Andrea Kane by Legacy of the Diamond Read Free Book Online

I come in?” he inquired politely.
    “Of course.” For some bizarre reason, Courtney felt a surge of nervousness, doubtless a reaction to receiving a man in her bedchamber. Despite the earl’s earlier visits, this was the first time she’d been alert enough to truly consider her surroundings. And, for all her years at sea, no one but her father had ever crossed her cabin’s threshold, at least not while she was within.
    The earl seemed to sense her discomfort, for he approached stiffly, halting a respectful distance from the foot of her bed.
    Simultaneously, Miss Payne gathered up the tray. “Miss Johnston ate her entire meal.”
    “So I see.” Lord Pembourne’s silver-gray eyes appraised the empty plates. “And without a drop of fortifying brandy. I’m relieved.”
    Recalling snatches of her earlier rambling, Courtney flushed.
    “As for this evening’s meal, I’ll advise Cook to prepare some broth,” Miss Payne was muttering to herself, “and perhaps a few biscuits. Yes, that should go down well.” She gave the earl a quizzical look. “Will you be remaining at Pembourne for any length of time, my lord? If so, I’ll need to order additional supplies and alert the staff to your extended stay.”
    A heartbeat of a pause. “I’m not certain. I’ll advise you once my plans are made. For now, assume I’ll be here.”
    “Very good, my lord.” She swept off.
    Courtney rubbed the sheet between her fingers, studying the earl’s chiseled features and trying to shake off her uncustomary self-consciousness. “Are you ofttimes away from home?”
    “Yes, frequently.”
    “For great lengths of time?”
    His dark brows rose. “As a matter of fact, yes. My businesses are extensive and take me all over the world: India, the Colonies, Europe.”
    “How unfortunate.”
    He blinked. “Unfortunate? Why?”
    “Because it must be very difficult—and very lonely—for you.”
    “Why do you assume that?”
    Now it was Courtney’s turn to look perplexed. “You did mention you had a sister, did you not? Before I began babbling about my affection for brandy, that is.”
    His lips twitched. “Yes, I did.”
    “Then you must miss her dreadfully when you’re away. Unless, of course, you take her with you. Do you?”
    “Hardly. Aurora stays at Pembourne, where she’s safe and carefully watched—except on those few occasions when she’s clever enough, and determined enough, to elude my staff.”
    Courtney frowned. “I didn’t realize your sister was a child. When you spoke of my resemblance to her—well, I was under the obvious misconception that she was a woman.”
    “She is.” Lord Pembourne’s eyes turned wintry gray. “But, as my family history will bear out, maturity does not preclude the need for safeguarding. The disaster you just survived is tangible proof of that. Had that pirate not intended to pass you off as Aurora, none of the past days’ horrors would have occurred.”
    Courtney swallowed, her anguish resurging from its private niche.
    “I’m sorry.” The earl’s apology was immediate, regret slashing his handsome face. “That was a cruel and thoughtless statement to make. Forgive me. The last thing I intended was to upset you.”
    “You needn’t apologize.” Courtney blinked back tears, trying to steady her quavering voice. “It matters not whether we give voice to the words; Papa’s death haunts me every moment, awake or asleep. Again and again, I see his face, hear his scream, feel his fear. Lord Pembourne…” Her chin came up. “I have a proposition for you. If you’ll give me a few days to mend, I’ll help you find your sister. I know the waters of the Channel as well as any sailor. I can guide you to every hidden nook, every deserted island—anywhere you wish to go. Whoever has Lady Aurora, we’ll unearth him. In exchange, I ask only that once your sister is safely restored, you loan me a sailing vessel. I’ll return it—intact—the instant I’m able. I’d purchase