Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

Edmond had chosen to ride beside the vehicle as it had rattled over the turnpike to Surrey, leaving Brianna alone to endure the curious questions of Lady Aberlane and Janet, who had been awakened to join her on the unexpected journey.

Not that she had any answers. She was as confused as her companions as to why they had been forced to leave London in such a rush.

With a disgusted shake of her head at being hauled about with no explanations, Brianna left her bed and rang for Janet.

There was no point in brooding on Edmond Summerville or his autocratic dictates. With any luck, he would have left Meadowland.

Near an hour later, Brianna was bathed and attired in a striped emerald and white gown that brought out the green of her eyes and the deep red highlights in her hair. She added brown leather half-boots and a cameo that she had threaded through a green ribbon and tied about her neck.

Leaving her chambers, she headed down the long hallway, fondly noting the worn wainscot with carved cornices that had seen better days. The same could be said for the mahogany and gilt chairs that lined the frayed crimson runner. Despite her aggravation with Edmond at having been hustled out of London in the dead of night, she could not deny a flare of pleasure at returning to Meadowland.

Her most cherished childhood memories were here. Memories of sneaking into the music room to listen to the Duchess of Huntley playing the pianoforte, of Stefan teaching her the rudiments of chess, of Mrs. Slater baking her lemon tarts.

This house had been as much her home as her father’s. Perhaps more so, since there had always been such a warm feeling of a loving family, a feeling that had been decidedly absent beneath her own roof.

Oh, her father had loved her, but his constant concern for his unpredictable wife ensured that he had little time to devote to his daughter, and her mother had never bothered to take note of her.

Reaching the grand staircase, Brianna made her way down to the lower floor, a smile curving her lips at the familiar male form standing at the bottom.

Stefan was an exact replica of his overbearing brother, but Brianna knew immediately who awaited her. It was in his kind expression and ready smile. And despite his resemblance to Edmond, Brianna realized that he did not stir thoughts of the arrogant, aggravating pain in her neck.

It was with an uncomplicated affection that she stepped into his arms and returned his warm hug.

“Good morning, Brianna.”

“Stefan.”

Stefan pulled back. “My dear, I am so sorry.”

“Why would you be sorry?”

“Edmond has told me of all you have suffered at Thomas Wade’s hands. I never liked the man, but I did not dream—”

“You could not have known,” she interrupted firmly.

“But I should have, as Edmond has informed me in no uncertain terms. It was my duty to protect you, and I failed miserably.

” He dropped his hands and squared his shoulders. “I intend to do everything in my power to make it up to you. That much I promise.”

“I am just happy to be here. Meadowland has not changed a bit.”

“Yes, so I have been told.” He glanced around the foyer, smiling wryly. “I begin to wonder if I should halt living in the past and take steps to refurbish the old monstrosity.”

“Oh, no,” Brianna protested, only realizing it was hardly her place to decide what should be done to the charming estate. “Well, obviously you must do as you please, but I have to admit that I prefer it to remain just as it is. You know, when I was in Thomas Wade’s home, I used to close my eyes and pretend that I was at Meadowland. It always made me feel…safe.”

“My dear, sweet Brianna.” Brianna was once again tugged into Stefan’s arms. “I should have brought you home the moment your mother died.”

Brianna happily soaked in Stefan’s comfort. “I have missed you, Stefan.”

“As I have missed you. This place has been far too quiet without your laughter, and I have grown far too dull without your teasing.”

“Well, well. What a touching scene.”

Brianna and Stefan jerked apart, as if they were two naughty children rather than lifelong friends.

“Edmond.” Stefan cleared his throat. “I thought you would be gone by now.”

Edmond’s cold regard never shifted from Brianna’s face. “I have decided to stay until tomorrow morning. If I am not intruding?”