Daring Deception by Hiatt Brenda

Author:Hiatt, Brenda
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, regency, regency romance, regency england, sweet romance, arranged marriage, marriage of convenience, brenda hiatt
Publisher: Brenda Hiatt

CHAPTER 10

For the next several days, Frederica made it a point to avoid Lord Seabrooke. Until she could untangle her conflicting emotions, it seemed wisest that she keep her distance from him. Letters to the most likely border towns in Scotland were duly written, but rather than handing them to the Earl herself, she left them on his desk when she knew he would be out. She also penned a letter to her brother, which she intended to mail from Miss Milliken’s house on Thursday to avoid prying eyes. Thomas would be wondering by now why he had not heard from her, and she had no wish for him to come searching for her.

Christabel was growing increasingly fond of her, and that affection was reciprocated. In fact, Frederica found herself frequently falling into the trap of imagining that she would always be there for the child, watching her grow into a young lady she could be proud of. Once or twice she even caught herself musing over what it would be like to sponsor Christabel for her come-out, an experience she herself had shunned. She perceived the danger inherent in such thoughts and strove to suppress them, difficult though it was.

When she visited Miss Milliken on Thursday afternoon, Frederica’s former governess greeted her with some disturbing news.

“My dear, I believe it would be best if you left this post as soon as possible,” Miss Milliken said as soon as they were seated in the parlor. “Rumors have begun to circulate about Lord Seabrooke. It has become common knowledge that an illegitimate child is in residence, and people are drawing the obvious conclusions.”

“Mr. Coombes!” Frederica fairly spat the name. “I suspected that he would do this.” Quickly she related the events leading to the butler’s dismissal from Seabrooke House.

Miss Milliken nodded in sympathy, but said, “I fear the source of the rumors makes little difference. Once gossip begins to spread, it takes on a life of its own. And there is more.”

Frederica looked at her questioningly.

“There has also been some talk about you, my dear. Or rather, I should say, about Miss Cherrystone. Her name is being linked with Lord Seabrooke’s.”

Frederica gasped, not having foreseen that wrinkle. “More of Coombes’s malice, I doubt not. What an evil man!”

“Yes, it would appear so. In this case, however, he may have done you a favor. Those two rumors combined may well be enough to persuade your brother to call off your unwanted betrothal to Lord Seabrooke.” The woman’s warm brown eyes searched Frederica’s face. “If it is still unwanted, that is,” she added gently.

Frederica sighed. “Oh, Milly, I don’t know anymore. Something rather dreadful seems to have happened.” She did not notice her friend’s sudden stiffening. “Lord Seabrooke and I have somehow become friends. ”

Miss Milliken relaxed, smiling in her relief. “That doesn’t sound so terrible. Is it not what you have wanted in a husband all along?”

“I—I suppose so,” said Frederica uncertainly. In truth, she had come to realize that she wished to be far more than a friend to Lord Seabrooke, but she was not ready to admit everything to Milly.

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