The Wary Widow by Jerrica Knight-Catania Read Free Book Online Page A

laughed again. A strained, uncomfortable laugh that made Chloe want to cringe. “That is what I said, Lord Andrew.”
    “Curious,” he said, looking away and tapping his chin while he dug his riding crop into the dirt.
    “Why is that?”
    “Well, it's just odd, that's all, especially since I saw Miss Lovell and her two sisters heading out of the park less than an hour ago.”
    Lizzie visibly gulped, as did Chloe. She had to say something.
    “It’s really all right, my lord,” Chloe stepped in.
    His dark eyes turned on her and their gazes locked. Chloe quickly looked away, suddenly ill at ease.
    “It would be good of you to remember that I am no fool, Lady Elizabeth. Once we are married I expect you to tell the truth. Right now, you are still free to do as you please, within reason. However, I am appalled to realize that you not only lied to me, but you left your cousin, who knows little of this city, all alone at dusk.”
    Honesty? Chloe wondered at his double standard. Would he eventually tell Lizzie about his housekeeper? Or his trips to the bawdy houses, which he'd inadvertently admitted to visiting?
    “All alone? Andrew, she was hardly alone. I was just over there, beyond that small copse of trees.”
    “You will not argue with me, Elizabeth. The park is a dangerous place after dark.” Andrew's nostrils flared slightly. Goodness, he was upset. Chloe wondered what made him angrier, the fact Lizzie had lied or that she'd left her alone.
    Lizzie’s one brow rose in annoyance. “I’ve lived in London all my life, Andrew, and I would never put myself or my cousin in danger. Now, if you will excuse us, we’ll be expected for dinner soon.”
    Lizzie grabbed Chloe by the arm and began to pull her away from Lord Andrew. The sound of horse’s hooves pulled her focus to their left. A man, almost identical in looks, trotted toward them on a stallion every bit as lovely as Lord Andrew’s.
    Her cousin’s grip tightened as he approached, but she managed an easy smile. Chloe felt as if she’d been caught in a maelstrom. What on earth was going on here?
    “Mrs. Hawthorne, I presume?” the man on the horse said.
    “I am,” Chloe admitted.
    “I am Andrew's twin brother, Lord Michael Wetherby.” He dismounted his horse and gave her a little bow.
    Chloe curtsied as best she could with Lizzie gripping her arm.
    “Goodness, have I come upon a funeral?” Lord Michael asked.
    Chloe looked back at Andrew, who stood staunch, clutching his riding crop under his arm. He stared back at her for a moment before shrugging and turning to his brother.
    “Come, Michael,” he tutted with a toss of his riding crop. “We will see Lady Elizabeth and her cousin home.”
    “We can make our own way home, thank you,” Lizzie shot back acerbically.
    Lord Michael gave a wry smile as he looked back and forth between Lizzie and Lord Andrew. “We just happen to be heading in your direction, Lady Elizabeth,” he said in a placating voice. “It would be our pleasure if you would allow us to see you safely home.”
    Lord Andrew and Lizzie both seemed to back down slightly, and Chloe wanted to applaud Lord Michael for his ability to diffuse the situation. Still, far more than met the eye was going on here, and it was going to take more than just a few diplomatic words to get to the bottom of it.

Six

    A deafening clap of thunder sounded just as Lizzie stuck her head around Chloe’s door. It was late, but she was still up, finishing the letter to her mother.  
    “May I come in?” she asked.
    “Of course.” Chloe rose to admit her cousin and shut the door behind her. She couldn’t help but notice the troubled look on her face. “Is everything all right?”
    Lizzie turned and nodded. “I just wanted to apologize for this afternoon. Andrew was right. I should never have left you alone like that.”
    Chloe held up her hand. “You needn’t worry about it.”
    “But I should not have put you in such a position.” Her blue eyes