Her head swam and her stomach roiled. Where was she?And then it all came flooding back over her in a sickening wave. She opened her eyes and sat. The sickening nausea intensified when she realized she was in her own room with her own lady’s maid staring down at her.“Lie back, Lady Catherine,” Marsha said sweetly.“No.”Oh God, this can’t be happening. The two weeks weren’t up. Why had Thomas sent her back? She shook her head trying to remember, trying to clear her muddled thoughts.Tears stung her eyes and she let them fall freely. She seized Marsha’s arm. “Who brought me here? Who? You have to tell me.”Marsha’s brown eyes widened. “I don’t know, mum.”Catherine pushed herself up despite Marsha’s vehement protests and staggered toward the door.“Please, mum. You need to rest.”Catherine pushed her aside and flung open the door. She cleaved to the banister as she faltered down the stairs and into the parlor where her shocked parents gaped up at her.Catherine was not glad to see them.
