Read Online Notorious Deception by Adrienne Basso - Free Book Online Page A

I have produced the appropriate deed for you. The problem is, however, that you no longer own the establishment.”
    â€œThat is not my signature,” Diana stated in a flat, emotionless voice. “And I have never heard of Mr. Jonathan Marlow until this very moment.”
    When the earl threw up his hands in exasperation, Tristan intervened. Coming forward, he reached for the deed in Diana’s outstretched hand. “May I?” he asked, and at her nod, he took the paper from her. “Are there any other documents available so we may compare the signatures?”
    Diana turned her head up sharply at Tristan. The earl’s mistrust was to be expected, but somehow she thought Tristan was on her side. He gave her an apologetic smile and said, “It is the only way we can exonerate you, Diana.”
    The earl reached into his breast coat pocket, pulling forth the rest of the papers Diana had given him yesterday. She heaved a sigh of relief when she saw he still had her marriage contract in his possession.
    â€œCheck the signature on the marriage contract,” she said smugly.
    Tristan brought the documents over to the Sheraton writing table in the corner of the room. He turned up the wick on the lamp, casting a bright light on the papers. The earl raised a skeptical eyebrow at Diana, who sat motionless in her chair; then he followed Tristan over to the desk.
    Caroline also walked over to the desk, wanting to examine the evidence herself. Tristan cleared his throat twice and said in a voice filled with regret, “I am afraid, Diana, the signatures do appear to be one and the same.”
    Diana snorted in disgust and rose from her chair. She strode over to the desk and stood before her three adversaries, her hands on her hips. “Naturally the signatures appear the same. I imagine Giles hired the very best forger he could find. And yet I am forced to conclude they were in a rush when this particular document was forged, since there is a discrepancy. Look closely at the names. Can you not see it?”
    The three heads turned back to stare at the documents. “I’ve found it,” Caroline called out excitedly. “There it is. The second name. On the deed for the tavern the name reads Diana Maria, but on the marriage contract it is signed Diana Marisa.”
    â€œThank you, Caroline,” Diana remarked in a stiff voice. “I am glad at least someone is willing to examine closely the evidence before passing judgment.” She stared at the two men, waiting expectantly.
    Tristan colored slightly, but apologized readily. “You are right, of course, Diana. We should not have been so hasty.” He turned to the earl.
    â€œI do hope you will accept my apology also, madam,” Derek said, keeping his tone level and his expression impassive.
    â€œI ask only that you treat me with a fair and open mind, my lord,” Diana said gracefully.
    â€œI feel it is appropriate to drop the subject for now,” Caroline said. “I’m sure Cook has prepared a marvelous supper for us this evening. I insist you stay and dine with us, Derek. Or do you have other plans?”
    â€œNothing that cannot be changed, Caroline,” he replied smoothly. “I would be honored to join you for dinner.”
    Diana gazed at the earl from beneath her lowered lids, annoyed with her heart’s involuntary skip of pleasure when he consented to stay for dinner. She tried to convince herself she wanted him to stay only because she needed to know what his next move was to be. Yet as he gallantly extended his muscular arm to escort her into dinner, Diana knew she was not being completely honest with herself.
    Dinner turned out to be a far more pleasant experience than Diana could have imagined. Caroline was an accomplished hostess, and she kept a lively flow of chatter going through each course and put everyone at ease. The food was as delicious as Caroline had predicted, from the cream of