Confused, Donata stroked the dark head ofMiranda, wondering who Miranda could possibly be talking about. “Who,Miranda?”
“Archie! We saw him. Spoke to him.He was at Thrumbadge’s with Miss Dunforth! How could he possibly knowAlexandra?”
A chill settled over Donata at themention of Archie Runyon. She recalled the man she saw across the room atLady Dobson’s ball. Archie had been there. Hiding in the shadows.
“Cam didn’t speak a word on the carriageride home. Not a word. I know Archie did something awful, trulyterrible to make Father and Cam hate him so.”
Donata stayed silent. Miranda hadevery right to know, but Donata did not have the strength at that moment totell her granddaughter such a vile story.
“I think Cam means to kill him.”Miranda’s green eyes were wide.
“Well, I wish someone would,” Donata saidas she comforted Miranda. She did indeed know what Archie had done, or hadalmost done, and towhom. The thought solidified her hatred of herdaughter-in-law, Jeanette. Donata dried Miranda’s tears that day and sent hergranddaughter up for a nap before dinner. Donata needed to think.She loved Miranda dearly, but at times, Miranda’s chattering gave her aheadache. Her grandson did not come into Cambourne House after droppingoff Miranda. Sutton’s coach pulled away from Cambourne House before Donata couldhave Harry fetch him. Archie came back to London at his ownperil. Donata did not doubt Sutton would kill the man. But, what ofMiss Dunforth? Donata could not allow a young woman,anyyoungwoman, to be taken in by that monster. Especially as she suspected MissDunforth’s affections lay in another direction. Later that same day,after several unsuccessful attempts to find her grandson, Donata sent herfavorite footman, the same Harry who now guarded the door, on an errand.
Lord Burke’s offensive butler cleared histhroat, bringing Donata back to the dismal parlor. At least a fire litthe hearth, although the flames needed stoking and another log should beadded. The curtains of one window were open a bit to let in the weakmorning light. Donata thought she spied a form perched in the corner.
“Lady Reynolds?” Alexandra’s voicesounded from the dim room.
“Open these all of these curtainsimmediately!” Donata thumped her cane. “Send someone in to tend thefire!”
The butler rushed to open the curtains scatteringdust throughout the room.
Miranda sneezed.
Miss Dunforth sat on a faded, overstuffedchair with a book, unopened in her lap. She had been peering through thecrack in the curtains at the garden outside. Or what passed as a garden, thoughtDonata, a kind word for the weed-infested expanse she glimpsed through thewindow.
“My child!” Donata hobbled over toAlexandra. She lowered herself onto an ugly couch, wincing at the pain inher hip. How she detested old age! “Are you ill? Why are yousitting here in the dark?”
“Forgive me, my lady. I’ve hadheadaches that leave me quite exhausted. The dim light seems to help.”
“Headaches? Really, Miss Dunforththat is not a valid excuse for ignoring the Dowager Marchioness ofCambourne. I’ve issued you invitations for delightful outings.Invited you for tea. You have ignored me. I had to venture out into thisdreadful weather to search for you,” Donata said sternly.“Me! The Dowager Marchioness! Forced to call uponyou,MissDunforth. Why it simply isn’t done.”
Alexandra didn’t flinch at hertone. She gave Donata an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry to havedisappointed you.”
Donata cheered silently at the note ofsarcasm in Alexandra’s words.
“Such atoneMiss Dunforth!Remember to whom you are speaking!” Donata chided. She squeezedAlexandra’s hand, spoiling the rebuke. “Miranda is here as well. PoorMiranda cannot enjoy tea when her mother is around, you know.”
Miranda agreed cheerfully. “It’strue Alexandra! I’m not even permitted a tea-cake. No scones orsandwiches, not even a cube of sugar with my tea. Mother says I’ll becomestout and pop my stays.” Miranda swept her hands down her trim figure. “Goingsomewhere else for tea is the only chance I have.” Miranda sneezedagain.
Alexandra raised her arm to grab at thebell-pull just behind her.
The girl’s arm shook slightly, though shedid not seem especially sickly, only tired. Weak. Miss Dunforth showedneither of those tendencies earlier. She did not strike Donata as nervousand given to physical ailment. Donata’s sixth sense, ever useful in thesesituations, told Donata something else was wrong with Miss Dunforth.
The parlor door flew open, the knobthrusting into the opposing wall with a bang. A bulldog in female form gave asnarl and fixed beady eyes on Miss Dunforth. “You rang?” The womanstopped at the sight of Donata and Miranda. The bulldog cleared herthroat. “You ain’t supposed to have company, Miss Dunforth. LordBurke says you’re to rest. You have headaches and you must get better.”The woman’s gaze shifted to the ceiling as her tone sweetened.
Donata found the servant appalling.Appalling. What an ugly woman. Soseedy.“Balderdash!Iam not company!Iam the DowagerMarchioness of Cambourne, and this is Lady Reynolds.” She nodded toMiranda. “You.” She pointed her cane at what she considered anotherworthless servant of Lord Burke. “Bring us tea and sandwiches.Now.”
The woman’s features contorted intoa mask of blank pleasantness. “As you wish. I will let Lord Burke know you arehere, Lady Reynolds.”
Donata snorted. “Lovely.I look forward to renewing my acquaintance with your master.” She raisedher chin, queen like. “Don’t dwaddle. Go get us some tea.”
The woman didn’t move. She snuck alook at Alexandra.
Donata pounded her cane on thefloor. “Harry!”
The young footman appeared magically atthe door of the parlor. He gave the servant an evil look. “Yes, mylady?”
“This is….?” Donata pointed to theservant who seemed to shrink a bit under Harry’s regard.
