Anne Ashley by His Makeshift Wife

Author:His Makeshift Wife
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Directly after the Petersham party, life at the Manor surprisingly enough settled once again into a routine of pleasurable harmony. Although she and Luke didn’t precisely live in each other’s pocket, both having interests of their own to pursue, they spent a good deal of time together, as they had in those halcyon days prior to the dinner party and Luke’s unexpected desertion to London.

They began socialising more often, accepting invitations to many events in the neighbourhood, including a lavish party held at Willoughby Hall, where the baronet’s wife once again proved herself to be the most accomplished hostess in the district. The evening spent with Dr Mansfield and his sister proved equally enjoyable, as did the alfresco gathering at another neighbour’s home.

As July gave way to August Briony began to observe subtle changes in Luke’s behaviour. When they remained at home in the evenings, she would often catch him staring at her thoughtfully. Their eyes would meet and she would receive the natural warmth of his smile, before he returned to what he was doing, which was usually reading.

His behaviour in company, too, underwent a change. Although he happily engaged in conversation with others, male or female, at the different social evenings they attended, he refrained from even the lightest flirtation. The only person he singled out for particular attention was none other than herself, a circumstance that gave rise to several comments being made within her hearing about the joys of being married to devoted husbands. Of course Briony knew better. She was feminine enough to enjoy all the attention Luke paid her, but refused to delude herself into thinking that it was anything other than pretence, an act for the benefit of others. Maybe because of this knowledge she remained on her guard and her vigilance was eventually rewarded.

Since Luke’s return from London she had not once deliberately remained awake at night in an attempt to discover if he was continuing to indulge in his night-time activities. Yet, something had roused her on that particular balmy night at the very beginning of August. The window was wide open in an attempt to allow a little fresh air to infiltrate the clammy atmosphere of the bedchamber. At first she thought it must have been a noise from outside, an animal foraging, which had disturbed her. Then she realised the sounds were coming from the adjoining room.

Sitting bolt upright, she was instantly alert, wondering what to do. If she followed him and confronted him now, she didn’t believe she would achieve anything apart from putting Luke on his guard. He would then make up some excuse for prowling about the house in the dead of night, as he had done before. No, if she stood the remotest chance of ever discovering where he went and, more importantly, for what specific purpose, then she would need to leave the house herself and attempt to follow him. It wouldn’t be easy, but it was the only way.

Once that light tread had passed her door, Briony almost sprang from the bed.

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