May I?’ Assuming Sebastian’s shrug indicated consent, Caro took the miniature over to the window to examine it in better light. Lady Ardhallow’s hair was a rich auburn tinted with flecks of gold. Her eyes were dark brown, almost chocolate-coloured. And her smile turned down at the corners in a way that hinted at both sensuality and melancholy. ‘You are very like her,’ she said to Sebastian, who was still standing motionless in front of the armoire. ‘I can understand why you kept those toys. I’ve still got the birthday gifts Mama gave me before she died. It is nothing to be ashamed of.’ ‘Except my mother is not, to the best of my knowledge, dead.’ Caro’s jaw dropped. ‘Not dead,’ she repeated stupidly. ‘You mean she’s alive?’ ‘Unless an imposter is claiming her jointure from the bank each quarter.’ Caro frowned, trying to recall what, if anything, she had heard of the mysterious countess. ‘I had always assumed—but you never mentioned her.’ ‘Why should I, she is nothing to me, she may as well be dead as far as I am concerned.’ ‘Sebastian!’ Caro dropped on to the floor beside the box, carefully turning out the contents.
What do You think about Rumors That Ruined A Lady?
