease. This wasn’t mother pouting. Something had happened. Slowly, I made my way toward the two chairs that had been placed in front of the large windows.

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