Read Online A Most Novel Revenge by Ashley Weaver - Free Book Online Page B

had been the one to whom she had turned for comfort.
    After school we had kept in touch, writing letters and seeing each other at various social affairs. When her fiancé had returned from France she had asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. Tragically, that wedding had never taken place. Her fiancé had died suddenly, and she had begun to associate with a wilder set. We had grown apart by the time she met her current husband, Phillip Collins.
    Mr. Collins had moved to London from South Africa, and there were a great many unpleasant rumors that followed him. It was not that I objected to rumors. After all, I was not under the impression that Milo’s reputation was something to cheer about. Nevertheless, there had been a certain dark undertone to the things that were whispered about Mr. Collins.
    Perhaps this was what influenced my perception of him, but my first glance into his hard face was enough to make me distrust him.
    â€œAmory, allow me to introduce my husband, Phillip Collins.”
    â€œHow do you do?” I said.
    He nodded in response, his face impassive. I wondered if he could sense my instant dislike for him. If so, it seemed the feeling was mutual.
    Looking at him, one could almost see something sinister going on behind those cold blue eyes. He was not a physically imposing man, but there was something intimidating about him, nonetheless. I felt that one always had the impression one should step back when he came near. Of course, this might have been my imagination.
    â€œAnd Laurel,” Freida said, turning to my cousin. “How good to see you again.”
    Freida was smiling, but it seemed to me that there was something not quite right in it. It seemed to me that there was barely concealed fear in her expression. I wondered if she, too, was on edge about having been summoned by Isobel Van Allen’s mysterious demands. I could not blame her, for there was reason to be worried.
    It was strange, I thought, how all of the original participants in that weekend had been willing to return to Lyonsgate, despite the memories the place must carry. I wondered what sort of power Isobel Van Allen had over them all, what secrets they were willing to return to in order to protect.
    My thoughts were interrupted as the door opened again, and Milo and Lucinda entered in their riding clothes. Lucinda was laughing gaily, her eyes bright, her golden hair windblown. They stopped when they saw us all standing in the entrance hall.
    â€œOh. Hello, all. I’m sorry we’ve missed lunch,” she said, “but our ride was such a lark and we lost track of the time.”
    â€œYes, well, our other guests have arrived,” Reggie said.
    Reggie made introductions, and I did not miss the quickly concealed look of surprise on Freida’s face when I explained that the handsome gentleman having such a lark with Lucinda Lyons was my husband.
    Introductions concluded, the Collinses were shown to their room, Laurel and Lucinda went back to the dining room, and I turned to go upstairs. I was going to fetch my book and read it until it was time for tea.
    I was halfway up the stairs when Milo caught up with me.
    â€œWhat have you been doing all morning, my lovely?” he asked.
    â€œReading, among other things,” I answered, not breaking my stride. “How was your ride?”
    â€œIt was very nice. The property is extensive. And the horse they gave me was a fine animal.”
    â€œThat sounds lovely. Lunch is served in the dining room. You should eat something. If you continue substituting riding for meals, you’ll waste away.”
    â€œNonsense. The country air is excellent for my constitution.”
    â€œSo it seems. You’d think you were a young man again.”
    â€œWell, I’m not exactly past my prime, darling,” he protested.
    â€œBut perhaps not quite as young as you think.”
    He laughed, catching my arm before I went up another step. I turned to look