What A Gentleman Wants by Caroline Linden Read Free Book Online Page A

if she would like to see her new room. Hannah wearily brought up the rear, not too tired to notice the quiet affluence of the neighborhood. David knocked on the door, and the man who answered it looked like he would faint with shock. “L-L-Lord David?”
    “Why yes, Walters, the very same. May we come in?” His mouth still agape, the man stepped aside. David swept Molly into his arms and carried her inside. Her finger was lodged in her mouth as she stared at the man holding the door. “This is Miss Molly Preston, and her mother.”
    Hannah hesitated, watching David start up the stairs. She had a nagging feeling something wasn’t right. “Mrs. Preston?” asked the man called Walters, watching her worriedly.
    “Reece,” she corrected, wishing David had introduced her. But they were all tired. “David is my husband.” He and Molly were out of sight now, leaving her alone. “You are Mr. Walters?”
    He gulped and bowed. “
Yes
, madam. If there is any-thing you require, notify me at once.”
    Hannah nodded, forcing a smile. “Thank you. I should see to my daughter,” she murmured, and hurried after David. She found him in a large, elegant room, tucking Molly into bed. Her child looked small and lonely in the middle of the wide bed decorated in swadies of pink silk. White velvet drapes covered the window, and the white and gold furniture was daintily carved. It was a decidedly feminine room, and set the alarm bells ringing in Hannah’s head. She made sure Missy was tucked in with Molly, and followed David into the hall.
    “Whose house is this?” she demanded. “That room is decorated for a woman. And who is Mr. Walters?”
    He chuckled. “Walters is the butler. The house belongs to my brother; I have a sister, you know. But it’s always ready, and much nicer than my rooms, so I thought we should stay here. It’s just for a few days, until my other arrangements are ready.”
    Partially mollified, Hannah hesitated. “I’m sorry. But you might have told me.”
    “I know.” Not looking very sorry, he kissed her hand. “I’ll have your trunks brought up immediately.”
    “Didn’t Mr. Walters expect us? He looked shocked to see us.”
    Again that secretive smile that had so disturbed her earlier. “No, I didn’t have time to send word. But the house is always maintained, so nothing should be lacking. Don’t worry, Hannah, everything will be fine.” He squeezed her hand and released it “I’ll see you in the morning. Sleep well.”
    Hannah watched him stroll down the stairs, whistling softly, and had the feeling again that there was something he wasn’t telling her. Mr. Walters brought her trunk a few minutes later, and she got out hers and Molly’s nightclothes, then dressed her sleepy daughter for bed. By the time she was ready for bed herself, Molly was already fast asleep. Before climbing into bed, Hannah went to the window and pulled aside the drape.
    The heavy fabric felt thick and lush in her hand, unlike the cotton curtains in her room at the vicarage. It would take her quite a while to get used to the vastly more comfortable circumstance of her new husband’s family. A butler, velvet drapes, silk bedhangings. She peered out the window at the unfamiliar city lights and buildings. She had never been to London, or even expected to go. Perhaps she ought to start considering the adventure her new life might hold.
    * * *
    “May we see a circus today?” Molly asked over breakfast the next morning. David laughed, setting down his coffee cup.
    “Not today, moppet. I’ve some business to attend to, and I’m sure your mother will want to explore a bit.” He looked at Hannah. “Walters will be able to tell you how to get around.”
    “Is there a park or a green nearby?” Molly was already trying Hannah’s patience. She had awakened to find her daughter standing on a lovely but precarious chair, going through the wardrobe, which contained some very immodest items. Hannah wasn’t precisely sure