Lady In Disguise (The Langley Sisters) Read Free Page B

events. Wriggling, she tried to look over her shoulder, but could only see the faded blue curtains that were closed against the cold night air.
    “Stop moving, Miss Olivia!” Jenny scolded.
    Subsiding she rested her cheek on the backs of her hands and concentrated on taking slow, deep breaths.  
    “Don’t try to protect me, Livvy, I am part of this family. Therefore I insist on knowing what is taking place within it,” Bella said.
    “You are in pain,” Livvy whispered. “And I do not want you upset further.”
    Bella’s sigh was loud enough for everyone to hear.
    “As I told Jenny, I have been in pain lately with the cold weather, but my tonic helps and I am not about to die, Livvy.”
    “Well I am pleased about that little sister, however we did just rob a carriage at gunpoint on the strength of your illness. A whimper or two will ease my conscience,” Phoebe said which made Bella giggle, as she had intended.
    Livvy knew Bella was lying, Jenny would not have told them her leg was worse had it not been the truth, but she said nothing further.
    “I have no wish for you both to do this just for me,” Bella said as she softly rubbed Livvy’s foot in comfort.  
    “It was not just for you, Bella, we need the money if we are to survive.”
    “Yes, Livvy, I understand that. However, it is also because your pride will not allow anyone to see our circumstances. Could we not simply ask for help?”
    “An excellent question, little sister,” Phoebe said.
    “I have asked for help from the only person capable, our cousin, and he will not give it. Therefore, we are forced to steal,” Livvy said, her words muffled in the pillow she had buried her face in. “And I will speak no more on the matter.”
    Livvy knew by the silence behind her that her sisters and Jenny were giving each other pointed looks, thankfully, however, they chose not to continue the discussion.
    “Does it hurt?” Bella asked again.
    “No,” Livvy lied. Closing her eyes she tried to push the pain aside, but instantly her head was filled with visions of him, William, Lord bloody Ryder. Why did he have to return now of all times, when the pain of his leaving had finally begun to ease to a dull ache?
    “Isabella is sixteen, not stupid,” Phoebe said. By the clink of coins, Livvy guessed she was now counting the money they had stolen from Lord Ryder.  
    “A little sympathy if you don’t mind, Phoebe. I am in some degree of discomfort you know.”
    “Don’t be such a baby. It’s only a small wound.”
    Livvy felt the bed dip as Phoebe delivered these heartless words and then her face appeared before her as she crouched beside the bed.  
    She was the beauty in the Langley family. Delicately arched brows rose as deceptively soft, sleepy, brown eyes studied Livvy. Long, dark lashes brushed her cheeks as she blinked. If only all those men who worshipped at her feet, spouting badly-written poetry knew what she was really like, Livvy thought eyeing the innocent look in her sister’s eyes with trepidation.
    “If you’re too pathetic to get out of bed then I get to eat your supper.”
    “Witch!” Livvy spat as Jenny set in the first stitch.  
    “Oh, come now, sister, surely you can do better than that?” Phoebe scoffed, her perfect lips forming a pretty pout.  
    “Were there any justice in this world!” Livvy hissed. “Your face would mirror you shrewish temperament!”  
    “And yet here I crouch, still the muse to many a man.” Phoebe looked anything but contrite as she flicked a golden curl over one shoulder. “I would also like to point out at this stage, sister, that we have stolen a nice amount of money tonight, which will see us in food for quite some time and get us half way to Scotland.  
    “Really?” Livvy said.  
    “Really, and there is enough to pay some of our bills. It seems Lord Ryder carries a great deal of money on his person when he travels.”
    “Lord Ryder? Was it he you robbed?” Bella gasped. “Dear Lord,