s [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

 You are not dismissed. I expect you to work out your three-month contract as my
companion. I am not done with you yet.
Catherine glowered at him.  I have no desire to have things done to me. I shall pack
my trunk and leave. You cannot force me to stay.
He threw one crutch aside and grasped her around the waist.  I will decide when
you may leave this house.
Catherine tilted her head back and stared into his eyes.  No, you will not! I am not
a kitchen maid under your control. Release me at once.
He was too close. Much too close. He lowered his head and kissed her. Boldly.
Frightened, she parted her lips to call for help. A low moan escaped from Lord
Glenmore as his tongue skimmed into her mouth.
She threw back her head to free her mouth from his, flattened her hands against his
chest and pushed.  My lord, stop at once.
Staggering backward, he released her. In a hop and a skip, he careened into a table,
bounced off it and sprawled on the floor.
Her heart beating wildly, Catherine flew to where he lay and dropped to her knees
beside him.  Please say you are not mortally injured. Say I haven t harmed you.
Lord Glenmore opened his eyes.  Those are ridiculous requests. How can I answer
if I m mortally injured? He rolled on his side, grasped the table leg, and hauled himself
up.  You may leave now, Miss Thurston.
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Anita Birt
Catherine scrambled to her feet and smoothed her skirt.  Am I dismissed, my
lord? She prayed he would say yes. Surely his mother didn t expect her to remain with
this unpredictable man.
 Only for the time being. Please tug the bell rope before you go. I expect you
tomorrow morning at nine o clock.
* * * * *
Catherine locked her door and paced the floor. Lord Glenmore frightened her. He
was moody and difficult, and she did not want to remember his arm around her waist,
nor his mouth on hers, but the more she tried not to remember, the more she
remembered.
No man had ever kissed her like that. The truth of the matter was no man had ever
kissed her lips. She had no experience of such kissing but knew full well Lord Glenmore
should not have kissed her, not the way he had as though he wanted to eat her.
Throwing books at her, insulting her that she could cope with, but kissing&
His kiss made her hot. Made her heart race. Made her jumpy. Perhaps this is how
he intended to frighten her into leaving.
The bright sun and a warm breeze drifting into her room through the open French
doors drew her outside to walk in the grounds and clear the scene with Lord Glenmore
from her thoughts.
Free until tomorrow morning when she had to face her tormentor again, she visited
Misty, and tried to think how to cope.
She could move more quickly than he. If he tried to touch her again, she d beat a
hasty retreat. Being set upon by the lord of the manor was not part of her role as his
companion. If he persisted in his actions, she would definitely speak to Lady Glenmore
and leave without repaying her wages.
32
A Very Difficult Man
Chapter Four
 Shall we have a game of dominoes? Edward escorted her into the library after
dinner and laid the tiles out on a table.  I am very good at dominoes, very good indeed.
You keep score. I m not very good at adding up. He handed her a sheet of writing
paper and a pen.  The inkwell is behind you on the desk.
Lady Glenmore followed them and stood at Catherine s elbow.  How was Richard
this morning? He seemed in a better frame of mind yesterday evening when I popped
in before I retired for the night.
Catherine chose her seven dominoes and arranged them in front of her.  He& You
did not tell me about Lord Glenmore s injury. He said he was a cripple, but he is very
active.
His mother sighed and settled in a chair close to the fireplace.  Richard was
wounded in the Crimea. He had a dreadful time and spent many months in a field
hospital. My husband, Lord Glenmore, died while Richard was on active service. When
our son returned home, he had changed.
 Even Lady Madeline, to whom he is betrothed, is not always a welcome visitor. I
did hope someone other than Edward and me would cheer Richard, bring him back to
life, but it seems I was mistaken.
Catherine played a five and three. Edward promptly laid a double three across hers.
 Ha! Count that up, he chortled.
Distracted by the revelations about Lord Glenmore, Catherine hesitated before
playing.  Why is he not fitted with an artificial limb? I have seen men&  Oh dear, she
was about to say she had seen men begging on London streets, showing off their
wooden legs to gain sympathy from passersby.
 I mean, Lord Glenmore might return to society if he could walk properly. She
frowned at her tiles, wishing she had never embarked on this conversation.
 It would be better, my dear, not to suggest such a thing to him. He refuses to
discuss the possibility. I hoped your coming would brighten his mood. It s not your
fault he prefers to stay in his suite. You have been very patient. Should you wish to
leave before the month is up, I will understand.
Catherine was not concentrating on dominoes and Edward won the game.  This
morning, Lord Glenmore mentioned that he expected me to stay the full three months.
His mother studied Catherine over her spectacles.  Did he then?
Catherine lowered her gaze and hoped the warmth flooding her cheeks would be
attributed to the fire in the hearth.  Perhaps I misunderstood him. He seemed angry
with me when I asked if he rode. You have a fine stable.
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Anita Birt
Edward put away the dominoes.  Do you ride? I like a turn around the grounds.
Would you join me?
 I would enjoy that but my habit is in London.
 Then we shall send for it! Capital idea. When you re not reading to Richard, you
and I will explore the countryside.
Catherine waited for Lady Glenmore to object. Perhaps a paid companion was not
expected to ride.  Do I have your permission, my lady?
 Of course you do. I ve not ridden for years and Edward enjoys a canter about the
grounds. Write to your mother and have her send your habit.
 May I also have her put in my sketching materials? My fingers have been itching
to draw your beautiful home and gardens.
 My dear child, I have everything you require here. Open the door to the right of
the desk, you ll find everything you require in there.
Catherine discovered a treasure trove of sketching materials along with an easel
and a folding chair.  You are wonderfully kind. When I am not reading to Lord
Glenmore or riding with Mr. Edward, I shall sketch.
Happier than she d been since she arrived, Catherine knew exactly what she would
draw first a view of the house from partway down the drive.
Smiling to herself, she bid her companions good night and hurried upstairs. She d
write to her mother at once. Although her riding costume was no longer fashionable, [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]