Notorious Deception by Adrienne Basso Page A

the utmost respect and dignity. She could retire to the family estate in the country, where he would make periodic obligatory visits. In his mind, the marriage was to be very proper and civilized. That he might be missing something essential in his life was not an idea Derek would consider. Experience had taught him the need to be prudent and avoid the unpredictable entanglements of love.
    Derek felt Tristan’s blue eyes upon him, and he cast his friend a measured glance. “I’m afraid I am becoming melancholy,” he said mockingly. “Forgive me. You are right, of course, Tris. Charity is merely a name attached to an unfortunate incident in my past. And she should be treated accordingly. I need to focus my attentions on the mysterious Diana Rutledge or whatever her real name is. Drink up, old boy. I’ve a sudden urge to have a chat with our little adventuress.”
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    â€œWhat the devil are you doing in here?” A sharp female voice pulled Diana out of her blissful state of sleep, and she awoke groggily. She sat up in her chair, stretching her stiff, aching muscles.
    â€œI am sorry,” Diana replied in a small voice. “I must have fallen asleep when I stopped reading. Although I do enjoy Lord Byron’s poetry, I must confess it generally does have this effect on me.”
    Caroline, sitting primly on the edge of her bed, narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Diana. “Do you mean to say that it was you reading to me this afternoon? Not my sister-in-law Alyssa?”
    â€œI stayed with you today,” Diana said, watching Caroline intently. “Mrs. Roget thought it best you were not left alone.”
    Caroline turned her head away. “I am perfectly fine now,” she said briskly. “Thank you for your concern.”
    Diana acknowledged the other woman’s remarks with a slight nod of her head. She had the uncanny sense that Tristan’s wife was not at all the shrew she appeared to be, but it was obvious she was uncomfortable in Diana’s company. Diana was spared from making any additional comments by a sudden knock on the door.
    â€œCome,” Caroline called out.
    â€œLord Tristan is home,” the young maid said when she entered the room. “And he is requesting that madam join him in the front salon at once.”
    At the mention of Tristan, Caroline’s entire face lit up, and she smiled a genuine smile. “Inform him that I shall be down directly, Gwen.”
    â€œOh, no.” The maid blushed with confusion. “Not you my lady.” She lifted her finger and pointed directly at Diana. “The other madam.”
    Caroline’s eyes widened in shock and she dropped her gaze dejectedly to her lap. Her hands shook visibly as she systematically ran her fingers over the wrinkles on the skirt of her gown.
    â€œLeave us, Gwen,” Caroline eventually whispered.
    Once they were alone, Caroline turned to Diana. “You may inform my husband that I will not be down for dinner this evening,” she stated in an icy tone.
    â€œNonsense,” Diana insisted, determined to put an end to all the misunderstandings. For whatever reason, Caroline had decided that Diana represented a threat to her, and Diana wanted to dispose of that incorrect notion at once. She had no intention of allowing Caroline to spend the evening alone, brooding in her room. “You will come down to the front salon with me. Since your maid is off this afternoon, I shall be pleased to assist you in changing your gown. ”
    Caroline stared hard at Diana. “Why are you being so kind to me?” she asked in a low voice.
    â€œMay I speak bluntly?” Diana asked, and before Caroline could respond, she said, “I am well aware that my presence here has caused a problem between you and your husband, and for that I am truly sorry. Tristan has been nothing but kind to me, and I would not want to repay that kindness by upsetting you. I have no idea why