The Abduction of Julia by Karen Hawkins Read Free Book Online

known Master Alec since he was a little thing, barely old enough to stand up and gnaw on the curtain tassels. He was a lovely child, all black curls and big gray eyes.”
    “That will be enough, Mrs. Winston,” Alec said, his face as dark as a cloud.
    Undeterred, the housekeeper launched into a catalogue of “ Master Alec’s" childhood escapades that made Julia’s head swim anew. Under normal circumstances she would have loved to hear anything that had to do with Alec, but this morning all she wanted was a few minutes of privacy. Just her and her basin. Alone.
    Mrs. Winston chuckled merrily. “Oh, Master Alec was as full of mischief as they come. Why once, he climbed into the coal shuttle, as naked as—”
    “Thank you, Mrs. Winston,” Alec interrupted hastily, his color suspiciously high. He stood and herded the servants toward the door. “I believe we should all retire and allow Lady Hunterston some time alone. She had a very hectic day yesterday and no doubt she would be the better for some solitude.”
    “Yes,” agreed Julia fervently. “And a bath, please.” She remembered how her father swore by the beneficial effects of a hot bath after a night of overindulgence. Right now, she could think of nothing more pleasant.
    Alec halted by the door and glanced back. He hesitated, raking a hand through his hair. “Julia, I know you don’t feel well, but we must visit the solicitors today.”
    “Julia?” said the housekeeper, turning on her heel and coming back into the room. Her wide gaze traveled from Alec to Julia.
    Chilton peered over her shoulder, looking so like a goose, Julia expected him to begin honking. Instead, he said, “Good heavens! We thought you were to marry Miss Therese Frant. Isn’t this…” He trailed off as a bright red covered his cheeks. “Oh, dear.”
    Alec swore softly. “This is Miss
Julia
Frant, Therese’s cousin.”
    Both servants stared at Julia with wide, astonished eyes.
    She thought about putting the basin over her head and crawling out the door. If it wouldn’t have made her ill to move, she would have done just that.
    After a tense moment, Mrs. Winston gave a swift nod. “I never cared for the name Therese. Too French, to my way of thinking.”
    “I’m not French,” said Julia. “I’m an American.”
    The valet gasped and clapped his hand across his mouth. The outraged gesture seemed to decide Mrs. Winston even more firmly. “American or no, my lady, I’m glad to have you here. His lordship needs someone who can take care of him. He’s a bit lost, you know. Gambling and drinking and I don’t know what else—”
    “Mrs. Winston.” Alec’s frosty gaze narrowed on the plump housekeeper.
    “There now, Master Alec, you know you’ve picked up some nasty habits since your grandfather died. A great pity it is, too.”
    Julia had to admire the way Alec held his temper. Considering one of his servants had just scolded him as if he were no more than six years of age, he showed remarkable self-control.
    He merely glowered and said carefully, “Mrs. Winston, I’m sure Lady Hunterston would prefer us to leave her to her own reflections rather than burdening her with ours.” He held the door wider. “You, too, Chilton. There must be duties that require your attention elsewhere.”
    Chilton looked wounded. “But, milord—”
    “Elsewhere,” Alec repeated.
    The valet straightened his narrow shoulders and marched out the door. Mrs. Winston bustled about the breakfast tray, making minute adjustments to the placement of the silver and china before breezing toward the hall. She stopped by Alec. “Don’t keep her ladyship from her breakfast. She’ll feel more the thing after a bit of tea.” The housekeeper flashed an arch look up at Alec before adding with a mischievous grin, “And we don’t want her to go and tire herself, do we?”
    Julia noted Alec’s reddening cheeks as he nodded mutely. Satisfied she had finally reduced her charge to befuddled silence, the