A Terrible Beauty (Season of the Furies Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

hide her concern behind a smile. She knew neither of her friends were convinced by her attempt.
    “Has the baron questioned you about Damaris’ rescue?” Katherine asked.
    Araby sighed, “Not yet, but I’m certain it’s only a matter of time.”
    “It might be a considerable amount of time,” Sarah interjected. “My Mother attended the Summerfield tea yesterday and learned that Damaris and Arland have gone on a wedding trip to Devon – one of the family’s holdings tucked away from prying eyes and too many questions. Both families are working hard to put about that theirs is a love match.”
    Katherine gave an indelicate snort. “They are grinding the rough edges off Damaris, more likely. She's always been a little too common for my tastes.”
    “At any rate,” Sarah continued, sending Katherine a suppressive look, “Arland is the only one who could possibly connect the rescue note to Araby and he’s nicely out of the way.”
    “He might not realize I’m the one who sent it,” Araby allowed. “I didn't sign it, but undoubtedly Damaris has told him both Katherine and I were involved in the abduction.” She reached out and gripped her friend’s hand. “When people are called to account for this, Katherine, both you and Sarah will be implicated.” Tears of remorse filled her eyes. “I’m so sorry to have dragged both of you into this mess.”
    “I for one have no regrets,” Katherine stated coolly. “Given the same situation, I’d do it all again.”
    “Me as well,” Sarah patted Araby’s knee. “You are both as dear to me as any sisters could be. I will stand by you any day come what may. Don’t forget that there are others far more responsible in this matter than any one of us. If the entire story comes out so will the truth.”
    Araby’s tears spilled down her cheeks. The truth was sordid and ugly and she doubted it could spare either her, or her mother from her stepfather's vengeance. If the truth of her existence  came out, Araby could forget making a prestigious marriage. She’d be lucky to make any sort of descent marriage at all. Emotion closed her throat hindering further discussion, but thankfully cool, collected Katherine broke the somber mood.
    “That’s all well and good, but we have a mission today, ladies, and we must give it our full attention.” With that Katherine opened the satchel on her lap and pulled out an enormous pair of shears. “I’m determined to succeed, even if it takes both of you to hold Miss Stevens down.”
    Twenty minutes later The Furies arrived at the residence of Miss Lucinda Stevens. Although they were told that she was not at home, the Furies saw no reason to let that fact deter them. They pushed past a protective butler, two footmen and the chaperone to gain entrance into the young woman's bedroom. Their own retinue of servants followed in their wake – a veritable armada of starched caps and aprons. Miss Stevens sat curled up in a window seat staring at the outside world. Her head turned quickly towards them as they entered and everyone could see that her eyes were red and puffy from crying.
    Katherine spoke first, pulling her shears from her satchel and brandishing them in the air. “Enough waterworks,” she commanded. “We’ve come on a mission of retribution.” The poor girl eyed the shears fearfully and Katherine continued in a tone of grim satisfaction. “Miss Stevens, surrender your ruffles. They make you look like a pastel meringue.”
    Three hours later the American heiress stood in front of her dressing mirror unable to credit the change in her appearance. “I can’t believe what you’ve done,” she marveled. “I look quite...quite....”
    “Lovely,” Katherine supplied, positively beaming with pleasure.
    Sarah ran to the girl’s side and clasped her hands with her own, unable to hide her delight. “You’ll take immediately. What man could resist you? And we’ve taken a pledge to cut any young man who does.”
    Araby