Read Online Notorious Deception by Adrienne Basso - Free Book Online

sincerely hope, my lord,” Diana stated, in a voice dripping with insincere sweetness, “that our business will be swiftly concluded, so you may take your leave. I would not, in any way, wish to inconvenience you.”
    She could see she had sparked his ire, but before he could answer her, Tristan intervened. “Would you prefer we left the two of you alone to conclude your business?”
    Both Derek and Diana turned to Tristan at the same time, answering in unison, “No!”
    Regaining her composure first, Diana responded in a calmer voice. “I would prefer that both you and
    Caroline stay, Tristan.” She turned to the earl and said in a challenging tone, “That is unless you have any objections, my lord?”
    â€œOf course I have no objection, Diana,” Derek said in a smooth, charming voice.
    Diana raised her chin disapprovingly at his caressing voice and familiar use of her given name, but she held her tongue.
    â€œCome, let us all sit down and be comfortable,” Caroline said. “Tristan, pour some drinks for everyone. Sherry for Diana and myself please.”
    Diana deliberately avoided the matching gold brocade love seats, heading directly for a small, gilt-edged chair near the fire. She folded her hands demurely in her lap, waiting soundlessly while Tristan poured and served the drinks. After completing his duties as host, Tristan sat on the settee next to Caroline. The earl, Diana noted with irritation, chose to remain standing.
    â€œLet us begin,” Derek said commandingly. The earl took a long sip of his drink and began talking. “As I have already informed Tristan, I spent the better part of last night and this morning searching through my cousin’s papers. I found no reference to you, madam.” He glared pointedly at Diana, and she unflinchingly met his stare.
    â€œThat is hardly surprising, my lord,” Diana countered, “given the fact that we have now established Giles had two wives simultaneously. I strongly doubt he kept a copy of our marriage lines in an unsecured location.”
    â€œPerhaps,” Derek conceded. “Would you be so kind as to tell me, Diana, the name of your London solicitor?”
    Diana gave him a puzzled look and shrugged her shoulders. It seemed an odd question, but not one she was adverse to answering. “Mr. Thomas Bartlett handled all the affairs of my late father. I have not required the use of his services since my father’s death. He would, however, be the man I would call upon if needed.”
    â€œWhat about Mr. Jonathan Marlow?” the earl inquired.
    Diana paused for a few moments, trying to place the name. Shaking her head, she replied slowly, “I am not acquainted with a Mr. Marlow.”
    â€œAre you quite sure?”
    â€œYes, of course.”
    The earl paced back and forth in front of her, his handsome features filled with suspicion. Pulling a piece of paper from his inside breast coat pocket, he presented it to Diana with a flourish.
    â€œIt appears, madam,” he said in a scornful tone, “that you have made your first and last mistake. The current owner of the Red Boar Inn conducted the purchase of the tavern with the solicitor of the previous owner. The solicitor in question was Jonathan Marlow. And the previous owner, if my eyes do not deceive me, was you, madam.”
    Diana reached for the paper silently, eyeing the earl dubiously. She quickly scanned the contents of the deed and read the signature. Her lips curled up slightly in a mocking grin. “’Tis a very interesting document, my lord,” she remarked cynically. “But I am afraid I must inform you, it is not worth the paper it is written upon.” Diana leaned back in her chair and took a dainty sip of her sherry.
    â€œI received that document from the owner himself, madam. This property was among those you demanded the deeds for. As you can plainly see, I am merely fulfilling your request.