The Devil's Web by Mary Balogh Page A

doubtless teasing remark that William was making. Viola Carrington was looking flustered and indignant, as she so often did at her husband’s quips. The Earl of Harrowby appeared to be deep in conversation with Duncan Cameron.
    It was, the senior Lady Amberley thought, a very pleasant scene for a picnic. And she was particularly glad to see Madeline looking happy. Though one could never be sure with Madeline. Often the happier she looked, the more restless and unsure she was. The dowager saw a great deal more than she ever disclosed. She was worried about her daughter.
    But this afternoon was no time for worry. She turned to smile at Sir Cedric.
    â€œIt is far too early for tea,” he announced. “There are acres and acres of delightful greenery to be explored and enjoyed before we even think of eating.”
    He took the dowager’s arm and held it firmly to his side as Lady Beckworth indicated that she would sit down on one of the blankets.
    â€œWe will walk,” he said.

J EAN CAMERON HAD STROLLED AWAY FROM the babies to join James. She smiled brightly up at him and took his arm. She looked entirely happy. “Is it not beautiful here, James?” she said. “I had heard that the English countryside is quite lovely, but I have not had an opportunity to see much of it until today.”
    He covered her hand with his and smiled affectionately down at her. “Let’s walk,” he said. “And you may feel English grass beneath your feet and see English trees above your head and breathe in English country air.”“
    And next week we will be at Amberley,” she said, her eyes sparkling up into his. “Anna says it is quite the loveliest spot in England. Oh, James, I can scarcely wait.”
    It had clearly been the right thing to do, James reflected, looking into her happy face, to ask Alex if she would invite Jean into the country too. Because the girl would thereby be made entirely happy, he had explained to his sister and convinced himself. There could be no other reason why he would want her there with him.
    â€œLet’s enjoy today first,” he said. He looked about him and raised his voice. “Would anyone care to join us in a walk?”
    Anna and Mrs. Chambers, Walter and Jennifer, Dominic and Ellen were all agreeable to the walk. Madeline, who was standing quite close by, James noticed, her back to him, made no move, though the colonel looked down at her inquiringly.
    It was the first time he had seen her in more than a week. She was dressed all in yellow, sunshine yellow, and she looked more vivid and more lovely than ever. But she had scarcely looked at him, and she had not acknowledged him.
    It was as well under the circumstances. He had made up his mind to stay completely away from her. He did not want her walking with him and Jean. He wanted to be able to concentrate his attention on his companion.
    He brought his mind back to her. They were strolling among trees. Jean had thrown her head back so that the shade of the branches and the sunlight played over her face. She was smiling.
    â€œI could stay here all my life,” she said. “I love this country, James.”
    â€œYou would miss the winters and the snow and the sleigh rides,” he said.
    â€œPerhaps the sleigh rides,” she conceded, “but not the long, long winters. Oh, definitely not those. I wish I could stay.”
    He laughed. “By Christmastime you would probably be crying for home,” he said. “As it is, you will have wonderful memories. I’m glad for you, Jean. I was hoping you would not find your stay here dull.”
    â€œThanks to you,” she said, “it has all been wildly exciting, James. And there is more to come. Oh, how all the girls at school would envy me if they knew.”
    They were a little behind the rest of the group. It would be the easiest thing in the world to slow his footsteps, to become lost among the trees, to take her