Wicked Widow by Amanda Quick Read Free Book Online

Deveridge. Indeed, I have not known you to take such a keen personal interest in a female in an exceedingly long time.”
    “I should think you would be happy for me, Henry. You have been telling me for some time now that I have become much too obsessed with my plans for revenge. At the very least, my association with Mrs.
    Deveridge will serve to broaden my range of interests and activities for a while.”
    Henry gave him a dour look. “Unfortunately, I do not think they will be broadened in any positive way.”
    “Be that as it may, I have some time to kill while I await the completion of my other plans.” Artemas paused. “I believe that I shall occupy myself with a more detailed investigation of Mrs. Deveridge.”

Chapter Four
    He examined the small house at the end of the lane as he went up the steps. It was not large but it had well-proportioned windows to admit the light and provide a fine view of the park. The neighborhood appeared to be quiet and sedate, but it was not what anyone would call fashionable.
    Mrs. Deveridge might control the not inconsiderable inheritances left to her by her father and husband, but she had not spent her money on a lavish mansion in a stylish neighborhood. From what Henry had been able to determine, she lived an almost reclusive life with her aunt.
    The mysteries surrounding the lady grew more intriguing with each passing moment, Artemas thought. So did his anticipation at the thought of seeing her for the first time in the full light of day. Memories of eyes provocatively veiled by black lace had kept him awake for several hours last night.

    The door opened. Latimer loomed in the small hall. He looked even larger in the daylight than he had last night in the fog.
    “Mr. Hunt.” Larimer’s eyes brightened.
    “Good day, Latimer. How is your Nellie?”
    “Hale and hearty, thanks to you, sir. She don’t remember much about what ‘appened, but I expect that’s for the best.” Latimer hesitated. “I want to tell ye again, sir, how grateful I am for what ye did.”
    “We made a good team, did we not?” Artemas stepped over the threshold. “Please tell Mrs. Deveridge that I am here to see her. I believe I am expected.”
    “Aye, sir. She’s in the library. I’ll announce ye, sir.” He turned to lead the way.
    Artemas glanced back at the shutters on the windows. They were heavily barred and fixed with stout locks and tiny bells that would tinkle a warning if anyone attempted to force them open. When they were closed at night, they would prove a sturdy defense against intruders. Did the lady fear ordinary housebreakers or some greater threat?
    He followed Latimer down a long corridor to the rear of the house. The big man halted at the entrance to a room that was crammed from floor to ceiling with leather-bound books, journals, notebooks, and papers of every description. The handsome windows that looked out onto a well-tended but severely pruned garden were also fitted with barred shutters, locks, and bells.
    “Mr. Hunt to see you, ma’am.”
    Madeline rose from behind a heavy oak desk. “Thank you, Latimer. Do come in, Mr. Hunt.”
    She wore a black gown cut in a fashionable, high-waisted style, but there was no lace veil to conceal her features that morning. Artemas looked at her and knew that Henry had been right about the depth of his interest in this woman. It went far beyond curiosity and into the dangerous realm of fascination. His awareness of her seemed to shimmer in the air around him. He wondered if Madeline sensed it.
    There was a startling mix of intelligence, determination, and wariness in her clear blue eyes. Her dark hair was parted in the middle and bound at the back of her head in a neat, no-nonsense style. She had a soft, full mouth, a firm chin, and a self-possession that presented a subtle challenge to everything that was male in him.
    Latimer hovered in the doorway. “Will you be needin’ anything, ma’am?”
    “No, thank you,” Madeline said.