Read Online The Master's Wife by Jane Jackson - Free Book Online Page A

of how far apart they had grown and how much she had missed their closeness, their ability to communicate without a word being spoken.
    Jago drew her hand through his arm. Though his solicitude was salt in the still-raw wound of his betrayal, she was helpless against her response to his touch.
    Another porticoed entrance opened into an even grander foyer with a tiled floor and two wide, shallow steps leading up to a reception counter of gleaming dark wood. Against the wall at one end a large arrangement of cream and orange lilies perfumed the air.
    A gilded easel supporting an elegantly penned notice caught Caseley’s attention. It announced an exhibition of photographs by Miss Antonia Collingwood in the Rose Room.
    She tugged gently on Jago’s arm, drawing his attention to the notice. ‘I wonder why Sir Douglas didn’t mention it. You’d think he’d be proud.’
    Jago looked down at her and raised one dark brow. ‘Did he strike you as the kind of man who would welcome his daughter drawing attention to herself?’
    ‘I take your point.’
    ‘George, Captain and Mrs Barata require a room,’ Blaine said loudly to the manager, immaculate in a dark blue coat and cravat over a snowy starched collar. ‘With facilities.’
    ‘Of course, sir.’ The manager bowed.
    ‘I’d like one, too,’ Pawlyn said. The undercurrent of amusement in his mild tone increased Caseley’s respect for him.
    The manager snapped his fingers to summon servants and directed them to carry the bags upstairs.
    While Jago was signing the register, Caseley saw a statuesque woman approaching along the wide passage. A green silk gown styled in the latest fashion emphasised her voluptuous figure and a small hat decorated with green silk bows and a curled ostrich plume perched on her dark hair.
    Mentally catapulted back to Falmouth and engulfed by a wave of dizziness, Caseley bent her head, chiding herself for such foolishness. The hair was different and this woman was ten years younger. But for an instant –
    She willed the pain away.
    ‘Are you all right?’ Jago murmured.
    ‘Yes, of course. I’m still finding my land legs, that’s all.’
    ‘Miss Collingwood! Antonia!’ Blaine called, starting towards her.
    Caseley saw her hesitate then continue forward.
    ‘Yes, Spencer, what is it now?’ Her smile was polite rather than warm and her tone betrayed impatience.
    Before Blaine could speak, Pawlyn moved from behind Jago.
    ‘Hello, Antonia.’
    ‘Robert!’ Her smile grew warmer. ‘This is a surprise.’
    ‘A pleasant one, I hope?’
    ‘How could you doubt it? When did you get back?’
    ‘An hour ago. Allow me to introduce Captain Barata of the schooner Cygnet, and his wife. But for him I would still be stranded in Gibraltar.’
    ‘Captain, Mrs Barata . ’ Antonia Collingwood shook their hands. As Caseley sensed herself assessed and dismissed, Jago’s arm pressed hers gently.
    ‘Captain Barata brought a box for you,’ Blaine announced, taking control of the conversation. ‘It’s back at the Consulate.’
    ‘Is it my photographic plates?’ Her smile was eager as she turned to Jago. ‘Please say it is. I have been waiting months.’
    Jago nodded. ‘I believe so.’
    Antonia turned to Caseley. ‘Do come and see my photographs. This is my first exhibition, so I’m excited and very nervous. It officially opens this evening. My father was to have hosted it, but the demands of duty take precedence.’ Her tone and manner were light, but Caseley recognised underlying hurt.
    ‘Really, Antonia,’ Blaine chided. ‘You cannot expect everyone to feel about your little hobby the way you do. Captain Barata has far more important –’
    ‘Might we be permitted to attend the reception, Miss Collingwood?’ Jago asked. ‘That would allow us time to view the photographs with the attention they deserve.’
    Antonia’s eyes sparkled. ‘Indeed you must come, Captain. It would give me great pleasure to see you there – all of