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“Now I see the kinship with Uncle Percival.” The duchess drew out another panel with a different design, equally eye-popping. And then a third.
“They are not at all faded,” Sarah observed.
“Unfortunately.”
Sarah laughed. “They will cover the windows.”
“How could you ever relax with these flowers…assaulting you?”
“They are not so very bad.”
“The light is dim down here,” Cecelia pointed out. “In bright sunlight, they will be blinding.”
Sarah had to admit this was true.
“The attics at Poldene probably have old linens stored away,” the duchess added. “I’ve never known a large estate that does not.”
“Are you suggesting I steal them?” The idea had an appeal.
“They might be said to belong to your husband.” Cecilia put the draperies back and closed the chest. “We will leave these here for now.”
“Thank you, Cecelia,” Sarah said again as they walked back up the stairs.
“I’ve done only what any friend might.”
“No, you have done much more. I will never forget it.”
The duchess dismissed this with a gesture.
Sarah arrived back at Poldene in a happy daze of planning to have her own home at last. In her bedchamber, she removed her hat and rang for Gwen, only to have Cranston come in response. “Where is Gwen?” Sarah asked, displeased.
“She has been dismissed,” Cranston replied.
“Dismissed?”
“For immorality.” Cranston’s tone and expression were odiously smug.
“What?”
“She was found to be meeting a young man in secret. Lady Trestan does not tolerate such behavior.”
The woman’s self-satisfied smirk told Sarah that Cranston had been involved in this accusation. She was certain it was false. “I will speak to Lady Trestan,” Sarah declared, turning toward the door.
“Her ladyship has gone out.”
“I will see her when she returns then.”
Cranston shrugged as if to indicate that the effort would be futile. “Lady Trestan will not have such a young person in her house.”
“Who has accused Gwen? You?”
Cranston bridled. “I wouldn’t lower myself. She’s been seen by all sorts of people.”
“Oh yes? Who, exactly? I would like to talk with them.”
It seemed the woman had not expected close questioning. “I’m sure I wouldn’t know. I don’t listen to gossip.”
This was patently false. Sarah was certain that Gwen’s disgrace was a conspiracy between her mother-in-law and Cranston. Aimed at her. They had chosen a time when Sarah was not at home to strike.
