The Pirate's Desire by Jennette Green Read Free Book Online

little ridiculous, standing there. Perhaps she had gone over the top, accusing him of belonging to the French Navy. Nor did she truly think he’d forced her father to write those letters.
    On the other hand, could he have tricked her father into trusting him? Yes, indeed. Father had been sharp and quick, but his kind heart was his weakness.
    It was bad enough, the idea of Riel becoming her guardian and ruling her life. But him taking over Ravensbrook and all of its finances, too? No. It was too much. Never.
    Lucinda realized that she’d been mistaken to think she had to burn all the letters her father had sent. Only one must be destroyed—the sealed missive to Mr. Chase. With that dispatched, Riel Montclair would have no claim to Ravensbrook, whatsoever.
    Simple, then. Mr. Chase’s letter would mysteriously disappear. And then so would Riel Montclair.
     
     

     
     

Chapter Three
     
     
     
    Lucinda awoke early the next morning. Knowing her father’s body would arrive that afternoon brought fresh, aching misery. She did not want to get out of bed. However, she must. This morning, she must send Gabriel Montclair packing.
    With Effie’s help, she washed and dressed in her only black crêpe dress. Unfortunately, more black frocks would be required for the mourning period. Lucinda made a mental note to speak to Mr. Chase about advancing her clothing stipend for the necessary garments.
    Lucinda hated black, and more so, the idea of spending her limited clothing allotment for the unbecoming garments. But for her father, she would do nothing less than give him the honor of a full black mourning time.
    “Do you want breakfast in your room, Miss Lucinda?” Effie asked, hovering at the door.
    “Yes, please, Effie.” She opened a drawer and plucked out a handful of folded and sealed parchments. It had taken her an hour last night to write the dozen invitations to her father’s funeral on the morrow. She handed them to her maid. “Please give these to Mrs. Beatty. And when you return, please tell me the whereabouts of Mr. Montclair.”
    “Very good, miss.” The door softly clicked shut. While Lucinda sat to wait, plans flitted through her mind, like buzzing bees seeking the brightest flower. Depending upon Effie’s report, she was ready to spring into action.
    With a light knock, Effie returned. Lucinda found that her palms were damp with nervous perspiration, but she adopted a calm demeanor. “Thank you, Effie. Did you locate our guest?”
    The maid poured tea into a delicate, rose patterned china cup. “He’s ’aving breakfast, he is.”
    “Perfect. Thank you, Effie. I believe I will take a leisurely meal. No need to return for an hour.”
    “Of course, miss. Thank you.” Effie flashed a small grin and hurried out the door, no doubt eager to spend her extra fre e, precious moments with her friend Henry, who worked in the stables.
    After a moment, Lucinda peeked into the hall. All clear. Good. No servants, and no Riel Montclair. Straightening her shoulders, she swept into the passageway as if she had every right to be there…as, of course she did, Lucinda reminded herself, swiping damp palms against her dress.
    The hall opened up a few steps later into a small rotunda arching over the circular grand staircase. Lucinda peeped over the railing and listened to the faint clank of dishes in the far off kitchen. No footsteps approached. No one was about to witness her underhanded deed.
    Dashing on light, quick toes, she gained the door to the sumptuous guest quarters, located just on the other side of the rotunda. The door handle felt smooth and cold beneath her clammy hand. Trepidation pounded in her heart. What if he was inside?
    He isn’t. Stop being foolish.
    Heart fluttering like a bird, Lucinda opened the door and slipped inside.
    The open, dark blue curtains allowed in a stream of sunlight. The room was the exact image of her own, with three great windows straight ahead, a neatly made bed, flanked by bedside