The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall Read Free Book Online Page B

his heart and winked at Juliana, who stared at him aghast.
    “My dear.” Nichols addressed Juliana, his voice charged with purpose. “He has no doubt come seeking you to finish the job from last night.” Turning, he gripped the hilt of his service sword, eyes aflame. “That rogue! I’ll not let him slip through my fingers again.”
    Nichols faced Munthrope. “Milord, will you help me dispatch this villain?”
    Munthrope gave an incredulous chuckle and lifted a jeweled hand in the air. “I fear I have not wielded a sword in years, Captain. Hence, I leave the murdering to you.”
    With a grunt of disgust, Nichols sped away, shouting for assistance as he made his way to the front door.
    Miss Juliana took a step back from Munthrope, the hint of a grin on her lips. “If I were to take a guess, milord, I’d wager the Pirate Earl is not here at all.”
    The sight of her showered in moonlight nearly stole his breath. He recovered with a smile. “Oh, I assure you, he is here.”
    She studied him, her eyes suspicious. And for a moment, Munthrope worried she saw through his disguise. But how could anyone see through the glittery garishness that transformed the Pirate Earl into Lord Munthrope?
    “So what now, milord?” she asked. “You have chased away the wolf but have replaced him with a lion.”
    “A lion, you say?” He chortled. “You flatter me, milady. As you can see I am naught but a sheep. A sheep who is but your servant.” With foot outstretched, he swept a bow before her.
    “You wish to be my servant, is it? In all the festivities we’ve both attended, you have ne’er said a word to me.”
    “To my own sorrow, milady.” And indeed, it was. He’d been enchanted with Miss Juliana Dutton since the first night he’d seen her more than two years ago. But the lady’s obvious repugnance and repeated dismissals had prevented any conversation. A gentle breeze swirled about them, sending a wayward strand of gold dancing across her forehead.
    She narrowed her eyes. “Why do you address me as titled?”
    “I find it suits you.” He feigned a look of nonchalance, though inside he chastised himself for the mistake.
    “Hmm.”
    Captain Nichols’s excited shouts drew her gaze to the garden, where he and several men spread out in search of the nefarious pirate.
    “Regardless, I thank you for liberating me from the captain.” She clutched her skirts and started to leave.
    “I have a proposition for you, Miss Juliana.”
    She halted, her sharp eyes assessing him as disgust shadowed her delicate features.
    “Begad!” He forced a look of shock. “Not that sort of proposition, I assure you. Oh, what you must think of me.” Pressing a lace-covered hand to his chest, he leaned toward her and whispered. “I speak of a bargain that benefits us both.”
    “You have nothing that would benefit me, milord. Return to your fawning coterie.” She forged past him in a whiff of vanilla and cherry that brought back pleasant memories of the night before.
    “Ouch, miss. I am sorely wounded.” He fell into step with her.
    “You will no doubt recover in time,” she quipped as she appeared to be searching for someone among the few people loitering in the foyer.
    Ah, such wit! Munthrope stopped beside her. He must find a way to tame this wild cat. “I beg you—allow me to escort you home, Miss Juliana? I believe Captain Nichols will be otherwise engaged for quite some time.”
    “My brother is here somewhere.”
    “He left with Mrs. Blanesworth, I believe. Her husband is abroad, you know.”
    Her mouth twisted in a knot.
    “My footman will join us,” Munthrope urged. “It will be entirely proper, I assure you. Do hear me out, I beg?”
    “Begging does not become you, milord.” Finally the semblance of a smile curved her mouth.
    “I cry pardon! The lady has discovered me.” He laughed. “Upon my oath, there will be no more begging this night.” He lifted one gloved hand toward her and raised his painted brows in a