Free A Grand Deception by Shirley Marks Page B

return from where he had come. It had always been so for
him.

    To make getting about worse, he did not know how to
ride a horse, nor did he know how to drive a pair; thus his
need for a coachman.
    After Sherwin had arrived at the Roman wall, his visit
had been cut short, which hadn't pleased him. Running into
Muriel had been completely unexpected.
    In that moment they'd met in the ruin, he remembered
exactly what had drawn them together: her inquisitive nature
and their mutual thirst for knowledge. It had been similar to
the first time they'd met. She had discovered him in her favorite chair reading her copy of Publius Vergilius Maro's
Aeneid. At first Muriel had been furious that he dared touch
her books, but then, when she'd realized he was reading the
untranslated version, respect had replaced her anger. They
had been friends ever since.
    Muriel's appearance that morning had startled him, but
her reaction upon seeing him had taken him completely by
surprise. She had softened toward him somewhat, perhaps
hating him a little less.
    The sentiment had been reflected in the brief smile and
sparkle in her eyes that was evident even to him. Sherwin
suspected that she was unaware of the change in her own
feelings, but he had to admit that he was pleased.
    He could well imagine that her interest in the crumbling
wall was the same as his. But what was she doing there at
that hour in the morning?
    After he had excused himself and left her company, he'd
dallied just outside. He hadn't thought he'd reenter, but he
could not quite bring himself to depart. That was before he
saw a man, a young man, follow her inside.
    The site had not been preserved but merely remained and, most likely, was not often visited. Sherwin was certain it
hadn't meant much to most people except for him and ...
perhaps Muriel.

    The appearance of her companion had given Sherwin
ample reason to return to his carriage. Leaving the premises, he had passed their empty, closed carriage. Despite his
ineptitude in all things social, even Sherwin knew the impropriety of an unchaperoned couple using such a vehicle
and could not imagine that the Duke or Muriel's aunt Mrs.
Parker would have approved.
    Something was not quite right.
    His mind was a jumble. He could not erase the memory of
their chance encounter, nor could he prevent the moment
of their meeting from repeating itself in his mind.
    "You are dressed, my lord," Lewis announced. "I hope
you are pleased."
    Sherwin stepped back from the full-length glass to where
he could clearly see himself.
    The color of his waistcoat stood out in contrast with
the brown of the jacket and the fawn of his knee breeches.
He narrowed his eyes in consideration. It was then he realized he didn't care for green.
    Muriel and her aunt entered Devonshire House after one in
the afternoon with a number of others. This gathering was
more informal than a ball.
    Aunt Penny faced Muriel to unfasten her niece's cloak.
"Your eyes," her aunt whispered on a sigh. "You look no more
rested than yesterday. I insist you march straight to your
bedchamber once we return."
    "Have you forgotten? Sukey and I are to drive out with Mr.
Ambrose and Mr. Stanley. They have promised us something
very special!"

    "Oh, yes. How will you ever catch up on your rest?" Lines
of worry appeared upon Aunt Penny's forehead. "When did
your constitution become so delicate? I always remember
you as a healthy, robust child."
    "I cannot say, Aunt Penny." Muriel thought perhaps she
might make some effort to rest and allay her aunt's concern.
She felt fine, but it appeared that those around her did not
find her so. Especially when they thought she'd slept for
more than ten hours.
    After finishing with Muriel's outer garments, Aunt Penny
began to remove her own. "There is your Aunt Mary and
Constance-go at once and meet them. I shall be along
shortly."
    Muriel had the odd feeling she should make a special effort to appear