Secrets of the Heart by Jillian Kent Read Free Book Online Page A

slip into the pages of a book and disappear forever, leaving the real world behind.”
    “Don’t talk like that. I’d miss you too much. Besides, the Lord is certain to have great plans for your life. Perhaps He is giving you the opportunity to explore new possibilities.”
    “What kind of opportunities?”
    “Hmm. Let me think.” Hally sat up and grinned mischievously. “Seems to me He rather conveniently provided you with a guardian angel in the guise of a physician.”
    “You can’t be serious.”
    “Who happens to be titled,” she continued, “and wickedly handsome.” Hally reached out and pinched Madeline’s cheek. “The Lord does provide, Maddie. Open your eyes.”
    “Why should I believe that? He’s all but wiped out my entire family. Mother and I are the only ones left.” Her throat dried and painfully constricted, yet she forced the words. “I don’t think God knows I’m alive. And maybe it’s better that way. Maybe He’ll leave me alone.”
    “Maddie. You don’t believe that, do you?”
    A sudden rap on the door interrupted their conversation.
    “Come in,” Madeline called, relieved to be spared an answer. She no longer knew what she believed.
    The door flew open and in scurried Daisy, Agnes’s daughter and Madeline’s personal maid. “Pardon me, Countess.” She curtsied and Madeline noticed her ill-fitting uniform. The girl simply didn’t eat enough food. Then Daisy turned her attention to her mistress. “Your mother and Lord Vale are waiting dinner for you, Lady Madeline.” Her eyes widened. “Why, you’re not even dressed! Why didn’t you ring for me?”
    “Because I was thinking.”
    “Lollygagging if you ask me.” Daisy slanted her a look of amused suspicion. “But you wouldn’t be asking me, would you?” She frowned. “Countess, I beg your assistance.”
    “You have my help and my sympathy, Daisy.” Hally crooked a finger at Madeline.
    “She don’t listen to me when she gets moody.” The maid grabbed a hairbrush from the cluttered vanity. “Now don’t be difficult, Lady Madeline. Let me arrange your hair.”
    “Ah, Daisy, ever the taskmaster. Hally, will you pick out a gown for me? My mother trusts your judgment, and I’m not in the mood. Anything but the lilac gown will do.”
    “Of course.” Hally walked to the wardrobe and pulled out an elegant rust-colored gown. “Neither too pretentious nor too sedate. I believe this will do nicely. Now up you go,” Hally ordered her friend. “Daisy, let’s make her presentable, and quickly too. I’m famished.”

     
    Arms linked, Madeline and Hally entered the brilliantly lit dining room. Madeline grinned when her friend’s stomach growled. Beeswax candles flickered above from two crystal chandeliers, casting a crystalline dance of light upon the walls. An array of candelabra illuminated the room, barring dark shadows from entry.
    The smell of fresh bread and roasted chicken permeated the cool evening air, but Madeline could not find her appetite.
    “There you are, my darlings.” Her mother smiled pleasantly and greeted each of them with a kiss on the cheek. “Lady Hally, I am so glad you are staying with us for a while. Madeline’s mood is much improved with you about. You are like one of my own.”
    “Thank you, Countess. You are most gracious to invite me. You know how I love to spend time here at Richfield with you and Maddie. This has always been my second home, and Maddie is like a sister to me as well as the dearest of friends.”
    A flicker of sadness drifted through Madeline as she thought about the two sisters and only brother she’d lost. She looked across the room for their guest and shook off a gloomy feeling of despair.
    Vale stood by the window. His thick blond hair and brilliant blue eyes shining in the candlelight produced an angelic glow that caused an intake of breath. For the first time she saw what her mother saw, and it frightened her.
    He quickly crossed the room to greet them.