Defiant Angel by Stephanie Stevens Read Free Book Online Page A

not worry. I won't bore you with the nonsense of how little you were the last time we met. You indeed are a lovely girl, Alysse."
    Alysse curtsied and replied, "Thank you, Your Grace."
    "Poo poo 'Your Grace,' Alysse; Aunt Winnie will do.
    After all, Carolyn is the sister I never had." She directed Alysse to a chair near Carolyn.
    "And you, you handsome devil, must be Brian. It is a pleasure to see you again."
    Brian, bowing over her hand and gently placing a kiss on it, replied, "It has been over a year since my last tour of France."
    "Ah yes, a captain in the English military it is now. I had heard your regiment was instrumental in Napoleon's defeat." Winnie smiled.
    "Along with a number of others, I must confess, Your Grace."
    Winnie smiled in response and turned to Tiffany.
    Tiffany had been waiting, trying not to fidget or show her trembling hands. She discreetly wiped her sweating palms on her dress and licked her lips in a nervous reaction. When Winifred turned to her, she dropped into a curtsy.
    Winifred reached out to cup Tiffany's chin gently with her hand. "And you must be Tiffany."
    Tiffany swallowed, replying, "Yes, Aunt, oh, umm, Your Grace."
    Winnie's smile broadened. Stepping closer to Tiffany, she enfolded her in an embrace and pulled away, holding her at arm's length. "Now, none of that 'Your Grace' nonsense; Aunt Winnie will do nicely. I have waited a long time to be called that."
    Tiffany shyly smiled. "Yes, Your . . . Aunt Winnie."
    Winnie brought her arms about Tiffany's shoulder, leading her to the chair next to her own. Tiffany sat primly while tea was served, hoping her manners were acceptable to her aunt. She listened with half an ear to the conversation, thankful she was not its topic.
    The shadows thrown by the setting sun indicated the hour had grown late. Winifred stood, causing Brian to rise as well. "How utterly thoughtless of me. I lost track of time and made my guests suffer through a long tea." She pulled the bell rope, summoning the butler, who returned posthaste.
    "Oh, nonsense, Winnie; why, I'm quite comfortable now. Must be the sherry. Charles always did tell me I should stay away from strong libations. Makes me dizzy, a bit confused at times," remarked Carolyn as she sipped her second glass. "It is quite medicinal, though. There was that time when Charles and I were in India ..." The timely appearance of the butler ceased any further discussion of the matter.
    "Yes, Your Grace."
    "Jacques, kindly escort my guests to their rooms so they might refresh themselves before dinner."
    Brian assisted a tipsy Carolyn from her chair, leading her to the door. Alysse followed behind, as did Tiffany.
    "Tiffany dear."
    Tiffany turned, "Yes, Aunt Winifred?"
    Winifred softly smiled before speaking. "If you are not too tired, dear, I'd like to speak with you."
    Good heavens, what have I done? she thought, walking toward Winifred.
    Winifred saw fear wash over Tiffany's face, and seeking to still her doubts, quickly added, "I thought it would be nice for us to get to know one another."
    "Oh yes, I would love that, too." She smiled, her blue eyes reflecting relief.
    Winifred was momentarily startled by Tiffany's smile; it was reminiscent of her dear late husband, Robert's. Having taught herself over the years not to betray her emotions openly, she quickly pushed the memory aside. They sat on the settee together. Winifred leaned back to regard her niece. "So, dear, tell me a bit about yourself."
    Tiffany was in a quandary, for surely her father had written every horrible prank and episode she was guilty of. Winifred, aware of Tiffany's predicament, easily broke the silence. "Of course, your father has written me, but men tend to have a different perspective on things. Don't you agree?"
    A soft smile lifted the corners of Tiffany's mouth. "Yes, I do think you are quite right about that, Aunt Winnie." Tiffany, feeling decidedly more comfortable, leaned back against the settee and unconsciously brought her legs