The Lady Who Saw Too Much Read Free Page B

girl can be as stubborn as an ass.”
    “So I’ve seen,” she agreed.
    “You will accompany Alice to all social affairs here in Misty Lake.” He eyed her dress. “Is your wardrobe sufficient?”
    “I…”
    “No matter,” he said. “Alice will require several new gowns. I will set up an appointment with the dressmaker for you both. At my expense, of course,” he added. “I also would like you to familiarize yourself with the town and the people here. You and Alice will join me for dinner at the Crooked Lake House when my schedule permits. Next week, perhaps. I will make the proper introductions so you’ll know who’s who.”
    “Instead of pushing Alice into a crowded roomful of diners, might you consider easing her into society more gradually?”
    “How?”
    “You could host a small reception here at the house. In the garden perhaps. That way she would feel more comfortable. A familiar environment and all that.”
    He considered this, wondering how he hadn’t thought of it himself. “That might be a better idea.”
    She nodded.
    “An afternoon reception?”
    “Yes,” she said. “Something intimate.”
    “You and Alice can see to the details. My Aunt Clara arrives late next week. She can assist with the preparations.”
    “All right. In the meanwhile Alice and I can get to know each other better.”
    “Florence will arrange for your things to be brought up to your room.”
    She stood, then started for the door. The subtle sway of her hips as she walked drew notice to her curvaceous figure. Whether coming or going, the woman was alluring. As was that scent.
    “One more thing, Miss York.”
    She stopped, turning to face him.
    “Please keep in mind that you are here to help Alice.”
    Her full lips thinned as she gave a firm nod. “Of course.”
    “You are new to Misty Lake, and as such, you’ll surely receive plenty of attention this season. See to it that some of that attention trickles onto my sister.”
     
     

Chapter 3
     
    Gia awoke groggy from another restless night spent tossing and turning in the turmoil of her vision of Landen Elmsworth and thoughts of Alice, the dependent young woman who also would be affected should Gia’s vision of his death become a reality. Not to mention his brother and his aunt and anyone else who might care for him.
    Her head ached from the pressure of it all. Lack of sleep didn’t help. For the briefest of moments, she longed for the opiates and the temporary diversion from the enormous responsibility her prophetic vision had dumped in her lap. What have I gotten myself into?
    She flung aside the covers and proceeded to dress for breakfast. After almost two weeks here, Gia barely saw the man, but each moment in his presence was torture. And in more ways than she’d imagined. Despite the man’s irritating arrogance, Gia felt drawn to him. The admission frightened her, and she did her best to shake free of her bizarre attraction to this total stranger.
    She made her way downstairs, past a harried housemaid carrying a tall stack of linens. Rounding the corner, she walked down the wide hall toward the dining room. She nodded to two more housemaids who were busy polishing the woodwork and floors. Following the aroma of bacon, Gia entered the dining room to find Alice alone at the long table. She exhaled in relief that Landen was nowhere in sight.
    “Good morning, Alice,” she said, taking a seat at one of the awaiting place settings.
    Alice straightened, shoulders stiff. “Good morning.”
    Gia poured a cup of coffee and helped herself to the large plate of bacon on the table. The unmistakable sound of Landen’s voice carried from outside the room. Gia froze in the midst of spreading jam on a biscuit.
    His voice grew louder, and another housemaid scurried past the arched doorway.
    “Aunt Clara arrives tomorrow,” Alice said to explain the commotion. “Denny is wasting his time. No matter how tidy the house or sparkling the crystal, she’ll find fault in