The Counterfeit Countess by Diana Campbell

Author:Diana Campbell [Campbell, Diana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780451126153
Google: 2cxVL8-2vNsC
Amazon: 0451126157
Publisher: Signet
Published: 2017-12-20T05:00:00+00:00

and that is very difficult to accomplish. But you have succeeded: everyone is chattering of Lord Worsham’s fetching bride.”

“Thank—thank you,” Selina stammered.

“I daresay that if the truth should emerge, their shock would be universal as well.”

Miss Bradley’s tone had not altered, and Selina initially failed to register her words. Then Miss Bradley whirled away from the mirror, and her eyes narrowed to wicked blue slits.

“What do you think, Lady Worsham? How do you fancy your new friends would react if they learned the truth about you and Alex?”

Evidendy the Earl had divulged the full particulars of their plot to his former fiancee, and Selina perceived no reason to feign innocence. She was at the point of stating so aloud when she suddenly recollected that Miss Bradley had called her “Lady Worsham,” and she detected a glimmer of cunning in the narrowed blue eyes.

“Truth?” Selina repeated coolly. “What truth is that, Miss Bradley?”

“I had hoped you would tell me, but it appears I must discover it for myself.” Miss Bradley’s delicate features hardened with determination, and she no longer bore the slightest resemblance to a doll. “I know Alex very well, far better than you do, I suspect. And it is clear to me that he is concealing something, that there is something—something peculiar about your marriage. I have not yet puzzled it out, but I assure you that I shall. And when I do, Lady Worsham, I shall take keen delight in advising the world of my findings."

There was a distant screech as the orchestra began tuning their instruments again, and Miss Bradley snatched up her gloves and rose.

“I fear you must pardon me now. Much as I hate to terminate this fascinating conversation, I promised Alex the first dance following the intermission. I cannot but observe, Lady Worsham, that he seems to prefer not to stand up with you.”

Miss Bradley swept across the room and out the door, closing it with another click so soft that Selina might almost have fancied she had imagined the encounter. But she had not, of course, and when she peered back at her reflection, she saw that she had gone quite pale. She belatedly recognized the wisdom of his lordship’s proposed course: had she consented to remain hidden, Miss Bradley’s anger would have simmered harmlessly for a month or two, Selina would have “died,” and the charade would have come to a painless end. As it was, Selina wondered what Miss Bradley would do if she did discover the truth. Was her fury such that she would use her knowledge to destroy Lord Worsham as well as his counterfeit wife?

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