Free And Only to Deceive by TASHA ALEXANDER Page A

much like to learn your thoughts on the various English translations. Are you free for tea tomorrow afternoon?” We arranged to meet, and Margaret was quickly swept up in a group of Americans. I excused myself and went in search of Ivy and Robert, whom I found talking to Andrew Palmer.
    “We have met before,” Mr. Palmer said as he kissed my hand. “At your wedding.”
    “Of course,” I replied. “Thank you for the kind note you sent after Philip’s death. I appreciated your condolences.”
    “He was an excellent man and an even better friend. I only regret that we couldn’t do more for him in Africa.”
    “All of you on the hunt provided him with fine companionship and the adventure he loved in his final days. For that I am grateful.” As I spoke, I realized that for the first time I was actually comfortable talking about Philip. “He told me numerous times how he enjoyed your company.”
    “Did he tell you much about our friendship?”
    “I must confess that, given the brevity of our marriage, much of what I know about Philip comes from his letters to me. We had hardly been married a few months when he left for Africa.”
    “Yes, I remember that,” he replied with a winning grin. “And now it is my turn to confess. I was quite surprised that he left such a lovely bride so soon after the wedding.”
    “Don’t be a beast, Palmer,” Robert interrupted.
    “My apologies, Lady Ashton.”
    “There is no need, Mr. Palmer. I knew the safari had been planned before our wedding date was set. I had no intention of asking him to change his arrangements. Regardless, he was quite adamant that he go.”
    “Yes.” He paused. “I wonder why that was?”
    “I believe,” Ivy interjected, “that there was something about an elephant, isn’t that right, Emily? He’d always wanted to hunt an elephant.”
    “Yes, something like that, Ivy.” I looked back at Mr. Palmer. “I admit to not remembering the particulars, but it did have something to do with elephants.”
    He laughed. “You are charming! I wonder that he left at all. Don’t worry your pretty head with details, Lady Ashton. Suffice it to say that, as always, your husband fulfilled his commitment to his friends, proving himself to be the most admirable of all of us. None of the rest of the bunch could communicate particularly well with the guides. We would have been lost without him.”
    “He was very dependable,” I said, hoping to sound authoritative.
    “Do you like Paris?” Mr. Palmer asked.
    “I adore it.”
    “Nothing like London, is it? Much more fun to be had here. Have you been to the theater?”
    “No, it doesn’t seem appropriate. I’m still in mourning.”
    “Yes, I noticed your hideous dress,” he said, with such a pleasant smile that I could take no offense. “My brother and I are planning to attend a play Thursday night with a merry group of friends. You must join us.”
    “Don’t insist on ruining the girl,” Robert interjected with the slightest touch of humor.
    “I don’t think there’s any reason she cannot attend a respectableperformance,” Ivy said. “It might be fun, Emily. You should go.” Robert looked at his wife severely but said nothing.
    “I shall consider your invitation, Mr. Palmer.”
    “I can ask for nothing more,” he replied, giving me an exaggerated bow.
    “Look, Emily, there is Colin Hargreaves. He looks fine tonight,” Ivy confided to me in a low whisper. I had not had the opportunity to tell her of my recent exchange with Colin.
    “I’d rather not speak to him,” I whispered back. I spotted an acquaintance on the other side of the room and excused myself from the group, but not before Colin reached us.
    “Good evening, Lady Ashton.”
    “Mr. Hargreaves.” I could not bring myself to meet his eyes. “Please excuse me.” I saw Mr. Palmer grin and raise his eyebrows as I walked away.
    When dinner was announced, I, by some misfortune, found myself near Colin, who took my arm and guided me