The Unforgettable Hero by Valerie Bowman Read Free Book Online

of Lucy’s.”
    Lady Magnolia frowned but soon nodded. “I see. Well, it sounds absolutely lovely. Yes, I’d be honored to go.” She turned back to her letter.
    “Good. Lucy will help you with your … er, clothing?” He had no idea what to call it. He certainly had never been in the business of ensuring a lady was properly dressed for a ball before. He felt like a complete fool. He was used to wearing uniforms, the kind that went unwashed for long periods of time.
    Her brow furrowed. “I don’t see why Mother doesn’t bring me one of my gowns.”
    Adam silently groaned. Time for the alternative story. “We didn’t want to tell you this and worry you, but your, er, mother was exposed to a cough and isn’t feeling well. She wrote to Lucy and asked her to see to you over the next few days. She did, however, send you some gowns.”
    Adam and Lucy had both prayed that Magnolia wouldn’t recognize that the gowns were not hers.
    “I’m sorry to hear that Mother is ill,” she said, a sad look on her face. “Did she send Esmeralda?”
    Adam was prepared for this question, too. “She offered to, but Lucy declined. Lucy informed your mother that the maids here can handle everything for the short time you’re staying with us.” Adam grimaced. This was ludicrous. He could only hope that the girl regained her memory sooner than later and put an end to this insanity.
    “I see,” she said simply. “After I finish these letters, I’ll write to Mother and tell her I hope she begins to feel better, soon.”
    Adam decided to retreat before he was forced to tell any more ridiculous lies. “Yes, well, then, I’ll, er, see you tonight then…” Crossing over the fine Aubusson rug, he made his way to the door. His fingers rested on the handle when her voice stopped him.
    “Your Grace?”
    He winced but turned his head slightly. “Yes?”
    “Thank you.”
    Adam swallowed and turned back to face her. “What for?”
    Her voice was light, bright. “For being so kind to me while I’ve been injured. I know you’re not usually one to administer to sick people or—”
    Adam stopped. Whoever Peter Peregrine was, he sounded like he was overbearing and arrogant. Adam turned and made his way back to the side of the desk. Something in the tone of her voice made him think she was on the verge of tears. “Are you all right, Lady Magnolia?”
    She nodded, but he could see unshed tears pooling in her eyes.
    “Are you quite sure?” he prodded. Why did this young woman bring out his most protective instincts?
    “It’s just that…” She glanced away, out the window. “It’s just that it’s difficult to explain, really.”
    “Try. I promise I’m a good listener.”
    She expelled her breath and gave him a tentative smile. “That’s another thing I didn’t know about you.”
    He nodded to prompt her to continue with whatever she was going to say.
    She tapped the quill against the paper. “It’s just that I have the oddest feeling, that I’ve never belonged anywhere. Like I don’t belong here, even.”
    He furrowed his brow. “In this house?”
    “In this life,” she said quietly. “Like I have no business marrying a duke or staying in such a fine room or any of this.” She splayed her hands wide toward the contents of the bedchamber.
    He nodded, his eyes focused on his boots. “I know exactly what you mean.” She actually had no idea how much he understood exactly what she meant.
    She laughed softly. “Oh, you couldn’t possibly, Your Grace. Why, this life must be as familiar to you as pulling on your boots in the morning.”
    At his bark of laughter, she blushed.
    “I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to be impertinent. I’m not doing a good job of thanking you. I only wanted to say that I feel out of place, but you’ve never made me feel awkward. You’ve only ever made me feel welcome and well, happy. Thank you for that.”
    He bowed to her. “It’s my pleasure, my lady. I only hope you’re