Saving Grace by Michele Paige Holmes Read Free Book Online Page A

better part of six years at her grandfather’s house full of servants. She knew how rumor and gossip flew among them, between estates and entire villages, and then spread through London and the ton. It was only a matter of time before the story of her time in Lord Sutherland’s bed was well known here and beyond.
    Before I am ruined.
    Grace tried to recall if she’d ever heard the Sutherland name before last night. Was there any possibility her father knew of him? Not likely, if Lord Sutherland did not frequent London gambling houses, and, given what little she could recall from their arrival last night, she very much doubted that he did.
    If so, he is even poorer than father at winning. For while his residence might be large, Lord Sutherland clearly could not afford to keep it up.
    Had he, I would not be in this predicament now, for I should have been properly shown to a guest room. But of course, she had not. Oh, help me, Grace prayed.
    In addition to worrying about Helen’s welfare and Father’s debts, she now had to worry over the possibility of a duel. When her father learned of this, he’d be furious. No doubt he’d send Christopher in his stead to face Lord Sutherland.
    The only solution Grace could see was to be otherwise settled before her father learned of it. She would have to quit being so particular about the men he’d chosen as possible suitors. She would have to give up her dream of remaining unwed and living with Helen and Christopher in the country.
    I shall have to marry — and quickly now.
    And all because of an unfortunate misunderstanding. Because I was mistakenly in Lord Sutherland’s bed. But who will have me?
    No one.
    Grace’s eyes flew open. No one would have her now. Of course! Why hadn’t she seen it before? This was not a tragedy, but the miracle she’d been hoping for. And all her “problem” would take to blossom into a miracle was a little nudge. A burst of laughter rolled from her lips.
    Miranda was at her side in an instant, bending low over the bed, an anxious, concerned, almost motherly look in her eyes.
    “Where did you come from?” Grace asked, nonplussed at her maid’s sudden appearance. She struggled to sit up, wanting to reassure Miranda she was well and eager to share her sudden inspiration.
    “I slept in the chair.” Miranda inclined her head toward the far side of the room, which was still in shadow. “I came to check on you shortly after you went to bed the second time, but you were in such a state that I didn’t think it right to leave, not with the way you were carrying on and thrashing about.”
    “Thank you,” Grace said, her heart again filled with gratitude toward this woman whom she’d once protested against. Instead of the intrusion into her privacy Grace had feared a lady’s maid would be, she’d found Miranda to be the kindest of women, someone who not only looked after Grace’s physical comforts but who had proven herself a guide and ally.
    Now I must test the strength of our bond. Would Miranda so readily do Grace’s bidding at her next request?
    “I feel much improved this morning,” Grace said cheerily. Indeed, it was true. Her forehead and nightgown were damp with sweat, so her fever must have broken sometime in the night. The chills and persistent headache were gone, and in their place, her mind was calm and focused. She knew exactly what must be done now.
    “Your voice isn’t right yet,” Miranda said. “And your breathing’s raspy.”
    Also true. The vise assaulting her breath still seized in Grace’s chest, and her throat was yet sore, but all in all, she did feel far better than the previous evening. To prove it, she pushed back the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Ignoring Miranda’s disapproving look, Grace stood and began making her way toward the window to look out at the day. She always enjoyed the morning after a rainstorm, when the world seemed fresh and new. Today, in particular, life seemed alight