Fenella J. Miller by A Dangerous Deception Read Free Book Online Page A

lie.
    ‘Would you like some sherry wine? I think it is vile stuff myself, but ladies seem to like it.’
    She settled herself gracefully on an upright wooden chair before answering. ‘No thank you, sir, I am of the same opinion. I require nothing at the moment, thank you.’
    He sat down opposite, stretching out his legs, his black trousers and evening slippers making his limbs seem even longer.
    ‘Well, that’s exhausted that topic of conversation. Now, let me see, what shall I try next? The weather is decidedly unpleasant, don’t you think, Miss Roberts?’ He stared at her earnestly, a wicked twinkle in his eyes.
    She responded in similar style, enjoying the badinage. ‘Indeed it is, Mr Anderson. I have never seen snow like it in my life.’ Hastily she withdrew a handkerchief from her reticule pretending that she needed to blow her nose. She made a poor job of hiding her giggles.
    ‘Is something wrong, Miss Roberts? Are you unwell in some way? You appear to be having difficulty breathing?’ His enquiry was mild, but it was enough to release the pent-up laughter.
    Cassie was tempted to stuff the handkerchief in her mouth for that was the only way she could think of to prevent her mirth from bursting out. Instead she allowed a gurgle to escape, and looking up at him, shrugged her shoulders. ‘I’m sorry, sir …’ she spluttered, ‘but this is absurd.
    Why are we pretending to be something we are not?’ As soon as she’d spoken, she knew her words were unwise, giving him permission to enquire further into her past.
    She was saved from interrogation by Foster appearing at the double doors that led into the dining room. ‘Dinner is served.’
    Her employer rose and offered her his arm. She was obliged to take it. As she rested her fingers lightly on his forearm she felt his muscles tense at her touch, and something, she didn’t understand what, ran through her body making her feel strangely hot and flustered.
    He escorted her into the dining room and up to a chair to the left of his, which was placed at the head of the enormous table
    ‘There you are, Miss Roberts. I insisted that we sat together, I have no intention of shouting down the table throughout the meal. I hope you approve of the arrangements?’
    ‘It is not my place to say, sir, but I’m sure whatever you arrange everything will be exactly as it should be.’ She kept her eyes lowered, not daring to see his expression. A footman jumped forward and assisted her in to her seat, then took out a crisp damask napkin and laid it across her lap.
    The butler stepped forward and half filled her crystal glass with deep red wine, then moving with exaggerated dignity, he filled his master’s glass to the brim.
    ‘I have dispensed with formality, Miss Roberts.’ Cassie’s head shot up and looked at him in astonishment. His lips twitched. ‘Well, what I should say is that I’m not having several courses with removes. I have selected a simple meal which we shall have served to us. I hope this meets with your approval.’
    He stared at, daring her to answer in a similar vein to her previous comment. She grinned. ‘As long as there is plenty of it, sir, I have no objection in what order, or what fashion it arrives in front of me.’
    His shout of laughter echoed down the large empty room, startling the footman, who slopped soup over the edge of Cassie’s bowl on to the pristine tablecloth. The outrage of the butler at such clumsiness made her want to laugh again. She didn’t make the mistake of catching the eye of her dining companion. When their bowls were full, the footman and Foster retreated to the far end of the room, almost out of earshot.
    She picked up her spoon and before dipping it in aromatic broth sniffed appreciatively. ‘It smells quite delicious, you have an excellent cook here, Mr Anderson. I have never eaten so well in my life .’
    ‘And you are already looking better for it, Miss Roberts.’
    This time she did meet his glance and