A Lady Betrayed by Nicole Byrd Read Free Book Online Page B

knew perfectly well that it was people such as her that Maddie would definitely want excluded, which was why she had waited until Bess’s back was turned and then nipped up the stairs.
    But unless Maddie barred her from the house and caused a total scandal—and that might upset Papa—she would have to put up with her. No wonder Maddie’s sister Juliana had once fled to London just to escape Mrs. Masham’s arrival in their shire.
    While Madeline hesitated, Mrs. Masham looked around for something to sit on and finding no chair, pulled the stool in front of the dressing table closer to the bed. “Now, you must not exert yourself in the slightest, just lie back and rest, and tell me everything about your secret engagement and how on earth you ended up in the woods overnight. I thought you were reasonably proper, even if you are so sad as to have lost your mother so young and to have had no one to teach you what it is to be a lady, but to end up so totally depraved, I mean, really…”
    She fastened her toadlike eyes on Maddie, who felt as transfixed as a gnat on a lily pad, and as unable to flee.
    â€œI beg your pardon…” Maddie began, her voice stiff, but she couldn’t seem to finish the sentence. While she hesitated, she heard a light knock at the door, and another familiar face appeared in the doorway.
    This time, it was someone she was actually happy to see.
    Mrs. Barlow was a penurious widow who had moved into the neighborhood not too long ago. Some of the neighbors had turned a cold shoulder to the new arrival, feeling that her background was not sufficiently vouched for. No one seemed to know where the petite young woman had come from, or who her relatives might be.
    The widow said little about her past and, indeed, did not try overmuch to insert herself into the social life of the shire, but Madeline felt sorry for her and had been friendly. The widow was hardly past her thirtieth birthday and often seemed pensive if caught in an unguarded moment, though she was always good company. She lived quietly in her rented cottage and, showing evidence of a sharp mind and a kind heart, enjoyed reading and quiet conversation, which pleased Maddie a great deal.
    Like her father, Maddie did not always find sympathetic companions in her neighbors, especially since her sisters had all flown the nest. Of late, Mrs. Barlow and Maddie had taken to walking together now and then, and Maddie often invited her over for tea and lent her books to read.
    She looked up to see the newcomer with a distinct feeling of support being at hand.
    â€œI’m so glad to see you looking better, Miss Applegate,” Mrs. Barlow said. “I heard that you have been under the weather.”
    â€œIndeed she has, and too much society may put her back into her sickbed,” the first visitor retorted, her tone peevish. She showed signs of wanting to keep her pride of place. “In fact, Miss Applegate and I were having a quiet tête-à-tête.”
    â€œOh, please come in,” Maddie interjected, overriding this complaint. “I’m so happy to see you. Yes, I’ve been ill, but I am recovering. How nice of you to come and ask about me.”
    â€œTrue friends always remember you when you are ill,” Mrs. Masham put in, glaring at the newcomer, “and I fear there is not another chair.”
    â€œSit down on the end of the bed,” Maddie said. “I don’t mind.”
    â€œIf it will not jar you,” the other woman said. “I would not wish to intrude if the two of you are exchanging confidences.”
    â€œThat’s most observant of you,” Mrs. Masham began. “In fact—”
    But Maddie interrupted once more. “Of course not, more company is just what we should like! Is it not so, Mrs. Masham?”
    Mrs. Masham looked as if she wished to bite something, or someone, but she could not openly contradict her hostess, so she murmured something