Simply Forbidden by Kate Pearce Read Free Book Online Page B

authorities refused to allow him time to recover before they held their investigation. They preferred to hurry things along and bury the truth out there in Spain. A longer investigation wasn’t in their best interests. It was much easier to make Major Swanfield the scapegoat and send him home in disgrace.”
    “But that hardly seems fair.”
    “Not much fair about war, Miss Ross.” Captain Merrival got to his feet and bowed. “Shall we continue our walk? I believe it is getting a little chilly.”
    Lisette rose to her feet and laid her hand on his proffered sleeve. She had much to think about and a burning desire to see Lord Swanfield again and ask him to explain himself. She knew she had no right to ask him anything, but perhaps she just wanted another opportunity to see him again. Yes. She really was that pathetic, wanting to see a man who had annoyed her so greatly she’d called him as many vile names as she could think of and walked away from him, denying herself the opportunity to experience his prowess in bed.
    She tried to conceal her troubled thoughts and smiled at her two escorts. She had to think of a way to meet Lord Swanfield again and at least give him the opportunity to tell her his versionof the truth. He might even relish the opportunity to tell someone who might be sympathetic toward him, but how would she find him in such a huge city?
    Lisette suddenly thought of her father. He was always very careful about the people he sold his horses to and had a disconcerting habit of dropping in on them unannounced to see how his bloodstock was being treated. Lisette let out her breath. If anyone knew where Lord Swanfield was located, it would be him.
    “Papa, do you have a London address for Lord Swanfield?”
    Her father looked up from his newspaper and studied her across the breakfast table. “Now why would you want to know that?”
    “Because I assumed you would wish to invite him to dine with us one evening here in Town, so that you could hear how your horses are settling in.”
    “You assumed all that—for me?” His smile was full of mischief. “Such a saintly daughter I have, only thinking of others and never of herself.”
    Lisette realized she was blushing and gave her father a serene look. “I only think of your well-being, Papa.”
    “Poppycock. Did you like him then, Lisette? He seemed remarkably closemouthed to me, except when he talked about horses.”
    “He talked to Lisette.” Christian put down his cup and eyed his sister. “They spent some very happy moments together in the stables.”
    “That is pure speculation, Christian, and you know it.”
    “And the heat of your reply does nothing to change my opinion. You were attracted to him, Lis.”
    “And what does that have to do with you?”
    “Children.” Philip’s voice broke through Lisette’s fierce attentionon her brother. “Not over the breakfast table, please, I have a delicate digestion.” He nodded at Lisette. “I will ask my secretary to send him an invitation to dine with us, later this week.”
    Lisette ignored Christian’s grinning face and smiled at her father. “Thank you, Papa. And if I am available, I would be glad to join you.”
    “That is very good of you, my dear. Now I must return to my desk. I have a whole morning of distributing the servants’ quarterly wages ahead of me, and then I have to meet your mother.”
    “She is coming here?”
    Philip paused in the act of rising. “Unfortunately, no. I am to meet her at the pleasure house.” He sighed ruefully. “Helene is a very busy woman.”
    Lisette contemplated her plate of eggs and bacon as Philip left the room. She loved Helene, but sometimes she could tell that Philip felt neglected for the demands of the pleasure house. In truth, he was a most unusual husband in that he allowed He-lene to live at another house and keep their marriage a virtual secret.
    “So you get your wish to fawn over Lord Swanfield again.”
    Lisette’s head jerked up as