Wendy Soliman by Duty's Destiny Read Free Book Online Page B

sworn that, just for a second, the ghost of a smile graced Mrs. Eden’s lips, but when he looked again her features were arranged in a neutral expression and it was impossible for him to be sure.
    “My dear sir, I do assure you, that’s not the case at all. Mrs. Eden has full confidence in my abilities and — ”
    The announcement that dinner was served, by a butler who must have been at least seventy years old, brought this discourse to a timely end. Felix considered it to be just as well. He was here to discover more about Barker and his daughter, not to fall out with the guests in Riverside House on his very first evening.
    Approaching Mrs. Rivers, Felix offered her his arm. “May I escort you in, madam?” he asked.
    She appeared taken aback but soon recovered herself. “By all means, Mr. Beaumont.” She smiled graciously, obviously no stranger to good manners, but Felix suspected she hadn’t seen any deployed in this house for quite some time.
    Felix settled Mrs. Rivers in her seat at the head of the table and then, at her request, took the place immediately to her right. He was pleasantly surprised to find that the meal exceeded his expectations. Although plain, and lacking the sophistication to which he was accustomed, it was nevertheless well-cooked and plentiful. The wines which accompanied each course were of surprisingly good vintage. Felix noticed that Fothergill ate little, but partook of a disproportionate amount of wine.
    At first glance, Fothergill appeared to be the only person at Riverside House, apart from Mrs. Eden herself, who could possibly be involved with Barker in any way. He clearly had an expensive habit to feed and, if Felix was any judge, wasn’t beyond selling any information he might glean or acting as a go-between, if it was to his fiscal advantage. A single man of supposedly independent means could move about freely, whereas a widow living in a small community would surely excite unwarranted attention. His father had been right in that respect.
    Felix would give much to know what was going on between Mrs. Eden and this popinjay, that she would risk exposing her precious twins to his dictatorial teaching methods. Surely there could be no intimacy between them? That was obviously the impression that Fothergill wished to create, but could she really be that desperate?
    He fielded the inevitable questions about his own background and his reasons for being in Swyre by adroitly turning the subject back to the concerns of his questioners. It was a ploy that had served him well in the past, and didn’t fail him today. He listened to the various conversations in an attempt to get to know his fellow guests a little better, but time and again he was distracted by Mrs. Eden’s demeanour. While endeavouring to appear not to do so, she minutely watched every course, ensuring that it was served properly. The ancient butler was in charge, but a young, backward-looking maid was assisting him; it was her actions Mrs. Eden appeared to scrutinize.
    Dinner table conversation was second nature to Felix, and he maintained a polite and amusing discourse with Mrs. Rivers and her neighbours, still closely observing everyone else. By the end of the meal he had discovered that the only person at the table who had eaten less than Cedric Fothergill was Mrs. Eden. Felix noticed Mrs. Rivers surreptitiously casting significant glances in the direction of her niece, as course after course was removed from in front of her, almost untouched.
    The meal came to an end, and the ladies made to withdraw. Felix was instantly on his feet, assisting Mrs. Rivers from her chair. The rest of the gentlemen looked rather taken aback, before belatedly struggling to their own feet. Once again, Felix could have sworn that a ghost of a smile graced Mrs. Eden’s lips. It was clear that gentlemanly behaviour didn’t come as naturally to his fellow guests. Reaching the door before the butler, Felix held it open for the ladies.
    “Thank