page86 (2/2)

The occupants of the roorouped around the hearth Lady Moreland sat on one sofa flanked by an elderly ed one Two ladies sat on the opposite sofa with a young lady of about Tess’s age between them Lord Moreland stood in the centre, his back to the fire He looked as though he had been interrupted in mid-speech The others all turned at the sound of the door closing and the two other men rose to their feet

No one sh their eyes seemed fixed on her

Then Lady Moreland held out her hand ‘Miss Ellery, do come in’

Alex’s hand released its grip andher across the deep pile of the carpet towards the fireplace It felt like walking through sand in a dream Perhaps this was a dream

Then the nearest woman moved abruptly Tess looked directly at her and the floor seemed to shift beneath her feet ‘Mama!’

Chapter Twenty-Three

‘I do not faint’ Tess heard her own voice, weak but indignant, and ed to open her eyes

‘You had a shock, my dear, that is all’ Lady Moreland’s face, thin, concerned, swam into focus above her

‘I need to sit up’

‘Is that wise?’ Another female voice, unfamiliar

‘Yes I want Alex I mean, where is Lord Weybourn?’

‘I am here, Tess’ His mother moved aside and Alex appeared in her place ‘Let me put a cushion behind you’

She ht I saw I as Ghosts’

‘No, not a ghost You saw your aunt’s eldest daughter I think your cousin, Lady Wile yourresemblance’