Chapter 1
"I'm calling on Miss Worthington this afternoon," I lie.
"Oh?" Tom raises his eyebrows. I try not to blink. "When will you return?"
"As soon as is appropriate, I'm sure. I'll be home before tea." Lies, all of it. I am going to see Felicity, but we're visiting Miss Moore. Tom can sense I'm lying, but he cannot prove it.
"Make sure the chauffer is ready." Is all he can think of to say.
The chauffer. Kartik. How could I possibly forget about Kartik? Those deep brown eyes and long, dark lashes are almost too beautiful to bear. But you are a gentlewoman, Gemma, and gentlewomen don't go gallavanting off with Indian boys. I can't help wishing I could.
I call my attention back to the present. Tom has already returned to his reading. I leave the room.
Oh, how I've missed Miss Moore. She was by far the greatest instructor we ever had. I've tried not to become bitter about her undue resignation, but deep down I can't forgive Pippa for her lie. Beautiful Pippa. Oh, I did love her. Everyone did. I regret her death, as do Felicity and Ann, but they blame me for it. As though it was my fault she ate the berries. My fault I couldn't save her from drowning... I am lost in my thoughts again.