Twelfth Night Secrets by Jane Feather Read Free Book Online

How would he answer? Not with the truth, she was sure.
    “In Paris,” he answered. “At a soiree given by the Countess de Fauviere. We discovered we had some interests in common and grew to enjoy each other’s company.”
    “How long ago was that?” She leaned back in her chair, her senses alert even as her voice remained casual, as if the conversation were only mildly interesting.
    He frowned, stretching his long legs to the fire. “About two years ago, I think.”
    “Strange he never mentioned your name,” she mused. “If you were that close. We never had secrets from each other.” Except, of course, that he never mentioned his clandestine work until he’d taken that last mission . . . the mission that had ended with his death.
    A slight, chilly smile touched his mouth. “Perhaps I thought the relationship more important than he did.”
    “Or perhaps Nick considered it too important to share, even with me.” She couldn’t help the retort, although she instantly wished it unsaid.
    “Well, we’ll never know,” Julius said, his tone once again light and easy. “Even those we know well can behave in mysterious ways.”
    “I’m sure you’re right.” She set her cup down, preparing to get up.
    “The family resemblance is quite remarkable, you know.”
    The comment kept her in her seat. “In what way?”
    He laughed. “My dear, the hair color, the green eyes, the shape of the nose . . . all four of you. A man would have to be blind not to know you as siblings. You all take after your grandfather.”
    “Maybe so. The portraits in the Long Gallery might prove your point.” She rose from her seat. “Ifyou’ll excuse me, sir, it’s been a long and tiring day.”
    “Of course.” He rose with alacrity. “If you have time in the morning, perhaps we could take a stroll in the Long Gallery and look at some of the family portraits. I own I would be very interested to trace the resemblance.”
    “If I have time, of course,” she responded. “But the guests arrive tomorrow, and I daresay I shall be very busy. However, please feel free to take a look yourself.”
    “But I would not enjoy it nearly so much without your company.” He accompanied her into the hall and to the foot of the stairs. He lit a carrying candle from the thick wax taper beside the night-lights and gave it to her, his fingers brushing lightly against hers. His eyes seemed to see right into her, and again she felt that sense of being caught in their own universe.
    “Good night, Lady Harriet.” His hand fell from hers, but his eyes remained upon hers as he made a slight bow.
    “Good night, Lord Marbury.” She sketched a curtsy and swept away up the stairs, her free hand resting on the banister.

    Julius watched her go, a little smile playing over his mouth. She was all and more than he had expected from Nick’s glowing descriptions. But something was not quite right. Unless he was much mistaken, she seemed suspicious of him for some reason. But why? He was simply a Christmas guest, a friend of her brother’s, invited by her grandfather. It felt as if she had taken an instant dislike to him, but as far as he knew, he had done nothing to warrant it.
    And just why had she been hovering outside his bedchamber door? For a moment, she had looked as guilty as sin when he’d accosted her, but why? Maybe he had been a little sarcastic, but then, he didn’t like being surprised.
    He shrugged and returned to the library. If his manner had caused her to take offense, he would do what he could on the morrow to remedy it. He would go about his own business in the afternoon, when his absence would not be remarked amidst the flurry of arrivals.

Chapter Three

    Harriet entered her bedchamber with the sense of achieving sanctuary. Every minute in the Earl’s company that evening had put her on edge. She had to be on her guard. He mustn’t suspect her of taking any unusual interest in him, but foolishly, she hadn’t expected to find