The Duke's Deception by Fenella J. Miller

Author:Fenella J. Miller [Miller, Fenella J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-11-07T22:00:00+00:00

In less than an hour Tom was outside in the carriage with her trunk tied securely on the back. She had said her farewells to both Lady Grierson and Arabella and explained her reasons for returning. Neither seemed to think her departure in the slightest bit odd. Theo was nowhere to be found. She was relieved she didn’t have to face him with her emotions in such turmoil.

She turned to her maid. ‘When do you think John will be back from Town? He has been gone several days; surely it should not take so long to visit the lawyers?’

‘He’ll be back any day now, miss. Indeed, I think it might be tomorrow sometime. It’s hard to believe how much has happened in his absence; he doesn’t even know about Mr Devenish’s accident.’

‘Neither does he know Lord Hawksmith almost recognized me and that I’m not safe in Essex anymore.’

Jane patted Marianne’s hand. ‘It’s not as bad as that, miss. If you keep out of his way for a while he may forget all about it. He has more important things to worry about if Lady Arabella is about to become betrothed to Mr Devenish. The young gentleman hasn’t a feather to fly with.’

She smiled. ‘Lady Hawksmith made it quite clear the engagement will not go ahead unless by some miracle Charles inherits a fortune.’

‘I suppose there’s little chance of that, miss, from what I hear they have precious little funds to even run the estate.’

The carriage began its bumpy journey down the drive making further conversation impossible. Emily greeted their return with squeals of delight.

‘Oh Marianne, I have missed you so badly. It has been so dull here without you and we have all been so worried about Charles.’ She paused to draw breath allowing Marianne to speak.

‘You have obviously heard Charles is out of danger. But did you know Arabella is at Bentley Hall with him?’

Emily was stunned. ‘I don’t believe it! Arabella nursing Charles? How can that be? Her mother never allows Arabella to spend time with him.’

The two girls walked inside deep in discussion about the possible outcome of Arabella’s

dramatic bid for freedom.

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