Secret Heiress by Anne Herries

Author:Anne Herries
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2010-10-31T23:00:00+00:00

Lady Marianne danced for most of the evening, but just before supper she came up to Eliza and took her arm.

‘Do say you will eat supper with me, Miss Bancroft.’

‘I ought to look after Lady Sarah—’ She broke off as she saw the Marquis of Cheadle staring at them. He was frowning as he came up to them.

‘Your mama wants you, Marianne.’ His eyes moved from her to Eliza as his daughter immediately obeyed his unspoken order. ‘Miss Bancroft. I have something I wish to ask you—would it be convenient if I were to call in the morning?’

‘Yes, of course, if you wish, sir.’

Eliza was relieved for it meant she would not have to go out of her way to speak to him. He seemed angry, though his anger was controlled, the only sign a flicker at his temple. He bowed his head and walked off, leaving her standing alone.

She turned, intending to look for Lady Sarah when a man moved across her path. Lifting her gaze to his face, she saw that it was Daniel and he still appeared to be angry.

What had she done that was so terrible?

‘I came to tell you that Lady Sarah is feeling a little unwell,’ he said, his mouth drawn into a thin line. ‘Her carriage has been sent for, but she wished you to accompany her home.’

‘Yes, of course. I shall come immediately. I was about to seek her out.’

‘What were you speaking to the marquis about?’ Daniel asked as he took her arm and steered her from the ballroom to the small anteroom where Lady Sarah was sitting. Lady Julia and Kate were both with her, but she looked distressed until she saw Eliza.

‘Ah, there you are, dearest,’ she said and held her hand out. ‘Forgive me for spoiling your evening, but I have such a terrible headache.’

‘I am quite ready to leave,’ Eliza replied and took her hand, holding it gently for a moment. ‘I fear you have been doing too much, ma’am—or perhaps you are upset?’

‘Just a little,’ Lady Sarah admitted. ‘People are so unkind at times. Someone had the effrontery to suggest that you might be a fortune hunter and told me to be careful. I am afraid I was sharp with her. Give me your arm, Eliza. I am rather tired this evening.’

Eliza felt as if someone had poured cold water over her. She pressed trembling fingers to her lips.

‘Let me help you, ma’am,’ Daniel said and offered his arm. ‘I am stronger than Miss Eliza and you do look a little pale.’

He took her hand, placing an arm about her as he helped her from the Assembly Rooms out into the night air, which was considerably cooler.

‘That is better. It was rather hot inside,’ Lady Sarah said and he helped her into the carriage. ‘You are so kind, sir. I thank you for your attention. Please visit me soon. I do need to talk to you quite urgently.’

‘I shall call as soon as I return to town.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.