Harlequin Historical June 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: Wed to the Montana Cowboy\The Chaperon's Seduction\A Mistress for Major Bartlett by Carol Arens

Author:Carol Arens
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Harlequin Historical
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2015-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Phyllida took in the scene in an instant. Ellen, her cheeks flushed, hair tousled and Richard standing behind her, fastening her gown. There could be no mistaking what had been going on. While she had been wrapped in a euphoric dream, the rake had been ravishing her stepdaughter.

‘How dare you?’

The words were inadequate, but they had an effect.

‘Philly!’ Ellen looked up guiltily, but Phyllida’s eyes were fixed on Richard.

‘Go inside, Ellen.’

‘Philly, it is not as it seems—’

Phyllida cut her off.

‘Do as I say, if you please. Immediately.’

If anything was needed to fuel Phyllida’s rage it was the look Ellen cast up at Richard, as if needing his approval before she would leave. He gave a little nod and Ellen hurried away into the ballroom. Pain sliced into Phyllida like a dagger. Was the girl already under his spell?

‘I know it is not an original line, but it is not as it seems.’ Richard was coming up the steps towards her. ‘I found Miss Tatham in the gardens, fending off an admirer and I brought her back.’

‘You expect me to believe that?’

‘As a matter of fact I do. Phyllida—’

She stepped back quickly as he reached for her.

‘I am not that gullible.’ She almost spat out the words as her frail, barely acknowledged hopes shattered and pierced her heart.

He shrugged, feigning indifference but she saw by the tightening of his mouth that he was angry.

‘It is the truth and Miss Tatham will confirm it.’ He continued, observing her hesitation. ‘You are very ready to jump to the wrong conclusion, Phyllida. I thought you knew me better than that.’

‘I know you for a charming snake,’ she flashed. ‘I have no doubt that you, too, are a party to this wager, this vile plan to deflower my stepdaughter.’

She watched him carefully, hoping he knew nothing of the wager, that he would disclaim any involvement. Instead she saw the damning understanding in his eyes. The disappointment only fuelled her anger and she wanted to hurt him, as she was hurting.

‘But of course you are. What else would one expect of an Arrandale?’

His hands clenched. He gave her one last angry look from narrowed eyes and strode past her into the ballroom.

* * *

Phyllida pressed one hand to her mouth, as if to force back the tears. Deep breaths, one, then another. And again. She must go back indoors as calm and serene as she had come out. At least she must appear so. It had all been a lie. Every look, every smile he had bestowed upon her, had been designed to gain her trust, to allow him to get closer to Ellen.

And what did you expect? You were never interesting enough to attract a suitor when you came out, why should that change now, when you do not even have youth on your side?

She could almost hear Olivia saying the words in her blunt, matter-of-fact manner. What a fool she had been! Another steadying breath, a moment to gather her courage and she stepped through the long windows into the light, noise and stifling heat of the ballroom.

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