The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding (Millworth Manor) by Victoria Alexander Page B

smile. But then, so was his father’s. “And I suspect I’m going to need all the help I can get.”
    “Probably.” She cast him a dismissive smile and took a plate of her own.
    She knew he was still looking at her but she ignored him and pretended to be completely engrossed in selecting a sausage. Absurd of course, no one spent that much time choosing a sausage. After a moment he joined the other gentlemen at the table. Good, she had no desire for aimless chat with an . . . an interloper. A man who was less than forthright even if he didn’t, by definition, lie. Subtle deceit was far worse than outright dishonesty. She would not be led down that road again.
    Dee stepped up beside her and sliced a piece of pheasant pie. “What was that all about?”
    “What was what all about?”
    Dee slid the pie onto her plate. “That nonsense with you saying you hadn’t met him and him saying you had.”
    “Simply a bit of confusion, that’s all.” Teddy selected a coddled egg and added it to her plate. “We shared a dance together but we were not introduced.”
    “I see. Still, you were a bit curt with him.”
    “Was I?” Teddy shrugged. “I hadn’t noticed.”
    “I did. It’s not at all like you.”
    “Perhaps I simply don’t like being played for a fool by men who appear to be one thing when they are something else entirely.”
    Dee stared in confusion. “What?”
    “Oh, certainly he was charming enough with his mysterious manner and his unfinished story and his shocking secrets. But does he seem the least bit out of place to you?”
    “Not if he doesn’t open his mouth,” Dee said slowly.
    “No, he certainly does not. And his you are an adventure nonsense. Entirely too polished and well rehearsed. It takes a great deal of practice to sound that sincere.” Teddy slapped a piece of bacon onto her plate. “Lord save me from men who claim they wish to be perfectly honest.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “I’m talking about . . .” Teddy stared at her friend. Dear Lord, what was wrong with her? The man really hadn’t done anything to earn her annoyance except not confide his identity to her. What he had or hadn’t said was of no consequence really even if last night there had been something, a spark, a recognition, just for a moment . . . a moment easily explained away now by his resemblance to his father. Of course she would be attracted to the man. The first crush she’d ever had was on his father. Regardless, that was no reason—indeed—there was no reason at all why she should be so irate with him.
    And yet she was.
    She drew a deep breath. “Forgive me, Dee. I must be more tired than I suspected. You’re absolutely right. I was a bit curt.” She glanced at the table where Jack had joined his father and Sam. “I should probably apologize.”
    “Although I suppose it makes sense if you don’t like him.”
    Teddy started. “I never said I didn’t like him.”
    “It would certainly be understandable.”
    Teddy drew her brows together. “Why?”
    “On my behalf, that is.”
    “Again why?”
    “Well, just like your cousin Simon, Jack has swept in here, where he has never belonged, and, through nothing more than a twist of hereditary fate, will be handed Millworth Manor and all that goes with it. My home and my heritage. As much as I might say that I have accepted it, it’s still difficult. Don’t you agree?”
    Teddy nodded.
    “That’s it, isn’t it? Why you were so sharp with him.” Dee cast her friend an innocent smile.
    Teddy stared. She knew this woman as well as she knew herself. And knew from the look in her eyes, Dee didn’t believe what she was saying for one moment. But her dear friend was giving her a means of escape, a rational explanation for irrational behavior even Teddy herself couldn’t explain. She breathed a sigh of relief and nodded. “Yes, of course, you’re right.”
    “I knew it.” Dee smiled. “You’re a very good friend, Theodosia Winslow, and I