The Lady Who Saw Too Much by Thomasine Rappold

Author:Thomasine Rappold [Rappold, Thomasine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Over the next few days, the household buzzed in anticipation of Alex’s pending arrival. The excitement was contagious, and Gia looked forward to meeting Alex, whom Alice had described as charming and handsome with a heart of pure gold.

His visit would coincide perfectly with Landen’s birthday and the special family supper she and Alice were planning. After spending the day shopping for birthday gifts in Troy, Gia and Alice enjoyed the leisurely carriage ride home, laughing and chatting like true sisters.

Alice had confided to Gia how much she’d enjoyed dancing at the Westcott Ball and how much she admired Mr. Shanley, her dancing partner. It warmed Gia’s heart to see the girl expressing interest in something other than her rose bushes.

“Aunt Clara insists on referring to Ben as a mere gardener, but he’s so much more,” Alice said. “Did I mention he’s designed several of the most beautiful gardens in Misty Lake?”

Gia nodded, suppressing a smile. “You mentioned it, yes.”

“You will try and persuade her and Denny to allow Ben to call on me, won’t you, Gia?”

“I’ll do my best, I promise,” Gia said, patting her hand.

Despite their misgivings about Ben Shanley, Clara and Landen saw Alice’s rare willingness to spend time with anyone outside the realm of the family as a welcome change that might open the door for other more suitable young men.

Of course, Gia kept this bit of information to herself. There was no point in disappointing Alice with their mindset on the matter, so long as they granted Ben permission to call upon Alice. Fate would take it from there.

Fate. The word echoed through the dizzying swirl of confusing thoughts in Gia’s head. Since meeting Mr. Whithers at the Westcott Ball and the vision she’d experienced while dancing with him, Gia now deemed him her sole suspect in wishing Landen harm. She had to keep Landen away from Whithers, and from entering any dealings with him, but how? How could she convince Landen of the man’s nefarious intentions without offering any logical proof?

Time was running out, and Gia needed to find the site of the vision that had brought her here. The place she feared most…

“Are there any creeks around Misty Lake?” Gia asked.

Alice regarded her with an inquisitive look. “There’s a creek in the woods next to the estate,” she said. “Why do you ask?”

“I thought I might try my hand at painting. A flowing creek would make a pretty subject.”

“I suppose,” Alice said. “But why not paint a scene of the lake instead?”

Gia shrugged. “I’d prefer to capture the effect of moving water.” The more lies Gia told, the easier they seemed to come to her. She sighed at the disheartening realization that her mysterious ability had fated her to a lifetime of lies and manipulation. She shook off her shame and the helplessness of what she could not control. Her actions were motivated to help, not harm, but reiterating this fact did little to assuage her guilt.

She turned toward the window. She’d take a walk in the woods tomorrow morning.

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