Page 18 of A Duke to Restore her Memory
“Extraordinary,” said the lady, shaking her head incredulously. “You seem quite refined to me, Georgina. You speak like a lady and do not have the manner of a servant.” She hesitated. “I wonder why you were alone that day, riding along the cliffs with just a small bag. Do you think you were running away from something?”
“Perhaps,” said Christina, feeling a prickle go down her spine as she shrugged her shoulders. “No one in this district knows who I am. No one is missing from any of the houses around here. That suggests to me that I was in transit, making a journey from wherever I lived … but I do not know the reason why.”
A wave of uneasiness swept over her like a dark shadow. It felt like something was hovering on the very edge of her mind, some truth waiting to reveal itself.
She squinted into the distance, straining her mind, trying to grasp it. But the more she tried to grab it, the more elusive it was, floating away entirely.
“I am sure you will recover your memories soon,” said the lady kindly. “All will be revealed. In the meantime, do not feel as if you are a burden here. His Grace is kindness personified, as you say, and will give you the time you need …”
“There you are, Frances! I was wondering where you had got to.”
They both jumped at the voice. Christina turned. Lady Lydia, the duke’s sister, stood there watching them intently. Her hands were clasped and folded tightly in front of her. There was an uncomfortable silence.
“I must say, I am surprised to see you being so … familiar with our house guest, Frances,” said Lydia in a condescending tone. “Considering we have no idea who she actually is at all.”
Christina felt as if the lady had reached out and slapped her across the face.
“I think that Georgina was born a lady, Lydia,” said Frances fervently. “She has such a refined way about her and speaks beautifully. I am quite convinced of it.”
Christina stood up. This was so very awkward. As kind and welcoming as Lady Frances was towards her, it was equally clear that Lady Lydia did not like her at all. The duke’s sister was suspicious of her.
She had sensed it from the first moment they were introduced to each other. Christina did not blame the lady, but still, it rankled.
“Thank you for your kindness towards me, My Lady,” she said to Frances with a small smile. “I should return to my room. Good day.”
She curtseyed to both ladies, walking quickly down the path towards the house without another word. Her eyes stung with tears. The duke and Lady Frances might be fine with her staying here, but Lady Lydia didn’t feel the same way.
“Georgina!”
She stopped, turning around, still feeling confused and uncomfortable whenever anyone addressed her by the strange name. It was Lady Lydia, running towards her, trying to keep up with her. Christina waited, a feeling of unease creeping over her. What did she want?
“My Lady,” she murmured when the lady was close enough to hear her properly. “Can I help you?”
Lady Lydia stopped, staring at her openly. And the gaze held contempt. Once again, Christina felt like the lady had slapped her across the face.
“I do not like you being in my home,” said the lady, without preamble. “I find it very odd indeed that you cannot remember a single thing about your life and must seek sanctuary here.” She paused, her eyes raking over Christina in an insolent way. “What are your intentions? Why are you here?”
Christina flushed fiercely. “I have no intention,” she said, anger and indignation sweeping through her veins. “The loss of my memory is genuine, My Lady. What are you implying?”
“Only that you are a complete stranger, and I am not certain you can be trusted,” replied the lady bluntly. “You have just appeared out of the blue. No one knows you from Eve. We have no idea of your place in the world. If you intend to deceive and dupe my brother, think again.”
“I do not intend to do any such thing,” said Christina hotly, trying to ignore the tears springing into her eyes. She was determined not to show this lady that she was upsetting her. “I do realize how lucky I am to be here and that his grace is giving me sanctuary and as soon as I recover my memory or someone tells me who I am and where I live, I will leave Newquay Hall and not impose on you any longer.”
The lady smiled slowly. It wasn’t a pleasant sight. “I believe that you are deceiving my brother,” she said, her eyes hard as flint. “I believe you have done it to gain access to our home and our family. I do not trust you as far as I can throw you … Georgina.” She paused. “I have my eye upon you. I am going to uncover the truth of this.”
Before Christina could respond, the lady turned, walking away quickly. Stunned, Christina felt frozen to the spot. The unpleasant encounter had left a very bad taste in her mouth. Slowly, she lifted a hand to her face, appalled to find it was shaking.
She turned, suddenly recovering the ability to move, running down the path towards the house, flying like the wind. The gardens whizzed by, and she saw servants staring at her, but she didn’t stop until she had reached her room, flinging herself across the bed and bursting into tears.
I must leave. I must leave Newquay Hall immediately. I cannot stay with that lady thinking the worst about me. But where can I go?
She sat up, wiping away her tears, gazing mournfully out the window. She simply had no idea what she could do or where she could go.
She didn’t have much money – the small, battered purse in the bag contained only a few coins. And she couldn’t ask the duke for any money to aid her. That would only confirm Lady Lydia’s suspicions about her.
I will be sleeping in a ditch tonight if I leave this place. I have no family or friends … or none that I can remember. I have no one to turn to.
She pressed her hands against her head, desperately willing herself to remember her life, but there was nothing. It was still a great, gaping blank.
