Dangerous Masquerade (Regency Masquerade)

When the idea first occurred to her, she had discarded it, but it kept coming back into her mind. It made sense. Although Ria was certain her husband had wanted her to inherit, she was still uncomfortable with the deception. This way she had a home for as long as she wished but need not worry about what might happen if she were to die or even marry. Under normal circumstances, all her property would pass to her husband; however, with it in trust that would not be possible.

When she discussed the idea with Monty, he was initially very surprised, although once he thought it over he too saw the merit in her plan.

Ria continued on her way, only to find her good humor disappear as she rounded a bend. Geoffrey Danielson was riding over a curved, moss-covered stone bridge toward her.

Her hands tightened on the reins. She was very glad her groom was accompanying her. Even so, what might he say? Or do?

Vivid memories of the last time she saw him, the look on his face, what he said, were still with her. Just seeing him was enough to make her feel slightly ill, but she had to face him. She couldn’t run away.

Anyway, even if she’d wanted to, there was no time to turn around. He had seen her and would be upon her before she had completed the turn. The only thing for it was to drive past him.

Her plan was thwarted when he positioned his horse in the middle of the drive just before the bridge, giving her no choice but to stop.

Poised on her seat, hands tense on the reins and ready to push past him if necessary, she waited for the inevitable tirade.

“Ria, how are you today?”

Ria frowned, puzzled by his

light and pleasant tone. Warily she replied, “Well, thank you, Mr. Danielson.”

He winced, then smiled at her. “So formal, and I detect a hint of reserve in your voice. But who could blame you? Certainly not I.”

Danielson kicked his horse into motion and came alongside the gig. “I have come to beg forgiveness for the way I have behaved lately. It was the shock, you see. The shock of my beloved uncle’s passing. I believe it bedeviled my mind, and I went a bit queer in the attic there for a while, but I am over it now.”

She could almost believe him. He seemed sincere. His words and tone were sweet, his expression amiable. She searched his face but could see no trace of the malevolence she had seen the last time he was at the manor.

Seemingly uncomfortable at her continued silence, he shifted in the saddle. “Please excuse my behavior. I know it was probably unforgivable. Nonetheless, I hope you can find it in your heart to pardon me.”

“Well, I…” Ria’s voice trailed off, she was unsure what to say. Having good relations with her husband’s nephew would make life more comfortable, but was he sincere in his apology? Her hands relaxed slightly on the reins.

He shrugged. “I will understand if you never wish to see me again, yet I couldn’t rest without trying to make peace between us. We have a bond, the love of my uncle. I truly hope you can forgive me.”

She considered his earnest face, not quite ready to trust him, but not wishing their enmity to continue. “Thank you. Your apology means a lot to me.”

He bowed his head in response. “Uncle often spoke of your goodness and generosity. I see everything he said was true.”

She gave him a small smile. “Like you, I wish there to be peace between us. You are Monty’s nephew, and I want you to be a part of my family.”

“Thank you so much for your understanding.”

There were his plans for the estate. Were they also due to his brain fever? Hesitantly she said, “There is one thing I would like to ask you. When you left here the other day you dropped a paper that listed items such as raising rents, evicting tenants…”

“Oh, that,” he replied carelessly. “It was not mine. It was suggested—I prefer not to say by whom—that the estate could benefit from such actions. But I would not have done it, any of it.” A look of horror crossed his face as he added, “Why, it included the eviction of the aunts and cousins! The mere suggestion is abhorrent to me! Never would I do that.”

What he was saying did not quite ring true—not least because the note was in his hand. Could the words have been someone else’s? Whose?

As though reading her mind he continued, “Naturally, I took notes as he was kind enough to give his time and had obviously given the matter much thought. Though I never had the intention of doing any of it.”

It sounded very plausible, but…

There was an awkward pause. Ria wasn’t sure what to say.

With a slight bow, he took his leave. “If you should need my assistance please call upon me. I will help in any way I can.”

“Thank you. You are very kind.”

Watching him ride off, she wondered who had devised those plans for the estate if it wasn’t Danielson?