The Price of Desire by N. K. Fox Read Free Book Online Page B

him with watery eyes. ‘I’m Lady Georgina. My father is Lord Marrington.’ She saw a flicker of recognition cross his face and he withdrew his arm from her shoulders.
    â€˜I’m sorry, Lady Georgina,’ he stammered, ‘I had no idea...’
    Georgie cut him off with a wave of her hand. ‘It’s okay,’ she reassured him. ‘My sister’s been missing all night and I’ve been in the village looking for her. I’m so worried that something terrible has happened.’ It might have been her imagination but the vicar seemed to pale slightly.
    â€˜What did the police say?’ he asked in almost a whisper.
    â€˜Nothing, we haven’t called them yet. It’s just so unlike her to leave without telling anyone, but she may just want some time on her own. Besides, there’s no point causing that kind of scandal if she’s just staying with friends, or with a boyfriend.’
    The vicar didn’t look like he agreed with this explanation, but he didn’t push it. Instead he said, ‘Please tell your mother and father my thoughts and prayers are with them, and that I hope your sister is quickly delivered back to you all safe and sound.’ Georgie nodded gracefully. ‘Would you like to say a prayer for her?’ he asked.
    Georgie looked into his eyes. There was a calmness there. She couldn’t remember the last time she had prayed, it must have been as a small child in Sunday school. The priest led her between the pews and up to the altar. He turned to face her and indicated that she should kneel. Georgie did as she was instructed and knelt before him, her eyes closed and her head bowed. For a moment there was perfect silence, then he began to speak.
    â€˜Lord, we are asking for your help today, not for ourselves but for one of your flock, who may have wandered off the righteous path. Please watch over her and guide her back to her family and loved ones...’
    As Georgie listened to his prayer he gently laid his hands on her shoulders, the rhythmic patterns of his voice lulling her as he softly massaged her neck...
    â€˜Amen,’ he finished.
    â€˜Amen,’ Georgie repeated. She was suddenly aware of the vicar’s close proximity and waited for him to move away, but instead she felt the hands on her neck gently moving to her hair. Georgie froze, unsure of his intentions, and began to tremble as his hands continued to stroke her head. At last she found the courage to look up. He smiled at her as he then stroked her face, looking at her with something close to pity. His fingers traced her cheek, still damp from earlier tears, and travelled along her jaw, caressing the delicate flesh of her neck again.
    â€˜I have something to tell you,’ he said, suddenly looking unnerved. ‘But you have to understand how difficult this is for me. A man in my position could get into a lot of trouble.’
    Georgie pulled back from his reach, but remained on her knees. ‘Do you know something about my sister? Please tell me, she could be in real danger and I would never forgive myself if anything happened to her!’ She began to cry again and looked up at the priest pleadingly. ‘Please help me,’ she struggled in almost a whisper.
    His expression was troubled, like he was fighting an internal conflict, debating the right thing to do. Finally he spoke; his voice had a slight tremor.
    â€˜It has been said that your sister’s forays in the village have not been entirely wholesome.’ The vicar wiped away a bead of sweat that had begun to trickle from his temple. He did not seem at all comfortable with what he was about to say, but he continued. ‘I could tell you what I know but I would want something in return.’ He lifted his hand to her face again and their eyes met.
    â€˜I would do anything to find Lily,’ she promised. ‘My father is a very wealthy man and I’m sure he’ll be happy to make a