Scandal of Love by Janelle Daniels

with mother of pearl inlayed in a feminine design, lay on soft fabric, protecting it from scratching. “It’s beautiful,” Sera said, slightly breathless. Picking up the glasses, she could feel their weight and knew they must be costly. “It must have cost quite a bit.”
    “It’s breathtaking. I wonder where he found it. I can’t imagine he just had it laying around.”
    “No, I can’t either.”
    Sera ran her fingers over the cool mother of pearl, watching it reflect light like fire.
    “He didn’t have to do this,” Sera whispered. “It must have cost him at least half of what he has left to survive on.”
    Aubrey came and sat next to her, wrapping her arm around her. “No he didn’t, but he did.” They were quiet for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts. “Do you still think he started the rumor?”
    “I don’t know.” She set the present aside, but kept glancing over at the beautiful piece, wondering about the man who gave it to her. “I don’t know what to think anymore.”
    “A greedy man wouldn’t have purchased that for a fiancée he had already secured. Perhaps you are wrong about him.”
    “Perhaps.” But she wasn’t sure. She would never be sure. It was easy to do something nice after getting what you wanted. Could she ever trust him?
    Sera hated that she had doubts. She hated this situation. The present was beyond beautiful, but it brought even more confusion to her circumstances.
    She had learned at the opera the other night that Quinton could possibly be a friend to her. They didn’t need to be enemies. But what did these glasses mean? Was he trying to buy her affections? Trying to say sorry? She just wished she knew.
    If she only knew more about him, she would know what this present meant.
    “Let’s drink our tea. I’m not sure I can think about the gift right now.” That seemed to be her coping mechanism for the day, deciding not to think about it. That would only last so long. She couldn’t put off thinking of Quinton and what was happening between them forever.
    Aubrey looked at her with concern, but finally nodded, taking a seat across from her again.
    She didn’t want to think about Quinton yet, she couldn’t. But the glasses kept shining from inside the wrapping, catching her attention and pulling her thoughts back to Quinton.
    Aubrey left soon after, and Sera contented herself with going to bed early. It was a good thing, because the next morning she was greeted with a small crisis.

CHAPTER 6
     
    “Cook and Mrs. Buttersly have a slight fever,” Lydia said after waking her. It was still dark outside, a bright moon shined through her curtains.
    Fevers were never to be taken lightly. A seemingly innocent one could signal a much greater illness. Whipping the bedclothes aside, she sat up. “How serious is it? Have you summoned the doctor?”
    Lydia shook her head. “No, it isn’t too serious, but I think they should stay in bed and rest.”
    “I agree. Do not allow them to leave their rooms, and make sure they have plenty of broth.”
    Lydia nodded. “What shall we do about the meals, my lady?”
    “There is nothing to worry about, Lydia,” Sera told her, hearing the concern in the maid’s voice. “I’m sure we can handle something. We won’t go hungry.” She climbed out of bed. “Could you fetch one of my old dresses?”
    Lydia looked surprised. “Whatever for?”
    “I prefer not to get any of my new dresses dirty. I can’t exactly give orders to the staff and oversee the chores if I’m worried about soiling my dress.”
    Nodding, Lydia fetched the gown before helping Sera to dress.
    Walking into the kitchen, they saw Cook’s helpers sitting around.
    Sera cleared her throat, gaining the attention of the younger women. “As you all know, Cook is sick and must stay in bed. I hope that she will recover quickly, but I have made it clear that she must remain there today and rest.”
    “Yes, my lady,” the three of them said.
    “I realize that you