Lie by Moonlight by Amanda Quick Read Free Book Online Page A

he has satisfied himself that you are no longer a threat to him.”
    â€œHow can I possibly be any sort of threat to a man like him?” She was clearly exasperated. “I am a teacher, for heaven’s sake. I have no social connections, no power of any sort. I am in no position to do anything that could cause problems for Alexander Larkin. He must know that as well as I do.”
    â€œYou are a loose end, Miss Glade. When Larkin weaves a pattern he does not leave any dangling threads. As soon as he discovers that youescaped with the girls, he will conclude that you know far too much about him and his scheme. Trust me, if he finds you, he will kill you.”
    She blinked two or three times and then drew a slow, deep breath.
    â€œI see,” she said.
    Her composure was quite stunning, he thought. Few people, male or female, could have taken the news he had just delivered with such equanimity. Concordia Glade was, indeed, a woman apart.
    He released her. “Go to bed, Miss Glade. You need sleep. We will discuss this situation again in the morning.”
    She startled him with a wry smile. “You can hardly expect me to sleep after what you just told me.”
    â€œPerhaps not, but you must try to rest. I intend for all of us to be away from here as early as possible in the morning.”
    The wariness returned to her eyes. “You sound as if you have some plans of your own for my students, Mr. Wells.”
    â€œAnd for you, also, Miss Glade.”
    â€œWhat are they?”
    â€œTomorrow we will continue on to the nearest train station. From there, you and the girls will travel to London in a first-class carriage. Any number of people will see you board the train.”
    â€œBut if what you say about Larkin is correct, he will soon discover that we went to London. He will search for us there.”
    â€œHe will search for four young women and their teacher.”
    She studied him with renewed interest. “What do you intend, sir?”
    â€œA feat of magic. Once in London you will all disappear.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” she asked sharply.
    â€œI will explain in the morning.”
    She hesitated. He knew that she was torn between bidding him good night and demanding an explanation.
    â€œGood night, sir,” she said quietly. “I must thank you for your assistance. I am not at all certain that we could have escaped safely without you.”
    â€œI do not doubt for a moment that you would have managed very well on your own, Miss Glade. We have not known each other more than a few hours, but I feel confident in saying that you are, without a doubt, the most resourceful woman I have ever met.”
    She nodded, evidently unsure how to take the observation, and started up the steps. He heard a soft thunk when the hem of her skirt brushed against the first riser.
    â€œMiss Glade, I cannot help but notice that you seem to clank a bit when you walk,” he said. “I noticed it earlier when your skirts brushed against the door frame. I must admit, I am curious. Is this some new fashion?”
    She paused on the staircase and looked back over her shoulder. “Hardly, sir. I knew that once we were away from the castle we would require money to survive. Over the course of the past few weeks, I helped myself to some of the smaller pieces of silver and several other items that appeared to have some value. I sewed them into my skirts.”
    He inclined his head, impressed. “A clever trick, Miss Glade. One that is much favored by pickpockets and streetwalkers, I believe.”
    She bristled in outrage. “I assure you, I am no common thief, sir.”
    What had possessed him to make such a stupid remark? He shouldhave realized that she would not take it as the compliment he had intended.
    â€œI never meant to imply that you were a thief, Miss Glade,” he said.
    But he knew it was too late. The damage had been done.
    â€œI only did what I thought I had