'Twas the Night After Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page A

well,” he said civilly, though he made no move to approach her.
    Her smile faltered. “So are you.”
    “I was told . . . ” His voice cracked a little before he got control of it. “I was under the impression that you’ve been very ill.”
    The countess paled. “I’ve been a little under the weather, but nothing of any consequence. I told you that in my last letter.”
    Her mention of letters made his jaw go taut. “So you are not near to death, as I was led to believe.”
    Lady Devonmont lifted her chin. “I’m sure you can tell that I am not. I don’t know who would lie to you about such a thing.”
    Camilla froze, waiting for the accusation that was sure to come.
    His gaze didn’t so much as flick to her. “It’s of no matter. A misunderstanding, I’m sure.” He jerked up his gloves, his motions oddly mechanical. “So I’ll be returning to London in the morning. It’s too late to set off tonight.”
    “Of course.” With a forced smile, his mother pretended not to care.
    Only Camilla noticed how her shoulders shook.
    Or perhaps not only Camilla, for his lordship turned for the door quickly, as if he couldn’t bear to look at his mother one moment more. “Have Mrs. Beasley send dinner to my room,” he ordered. “The footmen have already put my bags in the Red Room, so I might as well remain here for the night instead of at the manor.”
    “Certainly, Pierce,” the countess said in a voice tinged with bitterness. “Whatever you wish.”
    Something in her tone must have pricked his conscience, for he paused at the door. Then he stiffened and walked out without a backward glance.
    Camilla could only gape after him, then turn to gape at his mother. “I can’t believe it! That is the most despicable behavior I’ve ever witnessed!”
    “Do not blame him, my dear. He has his reasons.” She watched after him, her gaze thoughtful. “At least he came when he thought I was ill. That’s something, isn’t it?” Ignoring Camilla’s lack of a response, she added, “And I got to see him for a bit, too. He’s very handsome, don’t you think? He grew upto be so strong and tall. He was such a sickly child that I never expected—”
    “How can you ignore his abominable treatment of you?” Camilla broke in.
    “On the contrary, he treats me better than I can expect, given . . . ” She managed another determined smile. “You don’t understand, my dear. Better to leave it alone.”
    “How can I? He tucks you away here in the country—”
    “Because I prefer the country to town, and always have.”
    “That’s not the point! He acts as if you don’t even exist!”
    “Ah, but there you’re wrong. He acts very much as if I exist,” she said acidly. “Or he wouldn’t demand that I stay out of his way whenever he’s here.”
    “And that’s another thing. When he came this summer, I didn’t know you well enough to say anything about his avoidance of you, but now—”
    “Good Lord,” her ladyship said, whirling on Camilla. “ You’re the one who told him I was near to death.” When Camilla looked guilty, the countess scowled at her. “Are you mad? Do you realize what you’ve done?”
    The reproach, coming from the generally mild-mannered lady, took Camilla by surprise. “I-I suppose I shouldn’t have presumed, but—”
    “You certainly shouldn’t have. You could lose your position over it.” At Camilla’s stricken expression, Lady Devonmont added hastily, “Not that I would dismiss you, my dear. Surely you realize I can’t do without you.” Her ladyship began to pace. “But my son could very well send you packing.”
    “I know,” Camilla said, letting out a relieved breath. She could deal with his lordship’s temper as long as Lady Devonmont didn’t hate her.
    The countess rounded on Camilla with her shoulders set. “Well, I shan’t let him. He has every right to be angry at me, but you’re an innocent bystander, and I won’t let him punish you for your