The Saint Who Stole My Heart: A Regency Rogues Novel by Stefanie Sloane Read Free Book Online

of it had nothing to do with frocks or coiffures.
    For she was certain that was fear in the younger woman’s eyes.
    “Miss Barnes, this is Elizabeth Mowbray, Marchioness of Highbury. Lady Mowbray will act as your chaperone during your stay at Carrington House.”
    Bessie wanted to wrap her arms about the girl and assure her that all would be well. Instead, she acted the ever-respectable marchioness and nodded. “My dear Miss Barnes, it is indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance. You see, I have no children of my own. I consider it a distinct honor to have such an opportunity. There is so much I would like to teach you.”
    “The honor is all mine,” Miss Barnes replied, the placid smile remaining, though Bessie could have sworn she saw the girl tremble.
    “Lady Mowbray, do refrain from frightening Miss Barnes, won’t you?” Dash teased as he gestured for Bell to approach. “Bell, see Miss Barnes to her chambers—in the
west
wing,” he ordered, his emphasis on the instructions not lost on Bessie.
    Miss Barnes bowed her head once again. “Lady Mowbray, I look forward to seeing you at dinner. Viscount Carrington, I’m most eager to tour the library. Perhaps after I’ve settled in, you’d be so kind as to allow Mr. Bell to show me about the books?”
    “Oh, that won’t be necessary,” Bessie replied before Dash could answer. “The viscount will do the honors.”
    She bit back a smile as Dash clenched his teeth and nodded in agreement. “I can’t claim to know very muchabout the books, but I would be happy to show you the library, Miss Barnes.”
    “Very well,” Miss Barnes replied. She started up the wide marble staircase after Bell, pausing and turning to look back. “I will return within the hour. And if you’d be so good as to secure some foolscap and a writing instrument, I would be most grateful.”
    She continued up the stairs, not waiting for Dash’s reply.
    Bessie looked at Dash, smiling with delight.
    “Why are you grinning as though you’ve just escaped from Bedlam?”
    Bessie clapped her hands and nearly crowed. “She’s lovely.”
    “Hmph,” Dash grunted in response.
    “Oh, she needs a bit of love and care,” the marchioness added confidently. “But just wait and see, my boy. Just wait and see.”

     
    “Rowena?” Elena exclaimed, entering her bedchamber and closing the door on Bell with relief.
    The young maid stood before Elena’s open trunk, pursing her lips as she eyed the contents. “I’m afraid your dresses are creased something fierce, Miss.”
    “I don’t care a tuppence about such things—as well you know,” Elena replied, walking purposefully to the wan girl’s side. “You’ve need of rest. And tea. A restorative cup of tea is just the thing.”
    Elena took Rowena’s hand and urged her toward a charming pair of upholstered chairs. Pointing to the one closest, she waited until the maid settled onto the peach damask cushion before claiming the second chair.
    “Now, tell me, are your quarters suitable?” Elena began. A silver tea service sat atop a low rosewood table. She prepared a delicate china cup with a splash of milk and two lumps of sugar, finishing it off with the aromatic tea.
    She handed the cup and saucer to Rowena, ignoringher friend’s squeak of protest. “You’re as white as limestone, Rowena. The least I can do is ready your tea.”
    Rowena reluctantly accepted the gently steaming cup and sipped. “Must you always be worried about my comfort, Miss? Shouldn’t you be thinking about what dress you’ll be changing into?”
    Rowena had been abandoned on the steps of Harcourt House as a newborn some twenty years before. She was rumored to be the by-blow of a local prostitute and a member of the aristocracy, though Elena’s father hadn’t bothered to confirm the story. His tender heart had found a child in need and for him, that was enough.
    Five-year-old Elena had been instantly smitten with the baby, and her affection for Rowena had only