Page 84 of Tempting the Highland Spy
Chapter Twenty-Two
Seated in a tufted wing chair that had seen far better days, Grace swallowed a sip of tepid tea as she struggled to show some degree of interest in Lady Edythe’s discussion of the proper method for cultivating herbs. Ordinarily, she might have found the topic of interest, especially given Lady Edythe’s expertise. But under ordinary circumstances, she would not have ruminated over Harrison’s words, again and again.
Who else you’re protecting.
He knew she was hiding something. That much was clear. If Harrison learned she had a sister, would he use his knowledge as leverage—just as Mr. Jones had employed her need to protect Aunt Thelma as a powerful weapon?
“Grace, dear, are you feeling well?” Lady Sybil studied her with a scientist’s focus.
The question snapped Grace’s attention back to the ladies. “Yes,” she managed, then took a sip of tea. “I’ve a bit of a headache. Nothing to be concerned with.”
“A bit too much champagne last night,” Lady Sybil said with a critical lift of one brow.
“No, nothing like that. It’s only that—well, given my recent nuptials, I find I’m not getting as much sleep as I’m accustomed to.” Grace smiled her sweetest smile.
“Goodness, is that what I have to look forward to?” Belle asked with a giggle.
“If you’re lucky, dear friend.”
Belle laughed, even as the other women scrunched their faces with disdain.
“Would you like a powder, Grace?” Lady Edythe asked. “I have just the thing.”
“No, thank you. It’s only a minor annoyance.”
Lady Edythe frowned. “Are you quite certain? It would only take me a few minutes to blend a mixture for you.”
Grace could not imagine ingesting any concoction the woman might mix. “Quite certain, thank you.”
Lady Sybil poured tea from a silver pot into a lovely cup etched with gold roses. “Actually, Belle is the one who should fix you a potion. She’s quite skilled.”
Belle shook her head, tight-lipped, but Lady Sybil only smiled and went on. “My skill with herbs is middling at best. But Belle—she has a gift.”
“Oh, don’t be silly,” Belle said. “I only experimented a bit.”
“Of course,” Lady Sybil said. “I do understand.”
Well, that was a good thing, since Grace was confused.
“I still think you brewed a potion to enchant my cousin. I’d never imagined Donnal would settle down with one woman—not while he was young, at least.” Lady Edythe’s voice was laced with outward good humor, even as her eyes hardened.
“I assure you, it was nothing like that.” Belle stared down at her half-filled cup.
“We’d never tell,” Lady Edythe went on. “Would we now, Grace?”
Grace shook her head. “Of course not. I don’t even understand what you’re referring to.”
Lady Edythe’s mouth curled into a semblance of a smile. “I’m referring to a love potion. Surely you’ve heard of them.”
“In fairy tales. Or something like that.”
Lady Edythe shot her aunt a glance. “I’ve said too much.” Her gaze darted to Belle. “I am sorry.”
Belle’s mouth pulled tight. “It’s nothing to worry about. We’re just having a bit of fun, that’s all.”
“Indeed,” Lady Sybil said, and the others voiced their agreement.
“Well, then, I suppose I should change the subject,” Lady Edythe said. “I take it you’ve heard the news about my aunt’s lovely brooch.”
