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It really was a spectacular view. Rolling hills in the distance, one so high it seemed to touch the clouds. She lifted her face to the sun for a brief moment before turning to Allie.

“So?

“You are glowing, Gillian. I’ve never seen you this relaxed before.”

“Allie!”

Her sister expelled a breath. “I suppose you’d like to know why I am here?”

Gillian crossed her arms.

“Are you angry?”

She was about to become so. Allie bit her lip, clearly avoiding the explanation that Gillian was beginning to dread.

“The Earl of Covington is dead.”

A sudden bout of dizziness forced Gillian to close her eyes. It was as if Allie had taken a war hammer to her chest.

Dead?

Nay. It was not possible. Allie had claimed to have a plan, yes, but she could not have done such a thing.

“Gill?”

When Gillian opened her eyes, the first thing that struck her was that her sister looked as worried as she felt. “You . . . killed him?” she asked uncertainly.

Allie’s eyes widened. “No!” Her mouth dropped open. “You think I . . . how could you think such a thing? Killed him?”

“You said all would be well. That you would not be marrying Covington, and then—”

“No, no, silly. Of course not. Goodness.”

Her shoulders sagged in relief. Her sister’s tone and the look in her eyes both attested that she was telling the truth. When she lied, Allie tended to look down at her feet.

Thank God.

“Wait, then . . . what do you mean dead? And how did you plan to—”

“We received word two days after you left. In fact, it happened while you were visiting us. He apparently rode off a cliff in the midst of a heavy rainstorm. Can you believe it? Gillian, I am the worst person in the world. A man is dead, and I confess, upon hearing it, I felt only relief.”

“Then you were still betrothed to him?”

“Well, of course. You know I was.”

“But you said . . . you said you would not be marrying the earl. That you had a plan.”

She’d been so stupid. How could Gillian not have seen what was so clearly on her sister’s face before?

“You were going to marry the earl.”

“Please, please, listen to me. I am so sorry. You have no idea how horrible I feel for lying to you. I normally would never do such a thing. You know I love you and—”

Gillian clenched her hands to stop them from shaking.

“You planned to marry him.”

“I know you, Gillian. You would not have stopped until something terrible happened. In fact, the moment father told me about the betrothal—”