The Cracksman's Kiss by Killarney Sheffield Read Free Book Online Page A

done.”
    “Then we shall never tell him,” Sally vowed.
    Kassie sniffed. “I drank too much wine at dinner even though I knew it would anger the earl. I was abed when I was awakened by a man in my room. At first I thought it was my husband, but then he touched me and made me feel things I never felt before. When I realized it was not my husband I should have screamed, but I did not because I did not want him to stop.” She began to cry again. “Do you not see Sally? I allowed the thief to steal more than my husband’s artifact, and I helped him escape. Lord Everton will surely cast me out or have me arrested. I betrayed him. I betrayed God and my father, too!”
    Sally hugged her . “No, his lordship will not cast you out, my lady, because we will not tell him.”
    “What if the man is arrested and he tells my husband what I did?”
    The corners of Sally’s brown eyes crinkled as she worried her lower lip between her teeth for a moment, and then she smiled. “I shall tell him the man is a liar. I was with you all night and did not see anyone come into your chamber.”
    “You would do that for me?” Kassie wiped her tears on the corner of the bedspread.
    “Of course, I would.” Sally smiled. “Now get some rest and do not fret. Soon we will be in Bath. I am so excited! I have never been outside of London.”
     

 
    Chapter Five
     
     
    Kassie followed the earl up the gangplank of the monstrous ship. “Oh, look! What are those big grey animals over there? Have you ever seen such strange creatures?” She leaned over the railing and pointed with her fan.
    The earl rapped the rail with his cane. “Control yourself, girl! At least hang onto the railing lest you fall overboard.”
    Biting back her rebuttal she gripped the railing, glancing at the choppy water below.
    “Those are elephants.” A masculine voice from behind startled her. “They are part of Astley’s new show.” Kassie pivoted, keeping a hand on the rail. The comté was making his way up the gangplank.
    He smiled. “Have you never seen one before?”
    She smiled back before cast her eyes downward for fear the earl would find fault with her for welcoming the comté in such a way. “No.”
    “It is a pleasure to see you again, Lady Everton.” He took her hand, bowed, and placed a light kiss on the back of it.
    Kassie was almost sorry her gloves were the recipient of his caress. He straightened with a delighted look, the skin around his eyes crinkling with good humor. It seemed the man was always smiling, as if he found the world and its inhabitants constantly amusing.
    Tucking her hand in the crook of his arm, he took her parasol and held it above her. He escorted her up the ramp to the main deck, nodding to the earl who stood waiting with a displeased look on his face. “Everton,” he acknowledged with a tip of his head.
    “A shton.” The earl frowned at Kassie before turning to his nemesis. “What are you doing here?”
    He released Kassie’s hand, but continued to shade her with the parasol. “I am going to Bath to take in the waters, the same, I presume, as you.”
    The earl merely grunted, taking Kassie’s hand. “Come along girl, we best settle in our stateroom before the ship sets sail.” Snubbing the comté he dragged her away with a bony grip.
    When she peeked over her shoulder, Ashton tipped his hat and grinned. The sun’s rays highlighted his dark hair with light bluish streaks she never noticed before. His tanned skin left no doubt he was of robust health. The comté is a picture of male perfection. She glanced at the earl out of the corner of her eye. Unlike my frail husband.
    Sally was waiting in their stateroom. The sitting ro om was large and furnished in elegant style. It contained a settee, two comfortable looking armchairs, a bookshelf full of leather bound volumes, and a small card table on which sat a box of chess pieces. A door on the left wall opened to reveal the earl’s bedroom. Kassie grimaced at the