Free The Stranger She Married by Donna Hatch Page A

pleased he finally came to visit. He does not often attend the London Season and I do not have as many opportunities to see him as I would like.” She smiled proudly.
    "You seem quite fond of him,” Alicia said in undisguised surprise.
    "I sense in him a kindred spirit.” Mrs. Fitzpatrick looked directly into Alicia's eyes. “Did you enjoy your dance with him at the Sinclair ball?"
    With a start, she wondered what he had told her. She dropped her gaze. “Of course. You said he asked about my family?"
    "Indeed. He has never expressed any interest in the family of a young lady before."
    Alicia felt her face heat, remembering his nearness as he looked at her mother's picture in her locket, the intensity of his gaze, his arm around her waist when she had stumbled. He was nothing like she'd imagined of the man who shot Armand. But then, he had been eager to duel Mr. Braxton when he discovered her fleeing the man. At the time, she'd thought he was being chivalrous. Now she knew he enjoyed bloodshed.
    "I hope he behaved as a gentleman,” Mrs. Fitzpatrick said.
    "Of course he did. Why wouldn't he?"
    "He plays the role of a scoundrel with relish. In his defense, underneath it all, he is a surprisingly decent man. He came home from the war dramatically changed. But I think the right lady can uncover his true self buried deep inside under all those protective layers.” She pinned Alicia with a stare. “He's quite wealthy in his own right."
    Alicia could think of nothing to say in reply. Even if her nephew wanted her—an unlikely possibility—she would never marry the man who had killed her brother as surely as if he had put a bullet through Armand's heart instead of his arm.
    "Now, there, all is well, Miss,” the maid said triumphantly. “It should dry perfectly clean."
    Alicia lifted her arm and craned her neck to examine the sleeve. Only a damp spot remained of the gravy spill. “Thank you. That was most expertly done."
    The maid bobbed a curtsey.
    Mrs. Fitzpatrick patted her arm. “Will you and your sister come have tea? We will be attending a house party next week, but I would love to receive you the following week."
    Alicia returned the smile. “Thank you."
    They returned together to the others. In their absence, a game of whist had begun. Alicia watched with mingled disgust and amusement as Catherine set her wily sights on her prey; the viscount and his bank account. Although to be fair to Catherine, any young lady would be interested in a young, handsome, wealthy, titled lord. But Catherine did not look starry eyed, as if she found him charming and handsome. She looked scheming.
    Naturally Lord Amesbury appeared to be enjoying the beautiful lady's company. Not that Alicia cared. Catherine could have that dueling fiend! Clearly they deserved one another.
    Elizabeth came to her. “The doctor said Robert will recover nicely but recommends he stay and rest tonight. He's sleeping. Will you and Hannah stay here? We can send word to your uncle."
    Alicia involuntarily glanced at Lord Amesbury. She was loath to remain under the same roof with that man a moment longer than she must. She returned her focus to Elizabeth. “I had hoped to return home soon."
    Elizabeth's face fell. “Oh. Well, then Mother and I could accompany you home."
    "And leave your guests?"
    A slight frown touched her brow. “I suppose that would not be appropriate."
    Alicia sighed. “No."
    Elizabeth took her hand. “What troubles you, Alicia? You have not enjoyed yourself all evening."
    "Forgive me, dearest. Your party is lovely. I'm just a bit out of sorts."
    Elizabeth studied her face. “Something else is wrong. You were unhappy even before Robert fell. Before the gravy accident. Oh, dear. This has not been a good evening for you, has it?"
    Alicia put her arm around her. “You are not to blame for any of it."
    Captain Hawthorne appeared, his dark eyes probing. “I just heard about your cousin."
    "He had a fall, but he will be fine,” Alicia