Andrews Brothers 02 - The Rescue by Felicia Rogers Read Free Book Online Page B

beneath her bonnet. Bright green eyes peered at him through reddish brown lashes. Freckles dotted her rosy cheeks. Indeed the lady was lovely even with the thick brown woolen gown she wore.
    A question nagged at his consciousness. Why was she riding alone? Or…perhaps she wasn’t alone.
    His heart beat faster as he scanned the tree line for liveried footmen. They might be hidden in the bushes, arrows notched and ready to sail directly into his heart. He scooted a couple of inches away from the young lady.
    “As the lady wishes.”
    She released a breath and relaxed. They sat quietly. Birds cawed overhead and hounds barked in the distance. He shivered.
    “Are you cold, sir? May I offer you your coat back?”
    “Nay. You must keep it.”
    She smiled and his heart soared. He could sit here all day and stare at the young lady, absorbing her beauty could be a lifelong pursuit.
    Smoke rose from the fireplaces at Ravenwood. Home . He should return. Rowena would expect him for afternoon tea. And of course there were preparations to be made for the Flannigan ball and wedding ceremony.
    Andrew cleared his throat and went to rise, but the lady placed a delicate hand on his forearm and squeezed. He faced her.
    “Would you mind waiting with me for a few moments longer? I enjoy the solitude, and I need this time, but I fear being alone.”
    The incapability of the statement had him reeling, but when she smiled and batted her lashes in his direction he had trouble saying no. He resumed his seat.
    “I’ve visited here many times, but never have I just sat and gazed over the land. The place is truly beautiful.”
    “Yes.” He snuck a glance at his companion.
    “When I was a child my family would visit Ravenwood. Rowena and my mother got along famously. My mother was the calm one, and Rowena was on the ostentatious side, so they complemented one another.” She wrapped her arm in his and placed her head upon his shoulder. The feel of her cheek through the thin linen fabric of his shirt had his heart thumping madly in his chest, and breathing became painful.
    “Do you hail from close by?”
    “Yes.”
    “Then you know of the wonderful people hereabouts. Rochdale is a close knit community. Everyone knows everyone by name.”
    Andrew gulped. He remembered no one by name. Would the townsfolk be hurt if they realized?
    “At Christmas, the entire town gathers to sing carols. Then we feast on venison and roast beef, mince pie, and of course Christmas pie. But this year…” She shrugged and her eyes glazed.
    “This year will be different,” he added for her.
    A tear slipped from her eye and onto her cheek as she nodded. In a flurry of motion, she swiped it away, replacing her melancholy look with a smile. Gracefully, she rose and handed him his greatcoat. “Perhaps it is time I returned home. It has been very nice meeting you and I hope to see you again.”
    He lifted her hand and kissed the back, never taking his eyes from her face. “It has been a pleasure meeting you as well. Perhaps we will meet again.”
    She swallowed as he released her. Without a word, she climbed astride the midnight-coated horse. At the last minute, she twisted around and looked at him. “Soon, yes?”
    He nodded.
    She kicked the horse’s flank and disappeared into the fog. He shrugged his coat back on reveling in the warmth she’d left behind. Her honeysuckle scent saturated the fabric, and he inhaled deeply. He would never forget her, and he would see her again no matter the cost.
     

Chapter Seven
    The carriage bounced along the dirt road. The footmen had padded the vehicle and adjusted the struts to give the smoothest ride possible, yet Andrew’s head still pained and his bum ached. Doctor Harold Pennyworth wasn’t happy about Rowena’s decision to attend the Flannigan wedding. He insisted the jaunt would hamper Andrew’s recovery. Andrew had taken a nap to appease the good doctor, but it had not prepared him for the short, uncomfortable