_Suddenly by Candace Camp
Author:Candace Camp [Camp, Candace]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
REMEMBERING HER PROMISE to Simon, Charity managed to avoid Faraday Reed the next day. It seemed cruel, when he had never done anything but be pleasant and helpful to her, and she felt very guilty about it. But she would not go back on a promise to Simon.
Two days later, Venetia arrived at Aunt Ermintrudeâs house at an unfashionably early hour and asked to see Charity.
Charity hurried downstairs and into the morning room, a more casual room where the ladies of the house often spent their time together when they did not have visitors. âVenetia! How pleasant to see you.â
Venetiaâs smile was a trifle forced. âYou are most kind to say so. I know itâs horribly early in the day, and I apologize. But I had to make sure I saw you before you left to make calls or had visitors. Itâs important that I talk to you alone.â
âIs something wrong?â Charity looked at the other woman closely. Venetia was pale, and there was an odd look in her dark green eyes, so like Simonâs.
Venetia cast her an almost haunted look. âYes, IâThat is, noâOh, I donât know where to begin. Charity, can we talk undisturbed here?â
Charity blinked, surprised. This sounded serious indeed. Quickly she said, âIâm not sure. Mother or Aunt Ermintrude is apt to come in, particularly if they learn that you are here.â She thought for a moment. âLetâs go to the library. No one ever uses it, and it even has a lock on the door.â
Venetiaâs grateful smile was more natural this time, though she continued to look pale and strained as Charity led her out of the morning room and down the hall to the library.
It was immediately apparent why no one made use of the room. The library was dark and gloomy, with meticulously arranged shelves of books and stiff, uncomfortable furniture. But Venetia seemed not to notice the surroundings. She sat down on the leather couch, then bounced back up and began to pace around the room, twisting her hands nervously. Charity, watching her, was more puzzled than ever by her behavior.
Charity turned the key in the lock with a decisive click and went to Venetia, saying, âWhat is it? You seem soâ¦distracted.â
âIâThis is not easy for me. I would not have come here, exceptâwell, you see, Simon has done so much for me. I had to at least do this much for him. But itâs difficult. I knew the other day, when we saw him, that I should tell you, but itâs difficult. I am afraid you will hate me for it.â
Charity stared at her. âVenetia, what are you talking about? How could I hate you? You are a sweet, kind woman, and youâve been a good friend to me.â
âNot good enough. At first, you see, I didnât know that you knew Faraday Reed.â
âMr. Reed!â Charityâs brows rose. This was the last thing she would have expected Venetia to start talking about. âWell, yes, we met him at Lady Rotterhamâs ball.â She hesitated.
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