Free The Stanforth Secrets by Jo Beverley Page B

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    Chloe resolutely turned her mind. Justin was not the man for her and he would be horrified by the betrayal of his cousin it represented. If she decided she wanted another husband, Chloe would seek one far removed in type and geography from the Dashing Delameres.

5

    C HLOE AWOKE THE NEXT MORNING feeling poorly rested and unsettled in her mind. She tried to plan her departure from Delamere, but made little progress. She told herself a brisk ride would clear the cobwebs.
    She pulled on her dressing gown, rang for her breakfast, then took her accustomed seat at the small table by the window. Her bedroom, like the Sea Room, gave a view of the bay.
    She had longed so much to escape Delamere, but now there was sadness in her. What a contrary person she must be.
    She had meant to leave once George married Belinda, but the young woman had asked her to stay a while to put her in the way of things at Delamere. Being in deep mourning at that time, Chloe felt no particular desire to go elsewhere and had agreed. Her parents would have thought it their duty to offer her a home, but would also have expected her to submit to their direction. Her only other choice would have been to set up her establishment in some spa or quiet town.
    When George died after only a few months’ tenure, there had been no question of her abandoning Belinda and the Dowager, not just for their sakes but for Justin’s if he should inherit. There was no knowing what would happen without an experienced person in charge.
    Now Chloe was free to go and yet . . .
    It was fortunate that her maid arrived with her tea and toast before Chloe could think herself into a decline. She ate her breakfast, watching a few tardy fishing boats catch the tide.
    Despite the distraction of the scenery, her mind still tended to slip into disturbing pathways, so she took a sheet of paper and began to plan a small dinner for the local notables. If she carried through with her intention to leave Delamere in the near future, it would only be fair to introduce Justin to his neighbors before she left. She set the date for Thursday. Short notice, but it would do for an informal gathering. She was nagged by a desire to be away, a sense of danger to her plans if she stayed.
    Chloe looked over the list carefully. Though Delamere was not a particularly large house, the viscount was undoubtedly the social leader of the area. Anyone incorrectly left off this list would take offense. Satisfied, she quickly wrote out the invitations and sealed them. As long as Justin approved, she would have them off straightaway.
    Agnes returned and helped Chloe dress in her habit. Breakfast and positive plans had brightened Chloe’s spirits. The sun was shining and the wind had dropped. It was time to show Mercury, the horse who had thrown her, who was in charge.
    In the entrance hall she encountered Belinda, holding a flower basket, followed by the nursery maid carrying a well-bundled-up Dorinda. Chloe looked at the babe, marvelling at the big blue eyes that stared up at her. If only she had borne a child. . . . Perhaps she should marry, after all.
    “She is so beautiful, Belinda.”
    “Yes,” said the young woman complacently, “and healthy. We Massingers breed well. My mother bore eight and lost only one.”
    “A good inheritance. I’m sure the clean sea air helps.”
    “It could be. The Prince of Wales is taken with his Brighthelmstone, they say. I try to take Dorinda into the fresh air every day. Today I am checking the roses. If there are any blooms suitable for display should I cut them?”
    “Perhaps not,” said Chloe. “If Justin approves, I intend to hold a dinner on Thursday for our neighbors. If there are blooms left, it would be pleasant to have them in a centerpiece then.”
    Belinda nodded and went on her way, but Chloe had noticed her tensing. An event with the local gentry would be a trial to her. Chloe shrugged. If Belinda chose not to attend, that was up to her but it would be