A Reckless Promise by Kasey Michaels Read Free Book Online Page A

that, are you?”
    He was actually becoming used to the idea, odd as that seemed to him. The sight of Sadie Grace Boxer in fine silk and pearls might prove interesting. In fact, the more he thought about how displeased that same Sadie Grace appeared to be, the more he approved the ladies’ plans.
    â€œThe dressing of you, no. I’m afraid the ladies are quite set on the rest of it. You could have remained at the cottage, not that I’d be so crass as to point that out to you.”
    â€œNo, you’d never be that, would you? And where will you be, my lord, once you’ve successfully dumped your responsibility in that sweet old lady’s lap?” she asked, taking his arm and forcing a smile to her face as they at last entered the enormous drawing room.
    He had one thing to say for the woman. She could hold her own in a give-and-take of words. Of course, he wasn’t sure that could be listed as a compliment, not when she was also so clearly concealing something from him.
    â€œHiding in a cupboard under the stairs most quickly springs to mind, Mrs. Boxer, but I do believe that won’t be allowed. Shall we be on with it? I’ll introduce you to the ladies and be off about my business for a few days, giving you and my ward time to...settle in. You’ll be safe here. In every way.”
    â€œHer name is Marley, and we’re both in mourning. It would be highly improper for us, me most especially, to go into Society.”
    â€œI’m convinced John would understand, under the circumstances. Well, Mrs. Boxer? I don’t hear any argument coming from your direction, which is refreshing.”
    â€œThat’s only because you’re correct. John specifically asked that Marley not be subjected to a year of mourning.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œAnd I agreed,” she muttered before Clarice Goodfellow, never one to wait patiently for anything, came at them, all but cooing in pleasure over the smiling Marley she carried along with her, the child’s legs wrapped around her hip.
    Darby quickly counted noses. Besides the duchess and Clarice, Minerva Townsend was present, along with Gabe’s Thea and Coop’s Dany. More than needed for a witches’ coven.
    Five against one. Seven, if he counted Sadie and Marley.
    Darby introduced, bowed, kissed hands and excused himself within five minutes, lamenting that he could no longer keep his cattle standing.
    Marley, he was certain, was the only one who didn’t know he was lying through his teeth.

CHAPTER FOUR
    W HAT A DIFFERENCE a few days can make. From sorrowful country mouse, to panicked hare on the run, to pampered pet curled up snug as a bug in a rug in the middle of fashionable Mayfair, Sadie’s entire life had seen change after rapid change.
    Could she relax now? It seemed so, at least for the moment. Except, of course, for the fact that Marley’s curious guardian had been noticeably absent for five entire days, but would be calling on Sadie in a few minutes, supposedly to take her for a stroll in the square.
    What pleasant surroundings for what was sure to be an inquisition, at least thankfully without the thumbscrews or rack.
    Five days. More than enough time for him to have stuck his nose where she wished it would never go. Time to think up a dozen questions she’d have to answer without hesitation, without fear. Without telling him the whole truth.
    â€œDid you kill him?”
    Yes, her days with the ladies had been chaotic, bordering on delightful, but her nights had been filled with those four carelessly drawled words and the memories they evoked.
    The viscount had this way about him, Sadie had decided. Even in such short acquaintance, she had recognized his intelligence, for one, and his curiosity, for another. He had a rather silken way about him, saying things that seemed innocuous and even slightly silly on the surface, but with an intensity of purpose behind every carefully careless thing he