Author: admin

Alessia nodded, feeling no better knowing that next time the families gathered, Kathryn would learn of Alessia’s treachery. “I think you should nap,” Leda suggested. “I’ll wake you for dinner.” Alessia nodded. Leda unbuttoned her dress before leaving her alone. She slipped out of her shoes and the black crinoline dress and rested atop the…

“I found it in the attic and cleaned it up myself,” he said at her questioning look. “Penelope helped with the mattress and bedding. I thought he might like a change of scenery occasionally. I won’t light a cigar while he’s here.” His gestures couldn’t have surprised her more. She stood nearby, saying nothing. “I…

“All right,” she whispered. “Perhaps you can persuade her to have dinner with us one evening soon.” His breath rustled against her hair. A tremor ran down her spine. Her head spun with turmoil. She didn’t want Nicholas around Celia, but how could she be so cruel to the woman? “Your hair has driven me…

She had closed her eyes and leaned her head back. “Let’s talk about what you came to discuss.” Of course. She needed to sleep. “It can wait,” he decided. Her eyes flew open. “You had me wait up, and now you say it can wait?” “We’re both tired, Claire. Perhaps it would be better if…

The tears Alessia had mistaken for tears of grief were tears of self-pity. All Celia cared about was where her next bottle came from. Maybe somewhere inside was a lovable person, for Claire had loved her, but her lifetime relationship with the bottle had destroyed that woman somewhere. Celia was exactly what Nicholas believed Alessia…

The thought of tearing up those stairs and giving her a piece of his mind struck him more than once. Leaning against the mantel, he sipped his brandy. From the corner of his eye, he caught a movement and turned his head. Claire entered the room with a swish of black satin, her limp more…

Alessia grabbed a towel and wiped it up. “So, where’s Claire?” “I have something to tell you about Claire, but I can’t tell you like this.” “Like what?” “Like-” Alessia gestured at her “-this. Like you are.” “And how am I, sweetie?” “You’re drunk! “ She took a long swallow. “Hell, this ain’t drunk. I…

Fate had entwined their lives. And desperation still drove Alessia to astounding lengths. She prayed her resourcefulness carried her into the coming weeks, into finding a job and a place to five and a way to care for her son. Alessia snuggled into the covers and disciplined herself to sleep. The following night’s dinner was…

Quinn cast her a loving smile and placed his hand over hers, and a niggle of envy dipped in Alessia’s chest. It was replaced by sadness when she remembered the last time she’d felt just this way: when Stephen and Claire had looked at each other and he’d spoken to her so lovingly. She’d thought…

He grinned and backed from the room. Alessia turned and stared at Claire’s mother in abject horror. Now what? By late afternoon, the woman still hadn’t awakened, and Nicholas’s other guests began arriving. The Gallamores arrived first: Monty and Ellen, a couple in their sixties. Alessia had them settled just as Mrs. Pratt announced the…