The Earl and the Highwayman's Daughter by Maggi Andersen Read Free Book Online Page A

audience to his tales of fly-fishing. “No. I did not.”
    “Beale goes on well. Busy with some bill or other in the Lords. He barely noticed my departure.”
    Brendan chuckled. “I don’t believe that for a minute. He worships the ground you walk on.”
    “Never mind about Aubrey,” she said in a brisk tone. “What can I do to make you more comfortable? Fluff your pillows?”
    He raised a hand to ward her off as she bent toward him. “I am perfectly comfortable, thank you. I didn’t ask you to come here to plump my pillows or administer any kind of aid.”
    She sat down again. “What then?”
    “Actually, Clo, I have a different task in mind for you.”
    Her blue eyes widened. “I am consumed with curiosity. Do go on.”
    “I seem to have gained a ward.”
    “A ward? Do you wish to raise some boy? Has getting shot addled your brains?”
    “I do hope not. It’s not a boy. A young woman. Miss Hawthorne saved my life. She took me in after I was shot. She’s been living with a rogue of a father. Well, I suspect he’s not her real father.”
    Her eyes grew doubtful. “I think you take gratitude too far, Brendan. You are behaving oddly. I confess I’ve been uneasy about you. You’ve been in a sorry state since Anne died, and although I completely understand that losing one’s spouse in that way must have been dreadful, I’ve prayed you’d recover your joy of life.” She shrugged her shoulders. “But this?”
    He reached over and patted her hand. “Wait until I tell you who the father is.”
    “Go on, do. Don’t keep me in suspense.”
    “Mortland.”
    She shrugged. “A by-blow of Mortland’s? The countryside is dotted with aristocrats’ progeny. Royals’, too, so the gossips say.” She sighed. “I know you hate the duke and quite rightly, but what do you plan to do with this Miss Hawthorne? You can’t be sure she’s his child.”
    “Her step-father confirmed it. She’s Mortland’s all right. Wait until you meet her. She has the same unusual eyes. And her name is Eugenia.”
    She frowned. “Eugenia? That’s Mortland’s cousin’s name, although we call her Genie. Be careful, Brendan. This girl might be trying to dupe you.” She stared at him, perplexed. “Are you attracted to this girl? Do you plan to have her as your mistress?”
    “What? Must you always lack decorum, Chloe? No I do not. She is quite attractive, but very young. My intentions are pure. I just want to help her.”
    “Why help Mortland’s child?” She narrowed her eyes. “There’s more to it than that. How old is this young lady?”
    “Eighteen.”
    “Hardly a child then. I was married and had given Aubrey his heir when not much older.” She sighed. “What do you wish me to do?”
    “Turn her into a lady. Then we shall take her to London.”
    She cast him a pitying glance. “A silk purse from a sow’s ear? And a bastard that society will shun! You ask too much, Brendan.”
    “Just wait until you’ve seen her. Ring the bell.”
     

Chapter Six
     
    EUGENIA ENTERED the walled garden and closed the gate behind her as Molly left the ornamental pond and waddled along the pebbled pathway, eager to greet her.
    William was gathering up his tools, having just made a box for the goose to sleep in, lined with straw. It looked incongruous tucked amongst the lavender, peonies, and climbing roses, and she hoped his lordship would not be annoyed. She hurried over to thank the gardener. “You are kind, William. Molly will be most grateful. I hope there’s something I can do for you in return.”
    William touched his forelock. “It’s of no consequence, Miss Hawthorne.”
    “Eugenia, please.”
    He settled his cap on his head. “Beg pardon, Miss Hawthorne. I didn’t know you was the earl’s ward.”
    He wheeled his barrow away.
    Later that afternoon, Jeremy knocked at her bedchamber door. Eugenia was glad for the interruption. She was intolerably bored and had been considering a visit to the library. At home she was