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.No one would notice a trailing shred of wool in the dark.After another few moments she could bear the suspense no longer.She determined to take a look, albeit a sur- reptitious one.With painful caution, she managed to lever the lid slightly so that she could peer over the rim, but blackness met her horrified gaze.And not the blackness of darkness either.She was not out on the open road, but locked inside some dark prison where the only smells were those of oil and exhaust fumes.A garage, in fact.Gasping in dismay, Alix thrust the lid wide and clambered out, uncaring that she might ladder her tights in the process, intent only on gaining escape from this horrible place.Dear God, she would be missed, she thought in agony, and how on earth would she explain her absence?But there was worse to come.When she eventually found the doors which she had foolishly imagined were the gates to the Hall, she found they were locked, and nothing she could do would open them.CHAPTER ELEVENOliver entered the dining room at seven-thirty that evening to find only his aunt seated at the table.His dark gaze went broodingly over the chair which Alix usually occupied, and then settled on his aunt's anticipatory features.Lady Morgan smiled, but received no answering salutation, asked, 'Have they gone?' in surprisingly tactless tones.Oliver pushed his thumbs into the waistband of his denim pants, and rocking back on his heels, countered: 'Where's Alix?'Lady Morgan frowned.'Alix? But—didn't she leave with her husband?''William Faulkner is not her husband!' declared Oliver tersely.'He's the editor of a magazine that isn't known for its discretion in people's private affairs! Alix isn't married.''What?' Lady Morgan gasped.'You don't mean that— that she—''—worked for the same magazine?' Oliver's voice was bored.'Yes, that's exactly what I mean.''But, Oliver.' His aunt was nonplussed.'Oh, that deceitful girl! How—how could she?'Oliver's nostrils flared.'The point is, she didn't,' he stated flatly.'That's why Faulkner came here.'Lady Morgan shook her head confusedly.'Even so, when I think of the way I confided in her.'Oliver sighed.'Save the dramatics, Grizelda.Where is she?''Well, how should I know?' cried his aunt, taking out her handkerchief and blowing her nose.'I haven't spokento her since we got back from Newcastle.''You haven't?''No.' His aunt regarded him indignantly.'When I came indoors she was with you.''But didn't she have tea with you and Melly?''No, she did not.Melissa told me she'd gone to her room, and I assumed it was to pack.Melissa said she was thinking of leaving—''Melissa said what}' Oliver looked positively furious.'When was this? What did Alix say?''Oh, what does it matter?' exclaimed his aunt impatiently.'The girl was an impostor.I, for one, am glad to see the back of her.''Well, I'm not!' retorted Oliver coldly.'And you'd better get used to that idea.''Whatever do you mean?' Lady Morgan looked astounded.'I mean that if I can persuade Alix to stay, I shall.'His aunt looked pale: 'But.Melissa.''What about Melissa?''You—you were going to adopt her.'Oliver uttered an oath.'What does that have to do with anything? I still intend to adopt her.Don't worry, Grizelda, I've already set the machinery in motion.Melissa shall have what is right and properly hers.''But—but what if Alix—''Leave Alix to me,' said Oliver quietly, and then paced up and down the room.'Where the devil is she? She's always down to dinner on time.''Perhaps she's not hungry,' remarked Lady Morgan shortly, and looking at his aunt's affronted features, Oliver heaved a sigh.'Look,' he said, halting by her chair, 'I knew Alix wasn't the librarian she claimed to be.' 'What?' Lady Morgan was astounded.'But how?'Oliver shrugged.'Her lack of interest in the books in the library, to begin with.There are some valuable first editions there, books a librarian would recognise instantly.Alix never even gave them a second glance.''And you let her stay?' deplored his aunt.'Yes.' Oliver was abrupt.'Might one ask why?'Oliver raked a hand through his hair.'In the beginning, she intrigued me.Then, when I guessed what might be happening, I wanted to change her opinion of me.' He paused.'I didn't plan what came after.''You became attracted to her?'Oliver's lips twisted.'That's a mild way of putting it.'Lady Morgan got up from her chair, twisting her handkerchief between her fingers.'So you're letting her stay?'He nodded.'If she will.'Lady Morgan chewed anxiously at her lower lip.'I see.''Why?' Oliver frowned suddenly, struck by his aunt's apparent distress.'What is it?' He hesitated.'What have you been saying to her?''Me?' Lady Morgan turned innocent eyes in his direction.'What could I have been saying to her?''You could have told her about—about Melissa.' He stared at her intently, noticing the way her teeth dug deeper into her lip.'You did, didn't you? You told Alix about Melissa.Why? When?'Lady Morgan sighed, sinking down into her chair again.'I—well, this afternoon, if you must know.''When you had tea?' Oliver scowled.'Yes.'He uttered an oath, 'Why did you consider it your duty to tell Alix a thing like that? I intended to tell her myself.'His aunt moved her shoulders in a dismissing gesture.'I felt she ought to know.' 'Really?' He looked sceptical.'Was that all you told her?''What else is there?''There's Uncle Andrew's will, isn't there?' he reminded her dryly.'But you wouldn't mention that, would you?'Lady Morgan's breathing was quick and shallow
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