Harlequin Historical January 2019, Box Set 1 of 2 by Virginia Heath

Author:Virginia Heath
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

‘Is this where he lives?’ Olivia asked, her breath a puff of silvery smoke in the freezing air. She gathered her cloak more closely about her as Lucas helped her alight from the carriage and he tucked her hand against his arm.

‘Not quite. At least I hope not. These are St Stephen’s burial grounds. I am still not quite certain it was a good idea for you to come with me, but since you appear to enjoy visiting consecrated locations, I thought you would enjoy the excursion.’

‘To a cemetery?’ She wrinkled her nose, but he could see the sparkle of interest in her eyes.

‘I am introducing variety. The church itself is just beyond those walls and the building just at the end is where Reverend Eldritch works and lives with his father. He might be disconcerted if we confront him together and therefore more likely to be revealing, but you may wait in the carriage if you are uncomfortable.’

‘I most certainly shall not. I agree confronting him together is an excellent idea, Lord Sinclair.’

‘You are too kind, Miss Silverdale. Where are you going?’

‘I wonder if we can find the third Eldritch’s grave. I am curious.’

He sighed and followed her. The ground was hard and crisp beneath his boots and by the low-hanging clouds, they might see snow soon. He looked around the tumbled, mossy headstones. Some had been gathered and piled against the walls like slate for roofing. The chances of finding anyone’s particular grave in this chaos was slim. He wondered if the families of those people whose tombstones were being set aside so brutally knew of their fate. He hoped not.

‘What fascinating stories must be buried here,’ she murmured as she bent over a cracked tombstone.

‘I would much rather pursue less fascinating stories in more comfortable venues,’ he replied. ‘I suggest we arrange our next meeting at Vauxhall or somewhere equally bright and garish.’

‘Vauxhall.’ She turned, her eyes lighting, and he couldn’t stop his reflexive smile.

‘It is too early in the year, but you might convince your chaperon to organise a party there come summer.’

She shook her head. ‘I cannot imagine still being in London by then.’

‘If it is left to your cousin, you will be wed by then.’

‘My cousin is a sensible woman and, though she may hope I shall wake up one day biddable and sheared of my oddities, she probably knows I am not likely to fulfil her fantasies.’

Again he heard the echo of something in her voice and pressed back at his curiosity. The girl’s fault lines were not his business.

‘You should perhaps adopt some of her faith. London is large enough to accommodate like-minded oddities. There are benefits to size.’

She was peering at a badly chipped tombstone, but she turned at that, her elfin smile flashing. ‘My brothers would make a lewd comment here, but I shall refrain. And may I inform you that no chivalrous man would agree I am odd.’

‘No chivalrous man would agree to be alone with you in a graveyard.

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