His Defiant Amaryllis (Hinley Manor Book 2)

36: Betrayal

"Betrayal is an act of cowardice, a betrayal of trust and love."

-thequotecircle.org

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Fairclough Manor

Josien and Agatha were welcomed cordially. But Lucille kept a cold shoulder. Even Julianna could feel the animosity between the adults. She excused herself and went to seek out servants to play with.

While their carriage and horses were being tended to, Josien excused himself for a change of clothes. A servant escorted him to his quarters. Leaving his wife with the mistress of the house in the drawing room.

"Would you like some tea, countess?" Lucille asked. Although she had already asked the maids to bring one. "You must be cold from this dreadful rain."

Indeed, it was very dreadful. There were thunder and lightning every few minutes.

"I would love a cup," she smoothed her skirt and down. After she had returned to their estate, she had been unable to squander money off new dresses. The stark difference between her and Lucille were evident. But she refused to be intimidated. "How is everyone?"

The doors opened and in came two serving maids . They arranged the tea and biscuits and quickly left. Lucille poured the tea and played hostess.

"Things are rather quite back at Hinley. Well, save for some minor inconvenience, we were doing well."

"What inconvenience? Was anyone hurt? Did the manor suffer some damages?" Agatha stirred her tea and hastily added, "Is the duchess alright?"

Lucille's brow raised, surely no one had spoken about the fire at the manor, but she immediately relaxed again, "She is fine, actually. Never been better. I understand you would be worried, as she is your only child. But the duke—your son-in-law is also doing fine."

Agatha let out an awkward chuckle, "I meant to ask about him, too. I suppose I got overly worried with my own daughter." She took a sip and hoped her hands did not shake.

"Hmm.." Lucille mumbled to herself, "May I ask why you traveled this far out? I understand your estate is being reconstructed. Is it alright to leave things as they are now?"

Agatha bit back the inside of cheek. What was taking Josien so long? She hated this small talk with Lucille. Her eyes strayed on the door and seeing no presence was about to interfere, she smiled her hostess smile. "There are only but a few more rooms to fix. We figured the men should have some ample rest and we'll resume once we return."

"I see. Were you planning to visit Hinley?"

"That was the plan. But we simply miss Lydia—the duchess. If you do not mind us barging here, we'd love to stay for a few days."

"But the duchess—"

The door burst open as Josien came unannounced. Both women turned toward his direction.  His face was painted with worry.

"What is the matter?" Agatha asked.

"Lydia is not here..." he breathed, "I've looked everywhere."

Agatha's face paled. They were late. She went to her husband and clutched unto his arm, he was shaking a bit. It happens when he would outdo himself by moving about. The poor man must have been going up and down the stairs, no wonder it took him so long to return. While she was starting to doubt wether he listened to her instructions, he was in fact, doing his part.