My Lord Eternity by Alexandra Ivy Read Free Book Online Page B

in the garret of your house.”
    â€œThat is not what I meant.”
    â€œNo?”
    â€œNo.”
    Although he was uncertain that he could keep his secrets forever, Lucien was not about to confess to truth until he had proven to this maiden she could trust him.
    â€œI believe we should be about our task. The night is swiftly passing.”
    She frowned into his impassive countenance. “What are you hiding?”
    â€œAll things in their time, my dear. For now I think we should concentrate upon what we set out to do this evening.”
    Perhaps sensing he was not about to satisfy her curiosity at the moment, she gave him a last probing glare before reluctantly nodding her head.
    â€œAs you say. It is this way.”
    Allowing her to lead the way down the street, Lucien kept a watchful eye upon the various drunks and ruffians that tumbled from the local gin houses. More than one allowed their gazes to linger with hunger upon the beautiful maiden at his side, but one glance into his set countenance was enough to convince them to move along to less dangerous game.
    He was so intent upon his vigilant guard that he nearly stumbled over Miss Kingly when she came to an abrupt halt before a tumble down building.
    â€œAn empty warehouse?” he demanded in puzzlement.
    â€œIt is not empty.” She headed toward a narrow door. “Come, but be on your guard.”
    He smiled ruefully at her warning. “I am always on my guard, my dove.”
    Coming to the door, Miss Kingly knocked sharply upon the splintering wood. From within, a muffled voice could be heard.
    â€œWho passes?”
    â€œIt is Miss Kingly.”
    There was a moment of silence. “Do you know the password?”
    â€œThomas,” Miss Kingly retorted in stern tones.
    â€œSorry, that ain’t be it.”
    â€œThomas, open this door at once.”
    With ready speed the door was pulled open to reveal an urchin with a round, dirty face and clothes far too large for his slender frame.
    â€œJust be having a bit of fun, Miss Kingly,” he said with a roguish grin.
    â€œMmm. I have a good mind to give your peach tart to another.”
    The lad did not appear particularly concerned by the threat. Indeed, his grin only widened.
    â€œNow, you know I be yer favorite, Miss Kingly.”
    The maiden gave a chiding click of her tongue, but there was no mistaking the glint of amusement in her eyes.
    â€œYou are a scamp.”
    â€œAye, but an adorable scamp.”
    Miss Kingly chuckled as she reached into the basket she carried to remove a small bag.
    â€œAre there any injuries?”
    â€œFreddie was roughed up a bit last night,” the lad answered, his grin fading.
    â€œWhere is he?”
    â€œIn the corner.”
    â€œHere.” Miss Kingly handed the basket to the boy. “Feed the youngest first.”
    â€œAye, Captain,” the urchin readily agreed, turning about to hurry from the door.
    At the maiden’s side Lucien stepped into the dirty, shadowed interior of the warehouse. He briefly halted as the smell of sewage and rotting food threatened to overwhelm his heightened senses. Great Nefri, but the place was a cesspit.
    A fierce urge to grasp Miss Kingly in his arms and take her from this awful place rippled through him. No maiden should be exposed to such wretched surroundings. But even as the thought was running through his mind, his gaze caught sight of the mass of children huddled around Thomas and the basket of food.
    There were at least twenty of them, ranging in age from sixteen to a few who could not be more than five. His heart faltered at the knowledge that they had been thrown onto the streets as if they were no more than garbage.
    It was little wonder that Miss Kingly found it impossible to turn her back on such misery, he thought, turning his head to watch the maiden as she moved toward a small form huddled in a distant corner.
    It seemed impossible to believe that any creature with