The Lady Seals Her Fate (The Langley Sisters #5) by Wendy Vella Page B

supposed relationship, especially as Phoebe was married to Alex’s eldest brother, but, coward that she was, she’d hoped he would be the one to tell them, or at the very least be there when they heard, as she’d never been very good at hiding anything from her friend.
    “The thing is, Phoebe, Alex and I have come to realize—”
    “Finally.”
    “I beg your pardon?” Hannah looked at her friend.
    “You and Alex have finally realized you feel something other than friendship for each other. Although in truth, you were never really friends, more sparring partners.”
     
    Hannah’s jaw actually dropped open as Phoebe continued talking.
    “Some of us guessed, you know. It was there in the way you looked at each other, the way you avoided touching, but I knew one day you would realize.”
    “Are you quite finished?” Hannah knew her cheeks were flushed. Who else had noted her interest in Alex?
    “Is that not what you were going to tell me?” Phoebe said with a raised brow. “I am seldom wrong, and do not believe I am in this instance, so do not attempt to bamboozle me, Hannah Wooller.”
    “It would serve you right if you were wrong; you would be mortified to have spouted all that nonsense then.”
    Phoebe poked a finger into her hair, pulling a few curls free as she scratched her head. If Hannah had done that she’d look in disarray, but Phoebe’s curls just bounced and settled on her shoulders in silken ringlets, making it look like some elaborate style her maid had spent hours doing.
    “I don’t believe I would, Hannah, not when my words are the truth. Besides, I’m not one for being mortified, as you know.”
    “What you are is infuriating.” Hannah sighed.
    “And you’re trying to distract me. Come now, am I right or not? Have you and Alex finally realized the depth of your feelings for each other?”
    Hannah found five red satin buttons and placed them in the box before answering. “Have you thought about writing one of those hideous novels filled with vapid heroines and arrogant heroes? I’m sure you’d be quite good at it.”
    “Hannah!”
    “All right, and yes, we are at present getting to know each other better and deciding if there is more to our relationship than mere friendship.”
    “And you didn’t tell me?” Phoebe’s eyes flashed with excitement. “Shame on you for not sharing your exciting news.”
    “I’m not really the kind of woman who gets excited, Phoebe, as you very well know. I’m quietly pleased. Is that enough for you?” She felt the weight of her perfidy settle heavily on her shoulders once more. She was lying to her best friend.
    “Could you not look a little happier about it? I’m sure you look like you’ve found a three-days-dead rat in your bed, instead of true love.”
    “Charming.” Hannah wrinkled her nose. “Everything has changed so quickly, Phoebe, surely you can allow that, and my need to grow accustomed to those changes.”
    “Of course, yet I have known you for quite some time now, Hannah, and I believe you are not telling me everything. But I will add to that should you need me or want to unburden yourself, I am, as always, here.”
    “I’m fine, Phoebe, really.” Hannah waved her words away. “This business with father and my dowry and the ensuing argument, and now Alex; it’s all just a bit much to deal with. But I shall rally, never fear.”
    “Make up with your father, Hannah. No good can come of leaving that to smolder between you,” Phoebe said. “You are both strong-willed, so you need to be the first to bridge the gap between you.”
    “Why me?”
    “Because I said you had to, so you do.”
    “Your husband really does have my sympathies. Imagine living with such a despot. The man must be quite undone.”
    “Finn adores me.” Phoebe preened. “Although he did attempt to gag me two days ago when I told him I thought he needed to lower his stirrups because he was bouncing in the saddle.”
    Hannah snorted. “I can imagine a