Read Online A False Proposal by Pam Mingle - Free Book Online Page A

we would all find it soothing.” He escorted her to the instrument and helped her find a suitable piece before returning to the others. Jack, he noticed, had convinced Cass to be seated. Adam considered whether to offer comfort, even though he had no idea if she would welcome it.
    Deborah handed him a cup of tea. “I’m sorry, my dear. What a terrible turn of events.”
    Adam nodded, then moved toward the couch on which Cass was seated. He’d been hoping the talk would turn to other subjects, but as he crossed the room, he realized he’d been foolish. This was too big an event, too far reaching, to be pushed aside so easily. As he was about to claim the spot next to Cass, Leonora suddenly appeared and, stepping directly in front of him, took the place for herself. Bowing politely, he grinned at Cassie, and thought he detected the barest hint of amusement in her eyes. He moved to one side, but stayed close enough to overhear the conversation.
    “ You cannot help feeling particularly affected by this, Miss Linford,” he heard Leonora say. “It must serve as a reminder of your own unfortunate ordeal.”
    Only Leonora could refer to the public suicide of someone’s fiancé as an “unfortunate ordeal,” Adam thought. He sipped his tea and waited to hear what Cass would say, or indeed if she would be able to say anything.
    “The loss of those we love is always devastating, Lady Leonora, as I’m certain you know, since you lost your husband so recently.”
    Ah. Point to Cass.
    “But your…unusual circumstance, so like this horrifying event.” Leonora’s voice dripped with false compassion. “Tell me, Miss Linford, what is it like to have a gun pointed at you? And to have your betrothed then turn the weapon and shoot himself, right there for all to see?”
    Point to Leonora, the witch.
    Cass got to her feet. “I never discuss the circumstances of Bentley’s death with anyone I am not close to, Lady Leonora. You, thank heaven, in no way qualify.”
    Brava, Cassie .
    She curtsied gracefully, with dignity, and walked right past him. Though she seemed unruffled, Adam could see the quiver of her pulse at her temple. She set her teacup down on a table and exited the room.
    Leonora looked up at him. “I’m afraid I’ve upset her,” she said. “But really, all of town will be talking about it again.”
    “Only those who are boorish and ill-mannered,” Adam said. To his satisfaction, a look of surprise registered on her face and her lips flattened into a hard line. He smiled, bowed slightly, and removed himself from her presence, lest he say something else ungentlemanly. Miss Morgan was dutifully playing; the others were huddled in groups conversing softly. No one seemed to need him at present, and after a prudent amount of time, he left the room in search of Cass.
    …
    How dare that woman speak to me about Bentley? Cass wandered the corridor in search of an empty room in which to hide until she could regain her composure. In spite of the fact that there were no witnesses to Bentley’s death besides herself, half the ton thought they’d seen it. In a moment, she saw light flickering from a partially open door. She stepped inside and inhaled the scent of old leather bindings, ink, and parchment. Adam’s library, no doubt. Perhaps he would not mind if she sought refuge here.
    The only light was from a fire burning in the grate, but she could see well enough. Her eyes wandered around the room, taking in the enormous mahogany desk, which occupied most of one wall, and the fireplace opposite. The two leather chairs before the hearth looked perfect for reading. At the far end of the room, a window seat beckoned. The windows overlooked the back garden, though not much of it was visible tonight. In a very unladylike fashion, Cass arranged herself on the cushioned seat, scooting around so that her back was leaning against one wall. She drew her knees up and wrapped her arms around them.
    Clearly, it had been unrealistic