The Runaway Heiress by Brenda Hiatt

Author:Brenda Hiatt [Hiatt, Brenda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Brenda Hiatt

Chapter Thirteen

Dina returned Silas's kiss, carefully keeping herself between him and Thor. "What a nice surprise," she said with determined cheerfulness. "And Violet, I take back what I said to you before about not being able to keep a secret, for I had no idea."

Violet preened, smiling up at Silas in a way that told Dina that surprising her was not the only reason for his invitation. A glance at Thor showed him watching his sister with a gathering frown. Apparently he'd come to the same conclusion.

"Nice place you have here, Turpin," Silas said then, seemingly oblivious to any undercurrents. "My sister's done quite well for herself."

"Thank you," Thor grated, "but it's not mine yet, nor do I wish it to be for quite some time." Then, catching Violet's suprised stare, he forced a smile. "Welcome to Plumrose."

Dina cringed inwardly as her brother's expression changed from relaxed to wary. Silas could be exceedingly charming when in a good mood, but he could be equally unpleasant when he was not. She hoped Thor would not antagonize him into rudeness. After a tense moment, however, Silas nodded.

"Thank you. And thank you, Miss Turpin, for your hospitality. Ashcombe would have been dull indeed over Christmas, with Dina gone away. I was delighted to receive your invitation."

Violet sent Thor a warning look, then turned back to her guest with a smile. "Come, let me give you a tour of the grounds, as we are already outside. Then, when we return, I can show you the house. By then, your things will have been moved into your room so that you can change if you wish."

Silas agreed, and the two went off arm in arm, Violet fairly sparkling as she chattered nonstop. The moment they were out of earshot, Thor turned to Dina.

"Perhaps you should tell Violet the same things you've told me. I'd rather she not develop a tendre for your brother, given everything I've learned about him."

Dina had already been considering how she could discreetly put Violet on her guard, but at Thor's censorious tone, she instinctively bristled. "All of those things happened years ago. Silas has matured since then. I can't imagine that Violet is in the least bit of danger from him."

Thor's jaw tightened visibly. "I'm not concerned that he'll shut her into a cupboard or put her up a tree. But you and I both know how poor his prospects are at present, with debts still hanging over his head and his estate still mortgaged."

"Between us, we have remedied much of that," she pointed out, though without much conviction.

"Do you really believe he doesn't want more? Violet nearly fell prey to one fortune-hunter."

"And you think Silas is another." Though she suspected the same thing, having Thor put it into words was rather different. "My brother is not good enough for your sister —is that what you are saying?"

"I wasn't going to put it quite so bluntly as that, but . . . yes. I think Violet can do better, and not only with respect to fortune —which I know would never be a consideration for her.

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