A Grave Inheritance by Kari Edgren Read Free Book Online Page B

remain completely constrained or risk revealing everything in my heart.”
    “And what in your heart is so dreadful that it has to be concealed?”
    He buried his face in my neck and I felt the wetness on his own cheek. “Until an hour ago, I feared you were dead.” His voice broke with pure emotion. “Your ship was almost a month overdue and rumors were flying through London of treacherous storms and ships lost at sea. For weeks, I’ve had men stationed at every customs house within ten miles of London, waiting for news of the Callisto. When I saw you come up onto the street, it was all I could do not to run over and take you in my arms. Never in my entire life have I been so sorely tested.”
    “Then why did you resist?” I laughed. “You’ve kissed me in public before. I know it isn’t ladylike to admit outright, but I would have welcomed your affections.”
    Henry settled into the corner of the carriage and pulled me onto his lap. He put his arms around me and I snuggled closer, nestling my head against his chest. “The moment I left you in Philadelphia, I have dreamed of little else than holding you again.” He tightened his arms around me and brushed a light kiss on my cheek. “I had to wait today because I was not the only one with men stationed at the docks. Since I revealed my intentions to marry you, my father and the king have also been awaiting your arrival. The Callisto has been the most anticipated ship in London this fall.”
    His words should have scared me, and probably would have if I weren’t sitting so snugly on his lap. “James said the king might try to arrest me for treason. I almost believed him until I saw you waiting.”
    Henry gave a heavy sigh. “James may have been right. The king threatened so much a week ago when we last spoke.”
    This revelation disheartened me. “Then I assume you have not yet been released from your betrothal.”
    “I’m afraid not, though the news is not all bad. My father showed considerable understanding when I told him about you, which is most surprising since he was the greatest proponent of my marriage to the princess before I was pressed into service last spring. With his support, I believe the battle is half won.”
    Which still left the other half. “And the king?” I asked.
    “His majesty was very displeased when he heard that I had chosen a lady from the Colonies over his daughter. He has refused to act until after you arrived.”
    My heart fluttered nervously. “Why should my arrival have any bearing on his decision? Is he so concerned that I’ll prove an embarrassment to the crown?”
    “I’ve no idea what the king is thinking,” Henry said. “For the time being, I’ve been commanded to honor the betrothal with Amelia, and notified that any actions to the contrary would be considered an insult to the house of Hanover. His spies arrived at the docks shortly after me, I presume under orders to witness our first encounter. If I had done as my heart bid and publicly shown my preference for you, I believe the king would have taken action. Rather than risk my father’s anger by arresting his only son and heir, he would have had you arrested instead.”
    I sat up a little straighter. “But Henry, what if we’re being followed? Surely they saw us get into the carriage together.”
    “What I do in private is my own affair.” He laughed bitterly. “As a matter of fact, the king has even encouraged it. I would never insult you by sharing such vulgar notions, but I believe you deserve the entire truth. The king suggested that I marry the princess and keep you for my mistress.”
    I pulled in a sharp breath. James was a bloody soothsayer! Or else he was exceptionally good at guessing the king’s mind. Whichever, the man had been uncanny in detailing what would happen once I arrived. I felt a twinge of guilt for even asking my next question. “And what do you think of the king’s idea?”
    Henry stiffened behind me. “I think my uncle is