Love's Guardian by Dawn Ireland Read Free Book Online Page A

duties.
    “If you don’t answer this door, I’m coming in.” Declan waited for several moments, then threw himself against the wooden timbers. The fastening mechanism snapped and the door swung inward. He glared at the servants’ shocked faces, then crossed the threshold and closed the door behind him.
    Even with the dimness of the room, he spotted her immediately, seated on the floor, surrounded by masses of colored silk gowns. She gripped the edge of a trunk, her head resting on her hands. He couldn’t see her face; her glorious hair shielded it from view. Why didn’t she acknowledge his presence?
    He crossed the room in several long strides and bent down to take her shoulder. “Alex.”
    She started, turned, then looked up at him. “Lord Worthington, I didn’t hear you come in.”
    “I knocked. Actually, I did more than that. If you check outside, I believe the entire staff came running.” He reached down and touched the wet trail of a tear as it made its way over her cheek. “Crying?”
    Alex brushed at her face with the back of her hand. “Dust.” She stood, using the trunk for support, and squared her shoulders before looking at him. “We rarely use this room. I’ll have to speak with the maids.”
    She bent and plucked a forest green gown from the pile, then crossed to the dressing table mirror. The garment slipped from her grasp several times before she managed to hold it up to check the fit.
    The plain design of the gown didn’t hold with the current fashion, but the style suited Alex. The powder, frills, and patches of the day would only detract from her beauty. His ward’s vibrancy came from within. She didn’t need jewels or lace.
    “It would look lovely on you, but I didn’t think you cared for gowns.” Declan waited for a sharp retort.
    “This was my mother’s favorite.” Alex crossed to the bed and laid the gown across the end with care, the taffeta rustling as she smoothed the wrinkles. “I decided to see if I could make due with any of these in London.”
    She fidgeted with the sleeves for long moments before turning to face him. “I’m certain you didn’t search me out to discuss dresses.” She gave him a smile that was a bit too bright and cheery. “Is there something I can help you with?”
    He wished she’d stop trying to be charming. It didn’t suit her. “Did you know about a long-term betrothal between you and Lord Addington?”
    Alex blanched.
    “He arrived a few minutes ago to inform me of your upcoming nuptials.”
    “You didn’t believe him!” She turned away, and began to pace the small space between the bed and dressing table. “Bloody hell, I knew he was underhanded, but this?” Alex paused for a moment. “He’d need it in writing. Grandfather would never have signed anything like that without telling me.” She glanced his way. “You didn’t agree to anything, did you?”
    He was tempted to tell her he’d given her to the man with his blessings. For some reason, it bothered him that she didn’t have any faith in his ability to discern Addington’s motives. “It may come as a surprise to you, but my acquaintances consider me a careful man. I agree, your grandfather would not have encouraged the match, but Addington could cause trouble.”
    “That’s all he’s ever caused.” Alex’s pacing increased. “As a young man, he used to be more careful.” She stopped and faced him, holding out her wrist to reveal a glittering diamond bracelet.
    “See this. It’s really a collar.” Alex’s voice softened. “It belonged to a long-haired white cat I called Misty. Grandfather gave her to me. I don’t suppose you would know what an animal can mean to someone who feels lost and alone in the world.” Alex fingered the band gently and went to sit on the edge of the bed.
    His father had never allowed him to have a pet, but he understood loneliness. He’d learned to deal with it over the years. How much harder it must have been for Alex to cope after