Ashton Park by Murray Pura Read Free Book Online

her. Lady Elizabeth lifted her head.
    “Holly. I thought it was one of my daughters.”
    “No. It’s just me. Sorry.”
    Lady Elizabeth did not want to smile but it formed on her lips anyway. “I’m not sorry. Just surprised. You never struck me as a praying person.”
    “I suppose I’m not.”
    “Then why join me here?”
    “You never know. God might look down and take pity on you because you’re saddled with me.”
    Lady Elizabeth was astonished to hear herself laugh. “Do you think that’s the way it works?”
    Aunt Holly put a hand on Lady Elizabeth’s back. “I don’t know how it works because prayer has never seemed to work for me. But who knows? Kneeling together might make a difference. The believer and the prodigal. God has a soft spot for prodigals, doesn’t He?”
    “What would you like to pray with me?”
    “How about the Lord’s Prayer? I still remember that. Or is it too common?”
    “It’s not too common at all. But you start, my dear.”
    Aunt Holly bowed her head, closed her eyes, and clasped her hands. “I feel like a fool. But I’ll do it. God won’t see me backing down. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name… ”

    Ben Whitecross took off his cap and set it on a chair just outside the door. From the kitchen down the hall he heard Mrs. Longstaff giving instructions to her staff as they prepared dinner. He smoothed down his curls with both hands, shrugged his shoulders to loosen the tight fit of his best jacket, and knocked on the door. Mr. Seabrooke opened it a crack.
    “Who is it?” came Mrs. Seabrooke’s voice.
    “Ben Whitecross, ma’am. You sent a message I should call on you today.”
    “I did. Come in. Please, Mr. Seabrooke, open the door.”
    Ben stepped into Mr. and Mrs. Seabrooke’s office. The door was shut firmly behind him. Mrs. Seabrooke looked up from the ledger on her desk and turned in her chair to face him.
    “Mr. Whitecross, have a seat.”
    Ben sat down. Immediately Mr. Seabrooke hovered over him.
    “Well, that’s it, lad,” he growled. “You’re done.”
    Ben glanced up at him, startled. “What’s that?”
    Mrs. Seabrooke tightened her lips. “There’s no need for rudeness, Mr. Seabrooke. You are well aware that Mr. Whitecross has provided a fine service to the Danforth family up until now.”
    Ben stared at her. “What do you mean, Mrs. Seabrooke?”
    She raised the thin eyebrows in her thin face. “Did you honestly think no one would notice your midnight…romance with the young Victoria? That no one else on this estate has nocturnal habits?”
    Ben was surprised but his face darkened as quickly as the feeling of shock ran through him. “Who has been talking to you? Who has been spouting such nonsense?”
    “Someone of impeccable reputation, I assure you. You needn’t fear that this has spread over the entire estate or that Sir William or Lady Elizabeth knows of the matter. Mr. Seabrooke and I have kept it to ourselves. But there can be no more dallying with Miss Danforth on your part. You must leave the estate at once.”
    “I will not.”
    “You will, Ben Whitecross. I can assure you the repercussions of a refusal shall not be a pleasant experience.”
    Ben leaned forward in his chair. “I’ve done nothing wrong. I’m a decent Christian man, Mrs. Seabrooke.”
    “Oh, I’m sure you have not despoiled Miss Danforth in any way. But an embrace or two is enough. You are a groom, Mr. Whitecross, not a lord. Today you can leave with your reputation intact. We will provide you with excellent references to another noble family in Britain. Sir William and Lady Elizabeth continue to hold you in high regard for your loyalty and competence.” She lowered her voice. “If you choose to fight me on this matter, I will destroy you.”
    Ben curled his hands into fists and said nothing. She waited. Finally he said, “I must have a few moments alone with Victoria.”
    Mrs. Seabrooke shook her head. “Out of the question.”
    “I must