Discerning Insight by Melissa McShane

Author:Melissa McShane
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Night Harbor Publishing

CHAPTER 19

IN WHICH LYDIA MAKES A RASH ACCUSATION, AND A NEW ACCORD IS REACHED

Lydia knew something had changed the moment she walked downstairs that evening and Lord Craythorne came within her range. His heightened emotions of suppressed excitement and anticipation filled Lydia with curiosity. But when she entered the drawing room where Lord Craythorne and the Dowager Duchess waited, he said nothing, and his expression gave away none of his feelings. This deepened Lydia’s curiosity, because if his emotions meant anything innocuous, he would have spoken. It had to have something to do with the Libertymen.

Supper, therefore, felt strained, at least to Lydia. Lady Craythorne showed no sign of noticing Lord Craythorne’s emotional state, though as he controlled himself well, Lydia did not believe that made Lady Craythorne unobservant. The Dowager Duchess was more affable than usual, speaking freely of her reticulum and even complimenting Lydia once or twice. She was so cheerful Lydia said, “You are in excellent spirits, your Grace.”

“You should not comment on what you Discern,” Lady Craythorne said, but without anger. Lydia reflexively Discerned the room and its surroundings, for fear a servant might have been within earshot of that careless remark, but she sensed no one close enough to hear, or so she hoped.

“Mother,” Lord Craythorne said in a warning tone.

Lady Craythorne frowned, but embarrassment tinged her emotions. “Miss Wescott continues to improve,” she said, “and I believe she appreciates correction.”

“Thank you, your Grace,” Lydia said, refusing to be drawn into a pointless argument over her behavior and manners and how they did or did not please Lady Craythorne. “I appreciate your guidance.”

Lord Craythorne eyed her with suspicion, as if she had been too affable, but said only, “If Miss Wescott is satisfied, I will not criticize.”

“That is good, Oliver, because Miss Wescott’s behavior is not your business.” Lady Craythorne delivered this statement in a pleasant tone that blunted her harsh words. “And speaking of behavior, I am glad you were able to join us this evening. I take it Mr. Monroe does not need you tonight?”

“The threat of Iroquois attack has been resolved.” Lord Craythorne applied himself to his beef as if his emotions had not just sharpened into anger at having to lie about the previous night’s events. “The representative of the Onondaga claims no affiliation with those who attempted to destroy the Viceroy’s palace and assures Mr. Monroe those involved, if apprehended, will be punished according to Haudenosaunee law.”

“I should hope so,” Lady Craythorne said. “How dreadful. They should be more conscious of dissident elements within their confederacy.”

Lord Craythorne did not respond. Lydia wondered if the Iroquois Nations had been informed of the truth, that their people were not responsible for the purported Iroquois attack. She could not imagine why they would not be, and yet Lord Craythorne’s words and emotions suggested it was not the case, and suggested further that he did not agree with that decision.

Searching for a less fraught topic of conversation, she said, “Lady Dorothea and Miss Adams and I viewed Mr.

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