Page 98 of The Vanished

Geneva stilled. “When did you see him?”

“I stopped by his cottage yesterday. I wanted to speak to him,” Honor said, and a sly smile tugged at her mouth.

“What about?”

Honor shrugged. “Things.”

“You can’t go to an unmarried man’s home, Honor. Think of what that will do to your reputation if anyone sees you.”

“You went to his cottage. Several times.”

“Nothing happened,” Geneva protested and inwardly cringed at the lie.

“Nothing happened with us either.”

“Are you telling me the truth?”

“Do you always tell me the truth?” Honor snapped. “You didn’t tell me that he proposed or that he gave you a ring.”

“Do you see me wearing it?”

“No, but you still have it.”

“And how do you know that?” Geneva exclaimed. “Were you the one who went through my things?”

Honor looked taken aback. “No. If I did, I would have seen that gorgeous bracelet.” She looked at the bangle enviously.

“Then how do you know about the ring?”

“Rory told me. I think it’s only right that you should give it back to him now that you’re to be the Countess of Gosforth.”

“I am going to, tonight. Although I rather hope he doesn’t come.”

“Oh, he will, if only to ruin your evening. You hurt him, and he wants to hurt you back.”

“Did he say that?” Geneva asked, a jolt of alarm shooting down her spine.

“He didn’t have to, did he?” Honor cut her eyes at Geneva. “I’m not as naïve as you imagine me to be. I can read a man.”

“Really? Can you?” Geneva retorted.

“I can, and cozying up to me will make him think he’s getting back at you.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“Let me wear the bracelet, and I’ll tell you.”

Geneva grabbed the bracelet off the vanity and handed it to her sister. “Here. Take it.”

Honor smiled happily and slid the bracelet over her hand, then held out her arm to admire the effect.

Geneva looked at her sister, and her expression in the mirror turned pleading. “Look, Honor, tonight is not going to be easy. Please, can we present a united front? I just want to have a nice memory for when…”

Her sister nodded. “All right. Tonight should be all about Father. And you, since this is to be your engagement party.”

“So you’ll try to keep Rory away from me?”

Honor nodded, but her gaze wasn’t on Geneva. It was on the tube of mulberry lipstick. She held out her hand, and Geneva passed it to her. Honor carefully outlined her mouth, then filled it in before smacking her lips.