Free Notorious Deception by Adrienne Basso Page A

“But I am so unhappy, Diana.”
    Caroline put her head in her hands and wept loudly. Uncertain how to react, Diana patted Caroline’s hand gently, waiting for her to regain her composure.
    Finally Caroline threw her head back against the settee. “I’ll get you a drink,” Diana said, hoping the other woman would be able to collect herself before the men joined them. She was sure Caroline would not want Tristan to see her so distraught, and the earl would most likely jump to the conclusion that Diana was the cause of Caroline’s unhappiness. Caroline accepted the glass of brandy with a sniff and took a tentative sip.
    â€œYou must tell me what is wrong, Caroline,” Diana said sympathetically. “Perhaps I can help you.”
    â€œIf only you could,” Caroline said wistfully. “It is all so dreadful.” She hung her head and spoke in a low monotone. “I am barren, Diana.” Caroline heaved a tremendous sigh, and continued speaking, her voice so low that Diana had to lean closer to hear her. “Tristan and I were married over five years ago. At the beginning of our marriage, I was relieved that I didn’t become pregnant. I was present when my sister-in-law, Alyssa, gave birth several years ago, and it frightened me. But since that time, I’ve come to realize how much I want a baby, need a baby. And yet I cannot conceive.”
    â€œWhat does Tristan say?” Diana asked, finding it difficult to keep her expression impassive.
    â€œNothing,” Caroline whispered. “He refuses to discuss the subject any longer, since it upsets me so much. Tristan claims it doesn’t matter, but I don’t believe him. I know how much he adores children. You should see him with his two nieces, Diana. He fairly dotes on them. And they think the sun rises and sets on their uncle Tris.” Caroline blew her nose again and heaved another sigh. “How I long for a child of my own.”
    â€œI am so sorry,” Diana said with genuine feeling. She was not unfamiliar with the longings of unfulfilled motherhood. “Have you spoken to a physician about this?”
    â€œYes,” Caroline replied. She gave a small, hollow laugh. “I’ve seen several doctors, for all the good it has done me. They are a bunch of charlatans, the lot of them. Even Baron Wells, Tristan’s family physician, and a man I have great respect for, can come up with no particular reason for my problem. Baron Wells told me I must relax and not think about it so much, but I cannot help myself. I fear I’m becoming quite obsessed.” Caroline shrugged her shoulders. “And it is beginning to affect my marriage.”
    â€œYou must not allow that to happen, Caroline,” Diana insisted.
    â€œI know.”
    â€œIs there anything I can do?” Diana offered, touched by Caroline’s raw anguish.
    Caroline’s face suddenly became very still. “I do know there are people who can mix potions for barren women, but the cures I have tried thus far have made me dizzy and sick to my stomach. I just know if I could find the person with the right knowledge I can give Tris a child. Will you help me find such a person?”
    Diana eyed Caroline with trepidation, uncertain how to respond. Caroline had already tried the usual cures concocted for her problem with no success. At this point, she appeared desperate enough to do something dangerous, and Diana could not allow that to happen. But what could she do? Through her love of flowers and gardening she had gained some knowledge about the healing properties of plants and herbs, but she knew nothing about concocting a remedy for a barren woman. What possible assistance could she offer to Caroline? Diana racked her brain for a suitable reply, while Caroline continued to watch her with luminous eyes.
    Finally, Diana said, “It is true, Caroline, that some healers will sell you a portion for your ills and know very