The Stepsister's Triumph Read Online Free PDF

remembered the feeling of Lord Benedict’s gaze on her, how she was sure he could see right through to her heart and how wonderful and how terrible that had seemed. What would it be like to be alone with him looking at her that way? When either of them might say or do anything?
    I’m going to faint
, she thought, desperately.
    Fortunately, none of the others seemed to notice anything was wrong. Miss Sewell just raised one finger to indicate she had an additional point to add. “You cannot, however, count on the strength of a painting alone to bring in the notables. You would still need your guest.” Now Miss Sewell did turn toward her. “Do you know anyone, Madelene?”
    Madelene glanced about the room. She couldn’t do it.
    But if you do, you’ll be helping your friends
, said the daring voice in the back of her mind.
Really helping, not just handing over more money.
    The more familiar and far more frightened voice whispered back,
And when Mama finds out?
    â€œThere’s my cousin Henry,” she heard herself say. “Henry Cross.”
    Adele’s eyes went round as saucers. “Not Henry Cross the actor! You can’t mean it!”
    â€œYou never told me you were related to Mister Cross,” Helene said.
    â€œI’m not supposed to mention him. My stepmother forbade me to communicate with him after she and father married.”
    â€œAnd your father agreed?” cried Adele, clearly shocked.
    â€œI think Father was glad of the excuse to cut him. They never got along. Mother was the only person in the family to acknowledge Cousin Henry once he took to the stage. They wrote volumes of letters. He used to send me presents from his European tours.” Madelene smiled at the memory of the lively, gossiping letters that came with those gifts. Then she remembered the shouting matches between Mother and Father when the letters and the gifts arrived; all the long nights trying to remain small and still in her nursery bed while the sound of angry voices rose up through the floor. All those hours spent hoping no one would remember she was there and begin shouting at her.
    â€œHe would be a marvelous guest,” Miss Sewell said.
    â€œHe’d be perfect,” Helene agreed. “He is without doubt the most famous actor in England. Some women are supposed to have fainted during his performance in
Stand and Deliver
. Which is ridiculous, but it does create the right sort of sensation.”
    â€œAnd he never goes to society parties,” Miss Sewell added. “It would be quite the coup if he came to yours.” Her eyes, thought Madelene, were unusually distant as she spoke. But neither Adele nor Helene seemed to notice. They were looking at Madelene, eagerly, expectantly.
    â€œWell, Madelene?” Miss Sewell said. “Will you ask him? He is just who you need.”
    â€œI . . .” began Madelene. “I . . .” Her eye caught the clock, and her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh. Oh. I’m late. I need to get home. Please. I’m sorry.”
    Without another word, Madelene jumped to her feet and rushed from the room, leaving her friends’ surprise and silence trailing behind her.
    *   *   *
    When the door swung shut, Helene turned to Miss Sewell, anger shining in her amber eyes.
    â€œThat was unnecessary. You pushed her too far.”
    Miss Sewell remained entirely unruffled by the younger woman’s reproof. “I know Madelene is your best friend, Helene, but you try to shelter her too much. You must let her take her own chances.”
    Helene did not back down one inch. “If Henry Cross declines the invitation and we’re left begging for a guest, Madelene will think it’s her fault. I won’t see her put in that position. I’ve known her longer than either of you. You have no idea how hard any of this is for her. To make the success of the whole ball depend on her might be