The Lightkeeper's Bride by Colleen Coble Read Free Book Online Page B

wrapped her arm around Will’s neck. “Your daughter,” Will said, staring hard at him.
    Philip took a step back. “I have no inclination to decipher your ramblings, Will. What are you talking about?”
    Perhaps he’d been too abrupt. “When did you last see Eliza Bulmer?”
    His brother straightened then brushed past Will into the foyer. “Do you have any coffee?”
    “In the kitchen.” Will followed him down the hall to the kitchen and watched as his brother poured a cup of coffee from the pot simmering on the wood range. “Are you going to answer my question?” The baby squirmed in his arms and he set her down on the rug by the back door. She began to clang together the pot lids he handed her.
    “Why this sudden interest in Eliza?”
    Will clenched his fists. “Examine this child’s eyes and nose and guess what I’m thinking.”
    Philip set his cup on the table and stared down at the baby. “That child isn’t mine—if that’s the conclusion you’ve jumped to.”
    “Oh no? When did you have this relationship with Eliza?”
    James shifted uneasily. “A couple of years ago, I guess. Maybe a little less.” His gaze stayed on Jennie. “Lots of people have brown eyes.”
    Will swept his hand toward the little girl. “Look at the way her hair grows at her hairline. And that cowlick. I believe she’s your daughter.
    Did Eliza ever tell you she was pregnant?”
    “I haven’t talked to her,” Philip said, his tone sullen.
    “When did you last speak with her?”
    “I received a letter a year ago asking me to call on her, that she had something of importance to tell me.”
    “Jennie is about a year old.”
    Philip held his hands out in front of him. “That is very flimsy evidence to try to prove this child is mine, Will. I don’t believe it.
    Why wouldn’t she ask for money when she discovered she was pregnant?”
    “Maybe she was waiting for you to show up so she could discuss it in person.”
    “Why don’t you just ask Eliza? How did you get this child anyway?”
    Will studied his brother’s expression. No trace of guilt darkened his eyes or tugged at his mouth. If something had befallen Eliza, Will didn’t think Philip was involved. “She’s missing. I found the baby alone in the parlor when I stopped by to speak to Miss Bulmer.”
    “She left a child of this age alone?”
    “A chair was overturned in the kitchen. I fear foul play.”
    Philip picked up his cup and took a sip. “And you thought I had something to do with that? For what purpose?”
    “I don’t suspect you of harming Miss Bulmer, but I do believe you need to be a man and take responsibility for your child.”
    “You are not going to foist this baby on me without proof I’m her father!”
    Jennie’s face crumpled. She dropped the pan lids and began to wail. Will lifted her from the rug and put her against his shoulder. “There, there.” He patted her back awkwardly.
    The baby wailed louder, and he smelled a distinctly unpleasant aroma wafting from the direction of the diaper that hung heavily from her bottom. “I think you’d better change her, Philip.”
    “Me? You brought her here. I have no idea how to change a baby and no desire to learn.”
    Will shifted the squalling child to the other arm. “Do you seriously expect me to believe you don’t see the resemblance between this child and yourself?”
    Philip thrust out his chin. “She’s not mine.”
    “You don’t think she could possibly be yours? That you didn’t have relations with the woman?”
    Philip’s gaze wandered off. “I fail to see how this is any of your business, Will.”
    “Grow up, Philip. Be a man and take responsibility!” He tried to hand the baby to his brother, but Jennie clung to him and wailed all the more.
    “You brought her here. She’s your responsibility. Maybe her mother will turn up tomorrow.” Philip wheeled and stalked out of the kitchen.
    The front door banged a few moments later, and Will stared into the red face of