Free Notorious Deception by Adrienne Basso

over the years.
    â€œTell me, Caroline,” Diana said, “are you also acquainted with Mary Shelley? I recently read her novel, Frankenstein, and found it most fascinating.”
    Caroline shook her head. “I am not familiar with either the author or her work. Have you read this book, Derek?” She grinned impishly at him, showing she held no anger toward him over his criticism of her beloved Byron.
    â€œI also must confess I am unfamiliar with the work,” Derek responded smoothly. “Tris?”
    â€œI do believe I recall the story,” Tristan said, sitting back in his chair and crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Is it not the tale of a man destroyed by the huge, unlovable, lonely creature he has created?”
    â€œYes,” Diana whispered softly. “I found the story quite moving.”
    â€œThen I shall be certain to read it also,” Caroline declared, rising to her feet. “And now if you gentlemen will excuse us, we will leave you to your port and cigars.” She waited until Diana had also risen from her chair; then the two women swept regally out of the dining room.
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    Once alone in the drawing room, Diana and Caroline fell into a companionable silence.
    â€œWould you care for anything to drink?” Caroline asked suddenly, walking over to the Pembroke table in the corner, where various decanters of cut crystal were filled with spirits.
    â€œNo, thank you,” Diana replied, confused by the other woman’s anxious tone of voice. Although Diana did not think she could lay claim to a friendship with Caroline, she did believe they had progressed beyond awkward politeness.
    â€œI am sorry for the dreadful way I have been acting,” Caroline blurted out, “both yesterday when you first arrived and today. My conduct was disgraceful. I can only offer in defense that I was. . . not quite myself.”
    Diana’s eyes widened in surprise at Caroline’s apology. “It really is not necessary to explain,” Diana replied gently. “Mrs. Roget already informed me about your medication.”
    â€œBut I must explain,” Caroline insisted. “I was so jealous when I first saw you with Tristan yesterday. He was so kind and solicitous toward you, and when he told me that ridiculous story about Giles—well, I thought for sure he was lying to me.” Caroline’s voice became strained as she fought against the urge to cry. “I thought Tristan—well, that he might have an interest in you.”
    It took a few minutes for Diana to comprehend Caroline’s meaning. Tristan interested in her? The very notion was absurd!
    â€œThere is no cause for distress, Caroline,” Diana said, too affected by the other woman’s sadness to be insulted by her remarks. “Surely you cannot doubt Tristan’s affection. Why, ’tis plain for anyone to see how dearly he loves you.”
    â€œI know,” Caroline said, shaking her head. And then without warning, she burst into tears.
    Diana walked over to Caroline and place a hand on her shoulder to comfort her, but Caroline sobbed louder. Diana fumbled in the pocket of her gown, pulling out a snowy-white handkerchief and handed it to Caroline.
    After a few moments, Caroline regained control, and her sobbing slowed to short hiccups. “You must think me the greatest fool,” Caroline said, wiping her face. “I am sorry to be such a watering pot. I just seem to be taking everything to heart these days.”
    Diana escorted her to the settee and they sat down. “You must not get so upset, Caroline,” she said softly. “Tristan is a special and wonderful man. He loves you very much and would never do anything to hurt you.”
    â€œI know that he loves me,” Caroline admitted as she patted her nose. “And I love him so—almost beyond reason, I’m afraid.” Caroline sniffed loudly, and her eyes filled again with tears.