Free Mistress of Merrivale by Shelley Munro Page A

She approached her mother cautiously, knowing a sudden move could set her off again. “Let’s get you both inside. I’m sure Mrs. Green will make us a cup of tea. She might even have a special treat.”
    Cassie peered out at Jocelyn, her face tearstained. “Jam tarts?”
    Jocelyn bit back her relief and held out her hand. “Let’s go.” She recalled the flash of white she’d seen earlier and discounted as nothing out of the ordinary. Could her mother have seen a bird? A dove perhaps?
    “We should get Cassie inside,” her mother said. “It’s not safe out here.” She glanced around them, her gaze darting wildly as if she expected someone to pop from behind the bushes. Then abruptly, she fell to her knees and pawed through the sprigs of plants and flowers she’d picked. “My herbs and flowers are ruined.”
    “I’ll pick some more for you.” Jocelyn seized her mother’s arm and helped her to her feet while maintaining her grip on Cassie’s small hand. She started walking, silently praying her mother wouldn’t become even more difficult. To her relief both Cassie and her mother fell into step.
    “I’ll take charge of Cassie,” Arabella snapped.
    “Of course.” Now wasn’t the time to make a scene. Jocelyn let Arabella take Cassie’s hand and focused on leading her mother to the house, only releasing her breath after ushering Elizabeth inside.
    Tilly came running, her lined face edged with concern.
    “Tilly, the herbs I picked are ruined.”
    Jocelyn shot a sharp look at Tilly. Her mother was building up to another one of her screaming episodes.
    “I intend to collect more for you,” Jocelyn promised. She rang for a maid and ordered refreshments, then she crouched in front of Cassie. “Are you all right, sweetheart?”
    “Of course she isn’t.” Arabella let out a scoff that was almost a hiss, her dark eyes flashing with a hint of triumph.
    Jocelyn ignored Arabella’s dramatics to concentrate on her stepdaughter. “Cassie?”
    “The bad man scared me.”
    Jocelyn’s mouth dropped open. “Did you see the man?”
    “N-no.”
    Jocelyn barely stopped her shoulders from sagging in disappointment. Cassie hadn’t seen anyone but was taking her cue from Elizabeth. Jocelyn stretched out her hand to Cassie. “Let’s dry your eyes. I’m sure Cook will send some of her special cakes for us.”
    “Jam tarts,” Cassie said, her bottom lip sticking out in a pout.
    Relieved at her stepdaughter’s resilient nature, Jocelyn hid her amusement as she ushered everyone to the parlor. “I’ll ask if Cook has tarts today.”
    While they waited, she settled Cassie on a chair and wiped the last of her tears away. Tilly encouraged Elizabeth to retire to her rooms.
    A loud commotion outside drew everyone’s attention.
    Halfway to the door, Elizabeth whirled to face the window, her eyes wide with alarm. “I told you there were spies. They followed us from London. I told you!” She clapped her hand to her heart, her words growing progressively louder and strident.
    “Your mother belongs in an institution,” Arabella said.
    “I suggest you return to the nursery,” Jocelyn said in an icy tone. “I will personally deliver Cassie to you this afternoon.”
    “You can’t—”
    “I can,” Jocelyn snapped. “Go now before I decide to hire a new nurse for Cassie.” Cold eyes met hers. The two women dueled in silence before Arabella broke the connection and flounced away. Jocelyn watched through a narrowed gaze, her body tense to the point of pain. When Arabella disappeared from sight, Jocelyn dragged in a noisy breath and turned to face her next trial.
    “Mother, cease your cries.” Her mother was upsetting Cassie again. “Please.”
    “He’s over there.” Elizabeth pointed a dramatic finger, and Jocelyn caught herself glancing over her shoulder, peering out the window for a glimpse of a skulking man before commonsense reasserted itself. This was yet again one of her mother’s imaginary