To Wed A Viscount by Adrienne Basso

never moved. She looked over at him expectantly.
    â€œMiss Linden wished to discuss her father’s will,” Griffin finally admitted.
    â€œI knew it!” Harriet exclaimed. “That little schemer. I hope the hasty departure we witnessed meant you threw her out, Griffin. I feel certain she would do or say almost anything to get her own way. She was a dreadfully spoiled little girl who has grown into a totally indulged woman. I think it was wise of you to steer clear of her.”
    Griffin took a moment to mull over his sister’s passionate words. Harriet’s dislike of Miss Linden was never in question, her earlier attitude had been very clear, yet she almost seemed repelled by her. Such strong emotion piqued his curiosity.
    â€œWhy do you dislike Miss Linden so much?”
    Elizabeth gasped and turned a worried eye toward her older sister. “I think I shall speak with Cook about this evening’s supper. You know how she tends to overcook the beef if not diplomatically reminded to have care. If you will excuse me.”
    Elizabeth was out the door like a shot.
    Griffin’s attention was now totally engaged, as this strange situation grew more fascinating by the minute. “Now, what do you suppose could have made our little sister so uncomfortable? Any ideas, Harriet?”
    She gave a most unladylike snort. “Elizabeth is a sensitive girl who dislikes confrontation of any kind. ’Tis better she left. Now we can speak freely.”
    â€œI never intended to do otherwise,” Griffin replied smoothly.
    The swift lift of Harriet’s right eyebrow told him she didn’t believe that for an instant. But she held her tongue. Harriet moved away from the fireplace and settled herself in a dusty, oversize chair.
    Griffin took the chair opposite hers and leaned forward with his elbows propped on his thighs.
    â€œI’m listening,” Harriet stated calmly.
    Griffin could have sworn that Harriet’s mouth curved into the faintest hint of a smile.
    â€œAnd I’m still waiting for an answer to my question,” Griffin explained, hoping to discover the source of his sister’s bitterness. “Why do you dislike Miss Linden?”
    Harriet shifted in her chair. “I don’t precisely dislike Miss Linden. I do, however, mistrust her. Completely. She was engaged for many years to our brother, Neville, yet they never married.
    â€œAs far as I am concerned, Neville’s death severed the relationship she had with this family. I fear that Miss Linden will now attempt to impose herself upon us, utilizing her past association. Her coming here today to speak with you only confirms my suspicions.”
    â€œWhy did Neville and Miss Linden never marry?”
    Harriet sighed. “I’m not quite sure. Lord knows, both Lord Aston and Father tried everything to make it happen.”
    â€œDid Neville have any specific objections to Miss Linden or do you believe he was of a mind to avoid marriage altogether?” Griffin asked.
    Harriet shrugged. “I have no idea. He never actually spoke out against her, not specifically, yet his actions certainly revealed his true feelings about the matter. If he wanted her for his wife, he would have married her. But he did not.”
    Griffin rubbed his chin in contemplation. “Yet Father insisted?”
    Harriet’s head bobbed up and down. “Oh, yes. Father insisted. Constantly and loudly. It was all they ever talked, or rather argued, about whenever Neville was home.” Her expression turned sour. “If Father would have only spent a mere fraction of his time and energy on the concerns of his other children, not to mention the financial well-being of the estate, we would not be in such dire circumstances today.”
    â€œYou blame Miss Linden for that?”
    â€œI hold Miss Linden responsible for her share of this problem,” Harriet stated firmly.
    â€œI see.” Griffin leaned back in his