Love Vine 03 - Adam and Sheila by Diane Davis White

Author:Diane Davis White
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: HeartSent Books
Published: 2012-09-15T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

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Ringing for the butler, Sheila invited all to sit and was astonished as Emelina chose the chair she usually occupied, nearest to Adam. Vowing not to show any signs of distress, she moved to take a chair on the opposite side of the fire, next to the brother who smiled at her engagingly and shifted his position so his knees nearly touched her skirts.

She in turn, moved slightly away from that unwelcome contact and gazed across the expanse that separated her from her beloved, who gazed back with a look that gave heart to her feeling of imminent victory.

“I was just telling Adam, we will be leaving soon, Your Ladyship, as Jonathan has remembered a previous engagement that cannot be broken. Happily, we have not far to travel to arrive there, so this has not been an unfortunate trip, after all.” Emelina struggled to keep her voice pleasant, an endeavor she won, just barely, as her resentment of the other woman was mounting by the minute.

Having decided not to leave if at all possible, she sought to maneuver the viscountess into a position from which good manners would require her to invite them to return for the gala. “We do appreciate your invitation, however, and would not have you think us ungrateful for your hospitality. I, for one, was so looking forward to getting acquainted with you and seeing old friends at your party.”

Given opportunity, she was certain she could woo Adam back to her. He had been a generous and ardent lover and she missed the allowance and jewels he had been wont to bestow upon her. And there was his title and position, which she had hoped to claim in marriage.

Perhaps she would not get the marriage at this late date, but she could regain her lover and his largesse. Forcing a smile, Emelina waited for the expected response, not glancing at Adam whose dark stare she could feel like a hot brick singing her skin. He would not be reluctant for long, she was certain, once she had a chance to make him remember their past alliance and all the glory of their earlier passion.

As deluded as she was in regard to the viscount’s possible feelings, she was misled in assuming the viscountess would not be a match for her devious strategy. With some duplicity on the part of Jonathan—whom she could see was already champing at the bit to be at the girl—she could not fail. She would make plans with him about that later. Perhaps if he were able to compromise the bride, the groom would turn to her for comfort. Emelina was very good at giving comfort.

“Of course, you must return for the party—that is, if you have not too far to travel. We will keep your rooms available and you will not be troubled finding accommodations at the inn.” Sheila, well aware of the ploy but taking the bait as it suited her purposes perfectly, held the other woman’s gaze with an innocent smile.

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