A Lady of Secret Devotion by Tracie Peterson

Author:Tracie Peterson [Peterson, Tracie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 0100-12-31T22:00:00+00:00

“You are looking much better,” Cassie told Mrs. Jameston as they sat together in the parlor. It was the first day in weeks that Mrs. Jameston had been able to come downstairs.

“I feel much improved, although I find my limbs quite weak,” the older woman replied. “In time, I’m sure to regain my strength.”

“That would be wonderful, but the doctor did fear that your heart was damaged.”

Mrs. Jameston waved her lace handkerchief as if shooing away unwanted flies. “I’m certain the doctor was wrong about damage to my heart. I think it was probably nothing more than the grippe.”

“Let us hope so.” Cassie wasn’t really convinced, but she didn’t want to discourage her friend. “Shall we continue reading The Wide, Wide World ? I know we usually read in the morning, but the afternoon light is quite nice in this room.”

“In a moment. I want first to know that you are all right.

You’ve been preoccupied these last couple of days. Has Sebastian been bothering you again? I know he’s had many people in and out. Mrs. Dixon keeps me informed.”

Cassie had hoped to keep the matter from Mrs. Jameston, especially since she didn’t know what Sebastian had been up to. “I’ve found I can hold my own with your son.”

“He’s a cad, Cassie, and if I know my son, he’s merely planning his strategies. One of the last lengthy conversations we had was just before I fell ill. He was arrogant and self-assured, but also demanding, wanting to know why I couldn’t simply release his inheritance to him and sell this huge house. He wants everything he can get his hands on—even my mother’s jewelry and the pieces his father bought me. He even suggested I turn everything over to him and let him care for me, but we both know how that would go.”

“Why does he think himself entitled? He treats you cruelly and then expects you to put your life in his hands?” Cassie shook her head and put down the thick volume she held. “I don’t want to speak ill against your son, Mrs. Jameston, but I cannot help it. He has said things that have been . . . well . . . rather threatening.”

“I’ve no doubt of it,” Mrs. Jameston replied. “I suppose . . .

I suppose it would be better if you left me.”

Cassie leaned forward and patted Mrs. Jameston’s hand.

“I am not leaving you. I do not fear for myself. I fear for you.

He’s always talking about when this shall all be his. He speaks of being my master once you are gone. I do not like the way he talks about you. I must say, Mark—I mean Mr. Langford— feels the same way.”

Mrs. Jameston smiled. “What of your Mr. Langford? Are things becoming serious between the two of you? I believe it will just be a matter of time before he proposes, and what a story you shall have to tell your children!”

Cassie startled. “What do you mean?”

The older woman chuckled. “That you met when he nearly ran you over with his horse.

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