page87 (1/2)

Oh So I as Oh, Mama, I wish it had been you Then the ihts ‘My aunt? My cousin? Here?’

‘To htened up and stepped back

There was a moment of hesitation, then the three ladies ca to her knees beside Tess ‘I am your second cousin Charlotte I a to know all about ’ She sat back on her heels, blonde ringlets bouncing, and beareat surprise?’

‘Ashock,’ Tess confessed She swung her feet down from the sofa and sat up The room shifted queasily

One of the older women came and perched by her feet, the other—the one who looked like Mama—stood with her hand on Charlotte’s shoulder ‘My dear Teresa Did Lord Weybourn not warn you?’

Tess shook her head, looked round for Alex He was standing with his father, both of the her intently ‘I do not knohat to say My aunt toldto do with either of us’

There was an uneasy silence The three women all looked at the elderly man as still on his feet He stared at Tess frorey brows Lord Moreland cleared his throat and the stranger shot hilare ‘Don’t you presume to prompt me, Moreland I’ll make up my own mind She looks like a lady, I’ll say that, not a chit born in sin and raised by a Papist’

Tess’s confusion cleared, leaving her oddly calnoring agitated sounds frorandfather, sir?’

‘I aer uncle, Lord Withrend’

Tess straightened her back, lifted her chin and took a deep breath I will not break down I will not screae If she was not in full possession of the facts, then you,her of theood woman who followed her conscience and was true to her faith I was raised as a gentlewoman and that is all I lay claim to I most certainly have no wish to lay claim to a relationship with you, ht curtsy to Lady Moreland ‘I apologise, my lady, for any ehbours were until after I entered this house

‘I will retire to rateful if you would allow ecoach halt in the ’