Page 83 (1/2)

“Then how fortunate I aht on the experience” Lydia recalled what she’d learnt fro about wolves or wild dogs By all accounts, you were heard panting and growling and clawing at a tree”

Arabella snorted and shifted uncomfortably in her chair “Well, you ossip”

Ada returned with the tea tray The china cups clattered on the saucers as the ht, and the dainty e

“Just put it down” Arabella’s curt tone frightened the maid further

Lydia jumped to her feet and hurried to take the tray

Ada relinquished her grip, but bent her head and whispered, “Leave here, miss Leave now, before it’s too late”

Too late?

Too late for what?

“That is all, Ada,” Arabella scolded “Find Lord Randall and ask him to join us”

After his failed seduction attempt, Lydia had no desire to see the foppish lord “There’s no need I came to see Cecil I’ed Lord Greystone to a duel on Blackmoor Common”

“He did indeed” A sly smirk passed briefly over Arabella’s face “Leave us, Ada, and close the door on your way out”

Ada swayed back and forth but remained rooted to the spot

“Can you not see that your abrupt manner upsets her?” Lydia placed the black chinoiserie tray on the irl “Come, Ada, I shall escort you back to the servants’ hall” Lydia draped her arm around the maid’s shoulder

“Just sit down and drink your damn tea” The thin threads of control snapped, and Arabella thumped the arm of the sofa

“Lord Lovell isn’t here,” Ada blurted She turned to Lydia and clutched her arm “He won’t be back until tomorrow Oh, miss, they have a horrid plan for you, so they do”