Free Notorious Deception by Adrienne Basso Page B

little about the power of the herbs in it. These individuals are usually of an unsavory and dishonest nature. Oftentimes, the cure they sell you can be dangerous, sometimes fatal.” Diana paused a moment to allow the importance of her words to sink in. “I do possess a rather small amount of knowledge about the healing properties of certain plants and herbs.”
    Caroline reacted instantly to her words, throwing her arms about her and hugging her tightly. “Oh, Diana,” Caroline cried, her voice choked with emotion. “I feel as though my prayers have finally been answered. I shall be in your debt for the rest of my life.”
    â€œWait a moment, Caroline,” Diana cautioned. “I can make no promises. My knowledge is somewhat limited.” And she was not precisely sure what she was doing when it came to creating potions for fertility, she concluded to herself silently.
    â€œYou are just being modest,” Caroline insisted, tilting her chin upward. “I just know you shall be able to help me. You can make a list of the things you will need this evening. I shall send Lucy out to the apothecary first thing in the morning.” Caroline turned anxiously toward Diana. “That is to say, if we can purchase everything at the apothecary. Do you think you will need any special sort of ingredients?”
    â€œSpecial ingredients? Do you mean like the eye of a newt or ground spiderwebs,” Diana teased, unable to help herself.
    â€œWell,” Caroline said, her voice trailing off.
    Her expression clearly told Diana that she would have moved heaven and earth to find any item Diana requested, no matter how ridiculous. Diana knew, in that moment, she had made the correct decision in offering her assistance to Caroline. At the very least, she could be sure her potion would not harm the other woman. And perhaps it would even help.
    Tristan and Derek entered the drawing room at that moment, and all further discussion between Caroline and Diana ceased. Tristan immediately strolled over to his wife’s side, and Diana marveled at his devotion. The earl’s voice startled Diana and she turned quickly toward him. She raised her face and met his gaze. His normally cold blue eyes softened as they gazed at her, and he broke into a charming grin.
    â€œI must take my leave, madam,” he said pleasantly. “I shall call on you tomorrow so we may discuss your future plans.”
    Unconsciously, he lifted Diana’s hand to his lips. Diana drew in her breath sharply at his warm, intimate touch. Then she admonished herself to calm down as the earl’s lips gently caressed her hand, soft and feather light.
    â€œUntil tomorrow,” he said in a deep husky voice, his powerful eyes never leaving Diana’s face.
    â€œNow please don’t call on us too early in the morning, Derek,” Caroline instructed the earl, hooking her arm through his and walking him to the front door. “Diana and I will be busy for most of the morning. You may collect her directly after luncheon. Perhaps you could bring your new phaeton? I’m sure Diana would enjoy an outing in Regent’s Park.” .
    Belatedly, Diana followed them and she arrived in the entrance foyer just as the earl left the house. She stood at the bottom of the staircase, absently rubbing her hand, puzzled by his strange behavior. Tristan also came out of the drawing room and invited both the women back inside.
    â€œI think I shall retire now,” Diana said, deciding she needed some time alone. She was very confused and slightly suspicious about the earl’s rather pleasant good-bye. He obviously had decided to change his tactics when dealing with her. Why?
    â€œGood night, Tristan. Caroline,” Diana called to the couple as she began the long climb up the central staircase.
    â€œSleep well, Diana,” Caroline said. “I shall see you first thing in the morning.”
    Diana did not miss the anxious