Lord Devere's Ward by Sue Swift Read Free Book Online

myself, sir.”
    “What portion do you read?” he asked. As he opened the book at the purple ribbon marking her place, she tried to grab it out of his hand. Despite her height, he was a head taller. With limbs to match, he easily evaded her grasp, flipping the volume open.
    “Ahem! My Greek is weak, as it has been a few years since I left Oxford, but I can translate: ‘I mounted the glorious bed of Circe.’“
    “It’s Pauline’s. Give it back!” She made another unsuccessful snatch at the book. Her face flushed in a most becoming manner.
    “I am not sure if either my ward or my niece should be reading about Odysseus and Circe.” Lifting the volume far above her head, he danced away from her darting hand.
    “Perhaps the tale of the lotus eaters is more to your taste?”
    He staggered back, one long hand clutching his chest. “Thou hast hit it! Do I strike you as such a lazy fellow, then? I assure you I have been most prudent and prompt in regard to your affairs.”
    “Oh?” She stopped grabbing for the book.
    “I have introduced a bill into the House of Lords to remove you from Badham’s care. Carrothers is away, inspecting your various holdings. The solicitor and his clerk have been warned off from blundering into this matter in any way. Herbert and Oswald are not in London. They are in Bath, I fear.”
    “His name is Osborn.”
    Quinn waved a languid hand as they walked toward Penrose House. “I give your detestable cousin’s name all the attention it deserves.”
    “Did they go to my old school?”
    “I believe they did.” He tucked her arm into his.
    “I have received a letter from a Miss Elizabeth Telmont. She has been contacted by the current Earl of Badham, and expresses concern in your regard.”
    “She was my schoolmistress, and dear to me. I wish I could tell her I’m safe.”
    “Can she be trusted?” He handed the book to Kate and opened the gate to the kitchen garden. He escorted her past the orderly rows of late winter vegetables.
    “I’m sure of it. But one never knows into whose hands a letter may fall.” Her hand tightened on his arm, a pleasant feeling.
    “You are correct. On to more amusing topics.
    Sweet Kate, I had thought you had purchased more appropriate clothing, but I see you are still in the gown borrowed from my tweeny.”
    She looked down at her mussed skirts. “Oh, I use this dress for tree-climbing and games with the children, sir. We have made several excursions into Sevenoaks and I have close to a full wardrobe. You, of course, are as fine as fivepence.” Her voice sounded oddly choked.

    He laughed, comfortable in a fitted coat of blue superfine, with a waistcoat and unmentionables of primrose twill. Knowing he’d see Kate, he’d tied his cravat in an exacting manner. He walked with her through the kitchen garden, then entered Penrose House through a back entrance, evading the cooks in the kitchen, where preparations for luncheon were in full force.
    “I’d best change,” Kate said.

    * * *

    Kate slipped her arm from his and ran lightly up the stairs, clutching her book. She slammed the door in her haste and, once safely inside her room, threw the volume on her bed. Leaning against the door, she pressed her hands to her burning cheeks.
    Why, oh, why, did her guardian have to catch her reading that particular passage of The Odyssey ? And what was it about the man that overset her so? His conduct toward her was everything proper, and his attention to her affairs diligent. He still looks like a setter dog, she told her tumultuous heart. But his shoulders, in the handsomely cut coat, appeared wide and masculine. He moved with unusual grace and power for someone so long-limbed.
    She remembered the strength in Quinn’s arm as he escorted her through the gardens. He’s surprisingly muscular for a dandy, she thought. She imagined his beautiful brown eyes held his entire soul as he looked at her. But he saw her as his child, and finding her perched in a tree