Castles by Julie Garwood Read Free Book Online Page B

better.”
    â€œWho gave you these instructions?”
    â€œYour father.”
    â€œWhy would he take such an interest?”
    â€œHe’s my guardian, Colin.”
    He couldn’t contain his surprise over that little bit of news. His father had never mentioned a ward to him, although Colin guessed it wasn’t any of his affair. His father held his own counsel and rarely confided in either one of his sons.
    â€œHave you come to London for the season?”
    â€œNo,” she answered. “Although I am looking forward to attending some of the parties and I do hope to see the sights.”
    Colin’s curiosity intensified. He took another step toward her.
    â€œI really didn’t want to cause you any inconvenience,” she said. “I suggested I rent my own town house or open your parents’ London home, but your father simply wouldn’t hear of it. He told me it wasn’t done.” She paused to sigh. “I did try to convince him. ’Tis the truth I couldn’t outargue him.”
    Lord, she had a pretty smile. It was contagious too. He found himself smiling back. “No one can outargue my father,” he agreed. “You still haven’t explained why you’re here,” he reminded her.
    â€œI haven’t, have I? It’s most complicated,” she added with a nod. “You see, it wasn’t necessary for me to come to London before, but it is now.”
    He shook his head at her. “Half-given explanations make me crazed. I’m blunt to a fault—a trait I picked up from my partner, or so I’m told. I admire complete honesty because it’s so rare, and for as long as you are a guest in my home, I would appreciate complete candor. Are we in agreement?”
    â€œYes, of course.”
    She was clutching her hands together again. He must have frightened her. He probably sounded like an ogre. God only knew he was suddenly feeling like one. He was sorry she was so obviously afraid of him, yet pleased, too, because he’d gotten his way. She hadn’t argued with him over his dictate, or tried to act coy. He absolutely detested coyness in a woman.
    He forced a mild tone of voice when he asked, “Would you mind answering a few pertinent questions now?”
    â€œCertainly. What is it you wish to know?”
    â€œWhy are there two guards with you? Now that you’ve reached your destination, shouldn’t they be dismissed? Or did you think I might withhold my hospitality?”
    She answered the last of his question first. “Oh, I never considered you would deny me lodging, sir. Your father assured me you would be most gracious to me. Flannaghan has his note for you to read,” she added with a nod. “Your father also insisted I retain my guards. Both Raymond and Stefan were hired by the mother superior of the convent where I used to live to travel with me to England, and your father insisted I keep them on. Neither guard has family back home to miss, and both are very well paid. You really shouldn’t worry about them.”
    He held his exasperation. She was looking so earnest now. “I wasn’t worried about them,” he replied. He grinned then and shook his head again. “Do you know, trying to get answers out of you is proving to be very difficult.”
    She nodded. “Mother Superior used to say the very same thing to me. She considered it one of my greatest flaws. I am sorry if I confuse you. I don’t mean to, sir.”
    â€œAlesandra, my father’s behind this scheme, isn’t he? He sent you to me.”
    â€œYes and no.”
    She quickly held up her hand to waylay his frown. “I’m not hedging. You’re father did send me to you, but only after he found out Caine and his wife were ill. I don’t believe there was a scheme involved, however. As a matter of fact, your father and your mother wanted me to stay in the country until they were recovered enough