The Bride Found by Tracey Jane Jackson Read Free Book Online

and lifted the lid. A porcelain bowl sat nestled in the wood and Emma shuddered.
    I cannot believe I have to pee in a bowl.

    * * *

    Clayton paced the floor of his office and retraced the events of the evening. Andrew and Christopher had arrived at Christopher’s townhouse just before dinner, but Gwen decided Emma was far too hurt to join them, so Clayton didn’t have another opportunity to speak with her. He’d argued, so much so, that Gwen had laughed at his discomfort.
    “I knew you’d react this way.” Gwen crossed her arms. “This is precisely why she’s safer here. You’d compromise her in a second.”
    “Gwendolyn,” Christopher admonished.
    Clayton shook his head. “I simply want to make certain she’s comfortable.”
    Gwen snorted. “You couldn’t keep your hands off her, Clayton Madden. It’s unseemly.”
    Christopher frowned. “Gwendolyn. Do not use that tone when addressing Clayton.”
    Clayton didn’t miss Andrew’s slight movement as he laid a hand gently on Gwen’s back. She shook it off and glared at her brother. “I wil use any tone necessary to protect that woman upstairs.”

    Christopher pinched the bridge of his nose. “I think you’re spending entirely too much time with Charity.”
    Charity Short, Gwen’s childhood friend, was closer than a sister. She was considered to be a forward thinker, as she was often outspoken and opinionated.
    Clayton sighed. “I would never harm Miss Wel ington.”
    Gwen shrugged. “I’m aware of that, Clayton. However, you are also much like my brother when it comes to the treatment of women—”
    “—what exactly do you mean by that?” Christopher interrupted.
    Gwen sighed. “You don’t touch them. Ever. Even when you’re friends with them.”
    Clayton raised an eyebrow. “I don’t have friends who are of the fairer sex.”
    Christopher groaned. “This is an entirely inappropriate conversation to be having in mixed company.”
    Gwen rol ed her eyes. “Wel , the truth of the matter is that Clayton could not seem to keep his hands to himself, so I’m here to make certain she’s not compromised. I put laudanum in her tea and now she’s sound asleep.”

    Andrew handed Clayton a glass of whiskey. “Have a drink and relax, Clay. We don’t know who that woman is, or who sent her. I’ve sent some inquiries and al we can do is wait.”
    Clayton frowned. “Sent inquiries? To whom, exactly?”
    “No one in particular. I thought I’d ask a few of my contacts if they recognize her name or description. You’l be able to question her tomorrow.”
    Clayton stopped pacing.
    Why would Andrew care about who she is?
    Andrew had been acting out of character since they’d found her, and Clayton hadn’t liked the way Emma appeared frightened when Andrew would glance her way. But he also knew that Andrew Simmonds would rather be drawn and quartered than to harm a lady, so Clayton chalked it up to the fact that Emma was simply confused.
    Clayton knew he wouldn’t get answers tonight. Emma was safely sleeping and he should do the same, or he wouldn’t be any use to anyone the next day. He blew out the lamp and slowly made his way to his bedroom.

    * * *

    “Emma?”
    Emma forced herself to open her eyes and focus on the voice.
    “Emma?”
    “Lamie?” She used his nickname out of habit.
    “It’s me, Squirt. You need to wake up now. I’m going to take you to Sophie.”
    Tears spil ed from her closed eyes as sadness washed over her. “Sophie’s dead. This is a dream. A horrid dream.”
    “Andrew, what did they give her?” Jamie hissed.
    Emma whimpered. “Ow.”
    “Emma, open your eyes. Try. For me?”
    Her head pounded in protest. “I’m so tired.”
    “Damn it, Andrew. They better not have given her laudanum.”
    “Don’t yel , it hurts,” Emma whispered.
    Jamie lowered his voice. “Sorry, Squirt. I real y need you to open your eyes for me.”

    Emma took a deep breath and forced herself to look at him. Her brother-in-law came