The Whispering Rocks by Sandra Heath Read Free Book Online

cleared his throat. “You said earlier that seeing me was a coincidence. What did you mean?”
    “I meant that only yesterday morning I dispatched a rider to Devon carrying a letter to you. I could have saved myself the trouble of putting pen to paper had I realized you were in these parts. Why are you here anyway?”
    “Well ...” Now Paul’s voice was very definitely embarrassed. “I was on my way to visit Ralph Jameson. He was by way of being a distant cousin of mine.”
    Sarah’s heart sank. Oh no, please do not let that be so!
    “Ah.” Stratford’s sigh was long and drawn out, and in her mind’s eye she could see the owl-like expression of understanding on his face. “And what you heard on your arrival set you scurrying over here with all speed?”
    “Something like that, yes.”
    Stratford re-lit his pipe. “I’d no idea you were connected with the Jamesons.”
    “Oh, it’s a very distant connection, as I said. I wasn’t in the habit of calling frequently. I was interested in a thoroughbred stallion he owned and he wrote to me last week saying that he was open to offers. I couldn’t afford to miss his moment of weakness and so I traveled up as soon as I could.”
    Sir Peter decided to go straight to the point. “Come, Paul, let’s not beat about the bush. You know of my daughter’s involvement in all this, don’t you?”
    “I’ve heard bits and pieces, mostly conflicting, I might add.”
    “That’s bound to be, bound to be.” Her father was shaking his head sagely, Sarah could tell by his voice. “My daughter is a girl of little experience, Paul, a newborn babe in this jaundiced world. Jameson was skilled; he knew what he was doing and set himself the task of winning her. She was foolish enough to arrange to meet him, not knowing what he had in mind. Luckily—or unluckily, depending on your point of view—Holland chanced to be in the vicinity and drove Jameson off. Later the two men met up again and Holland heard Jameson telling a completely scurrilous story of my daughter’s conduct and character. The result was a duel, which Holland won.”
    “Miss Stratford was most unfortunate.” Paul’s voice was polite but noncommittal.
    “I trust that is your view of the situation, Paul, for I’ve a favor to ask of you.”
    “A favor? I, who am already so much in your debt, can hardly refuse you a favor.” There was a slight hint of irony in the low, soft voice, but Sir Peter did not seem to notice it.
    “Yes, I wish, as would any fond father, to protect my daughter from all unpleasantness, and soon there is to be just such unpleasantness over Jameson’s death. Sarah is innocent of all blame and so there’s no need for her to be exposed to any further shame. I wish to send her away for a while and thought that perhaps Mannerby offered an excellent refuge. Would you consider my request, Paul? With your sister being there too, there would be no impropriety....”
    “There’s nothing to consider. I’m willing to offer the hospitality of Mannerby to Miss Stratford. Melissa has been there since well before Christmas, as you know, and frets much for London life. She’ll be pleased to have some feminine company, I’m sure. Is it just your daughter who’ll be coming?”
    “Also her maid.”
    “I’ll send word ahead to Melissa to prepare rooms, air them and so on.”
    “Excellent, my boy, excellent! My daughter will be ready to leave whenever you wish.”
    “I return tomorrow, but can delay my departure if you wish.”
    “No, no. Sarah will be ready then. My thanks to you, Paul,” Sir Peter almost gushed. “I was going to take a ride—if my knee permits me. Shall you join me?”
    “I think not. I rode up from Devon and have had enough of the saddle for the time being.”
    “I see that you rode the Turk. You take chances with so valuable a beast.” There was reproach in Stratford’s voice, a rap over the knuckles almost.
    “I ride him now as I always have done. He’ll come to no