Lavender Lies (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Read Free Book Online

hand on Lavender's. "I have finished tormenting you for today, but I will continue to have your best interests at heart. You are spirited and alive, yet you seem to be contented with so little."
    Lavender pondered very carefully before answering. "I thank you for your friendship and your concern, but I can assure you that there is no need to worry on my account. You will have to trust me in this."
    A dozen questions tumbled in Elizabeth's head, but she knew now was not the time to voice them. "What am I to do with you, Lavender? You just won't listen to reason."
    Lavender smiled impishly. "A moment ago you called me spirited, while Aunt Amelia says I am spineless. 1 wonder which one of you is correct?"
    Elizabeth tapped her foot angrily. "I don't mean to be unkind, but your aunt is just a bitter old woman. She doesn't know what it is to feel young. I have watched her try to break your spirit for years. I fear she has half succeeded. I promise you that I will not give up on you, Lavender. I could never resist a challenge . . ." Lizzy's eyes sparkled. ". . . and I am determined to be your salvation."
    The two young ladies' laughter blended until Lavender's face sobered, and she lowered her lashes. "Trust me, Lizzy. I cannot confide in you at the moment. It is as much for your protection as my own. You cannot testify to what you are ignorant of."
    Elizabeth's face whitened. "Don't talk like that, Lavender, it makes me frightened for you. What are you involved in?"
    Lavender linked her arm through her friend's. "Is it not a lovely day? The rainstorm yesterday made everything look so green. Don't you just love the way the air smells after a rain? I believe spring is my favorite time of year."
    Elizabeth knew Lavender was purposely changing the subject. She sighed wearily and tried to dismiss her unsettled thoughts. "Yes, I do believe spring is a favorite with me also," she added in defeat. "But I do predict stormy days ahead for you. Just remember I am your friend."
    Lavender's eyes clouded with pain. "I will remember."
    "Tell me," Elizabeth asked, moving to a safer subject. "Can it be true that your aunt is taking in a lodger?"
    "Yes, it is true. Aunt Amelia had posted a notice in the Virginia Gazette , and she received a letter from a gentleman called Julian West who lives in Georgia. He will be arriving some time this week."
    "Why ever would your aunt take in a boarder? Surely she can't need the money since her needs are so simple."
    A worried frown creased Lavender's brow. "I do not know, Lizzy. I fear Aunt Amelia is sometimes eccentric. I try to humor her when I can."
    "Surely you cannot humor her by allowing a complete stranger to live under the same roof?"
    "My aunt said Mr. West has impressive credentials. He will be placed in the east wing so he can have his own entrance and come and go as he likes."
    "Do you know anything else about the man? How old is he?"
    "I have no idea."
    "It all sounds very odd to me." Even as she spoke, Elizabeth realized her friend's mind was somewhere else and she could feel her withdrawing into some secret place. A place where no one else could intrude. Even dressed in black and hiding behind the glasses, Lavender could not disguise her beauty. Elizabeth silently assessed her friend. She was tall for a girl, willowy and delicate. Deep-blue eyes were perfectly framed with thick, sooty lashes. Lavender's features were lovely beyond words. It hurt Elizabeth that her friend had chosen to live like a recluse ever since her father had died. Very little was known about the manner in which Samuel Daymond had met his end. Even now Lavender refused to discuss her father with anyone.
    Elizabeth stopped beneath a cherry tree and examined the delicate buds. Her heart was saddened because Lavender was alone in the world except for her ailing aunt. She thought perhaps Lavender would be different if only her twin brother Chandler would come home.
    "Tell me, Lavender, have you any news from Chandler?"
    "Not in