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

“Lady Madeline, a pleasure to see you again.” He bowed low. In their previous meetings he had always been most sedate, almost boring. But tonight he seemed to crackle with some invisible energy. His presence sent a shiver of apprehension through her, and she glanced quickly at Hally. To her annoyance Hally appeared quite taken by the man.
    “You must introduce me to your friend.” Vale turned to Hally with a gracious smile.
    “Countess, may I introduce Lord Vale, an acquaintance of my father. Lord Vale, my dear friend, the Countess of Gilling.”
    “It’s an honor to meet such a close friend of the family, Lady Gilling.” He bestowed a kiss on Hally’s gloved hand. “I am most fortunate to be in such lovely company this evening.”
    Vale guided her mother to her seat as a footman seated Madeline and Hally. Madeline couldn’t help but notice how his hand lingered on her mother’s shoulder and his index finger just barely caressed the back of her neck before he moved away. Madeline also noticed a hint of a smile on her mother’s face.
    When Vale sat down at the opposite end of the table, Madeline realized he occupied her father’s chair, a seat that had remained empty. Blood surged through her veins, and she jumped to her feet. “No! You must not sit there.”
    “What?” Vale jumped up and looked about as though the ghost of Lord Richfield had materialized in the chair.
    “That’s my father’s place.”
    “I am so sorry.” Vale stood hastily and hovered behind the chair, abashed.
    “How can you be so rude, Madeline?” her mother demanded. “Apologize this instant.”
    Madeline looked to her mother for support, barely able to hold back the angry words she wanted to use. Her mother ignored the silent plea and turned her attention to their guest, her face flushed pink with embarrassment. “I am very sorry, Lord Vale.”
    Madeline opened her mouth to speak. Her mother raised the palm of her hand, demanding silence. “I know this situation is difficult for you, Madeline, but you must accept it. There is nothing else to do.”
    “Maddie,” Hally whispered and placed a comforting hand over hers.
    When Madeline turned to her friend, she imagined an invisible flag of truce in the meaningful look that passed between them. She fought for composure.
    Her mother rose from her seat and went directly to her guest. “Lord Vale. As you can see, this is distressing for my daughter. May I suggest that you sit near me?”
    “Certainly.” Vale smiled apologetically. “I would enjoy that very much.” Vale moved to a seat near her mother. “I imagine it is quite difficult for a young lady to lose her father. I never knew my own father. He died when I was very young.”
    Realizing the vehemence of her reaction, Madeline took her seat and lowered her eyes. Why is this so hard, Lord? I’m acting as if my father still lives.
    “I understand you took a rather nasty fall from your horse at Lord Selby’s hunt, Lady Madeline,” Vale said as he shook out his napkin, “and that Ravensmoore came to your aid. Does the injury bother you overmuch?”
    “I find the pain increasing this evening.” She struggled to make polite conversation. “But the sling that Lord Ravensmoore fashioned for me is very helpful.”
    “I’m glad to hear it. I was acquainted with Ravensmoore’s father and met his elder brother once. It must have been difficult when they died. No bodies to bury when a ship goes down.”
    “How sad.” Madeline hadn’t considered this. He couldn’t visit the graves of his loved ones as she did. “A watery grave.”
    “Forgive me, ladies,” Vale said. “That was insensitive to bring up in gentle company, and at dinner no less.”
    Grace nodded. Madeline’s senses sharpened. “You are acquainted with Ravensmoore?”
    “No. But I am quite certain his father would not have approved of his continued training as a physician after receiving the title. The entire ton snubs him. Think of it. A nobleman