Wild Heart by Lori Brighton

Author:Lori Brighton [Brighton, Lori]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical, General
ISBN: 9781420113402
Google: n8zeCbiZMIgC
Amazon: B002U7E92G
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 2009-10-31T16:00:00+00:00

In a clean and dry gray dress, Ella moved down the steps, her knees shaking with every step. Instinctively, her hand rested at her neck. How she wished to feel the cool comfort of her pendant. But it had disappeared, as everything she held dear seemed to. Had she left it in the folly or lost it on the way to her room?

With a sigh, she realized she’d have to slip back out when the rain let up and search the area. The thought that she might have lost the necklace for good brought the sting of tears to her eyes. It was just an object and the piece of jewelry would appear eventually, she tried to reassure herself. For now, at least she had something other than Leo to think about.

Outside, rain pattered against the walls, hard enough that windows had to be closed, preventing fresh air from entering. She took in a deep breath as she reached the foyer. No matter how many fresh flowers littered the tables, the house still smelled musky and stale. She tugged at her collar, wishing she could open a window or door…anything. Even better, escape outside, but Lord Roberts, bless his kind soul, had insisted she enjoy the festivities as well.

“Glad you could join us.”

The familiar male voice set her teeth on edge. She smoothed the grimace from her face and turned to face Henry.

Years of training made her drop into a deep curtsy, even though the man didn’t deserve such show of manners. “I’m so thrilled to see you again, my lord.” Just as she couldn’t prevent the curtsy, she couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her voice.

“I’m sure you are.” His smile was much too friendly.

Instantly, her suspicion flared. Henry always seemed to appear whenever she happened to be alone. Why was that? Slowly, he walked around her, his gaze traveling up and down her form.

Do not blush, Ella! Even as she thought the words, heat rose to her cheeks.

He brushed an imaginary piece of lint from his dark green jacket. “We missed you back at the house. Wherever did you and my cousin disappear to?”

“We took cover from the storm.”

“I bet you did.”

Blast it, if her face didn’t grow warmer.

His smile widened. He was obviously amused by her discomfort. “I see. You were gone for some time, my dear. Really, I fear I should warn you it doesn’t bode well for your reputation. Whatever little reputation you may hold.” He paused behind her. She clenched her jaw and stared straight ahead. She could hear the murmur of voices coming from down the hall, and she prayed someone would appear to interrupt Henry’s amusement. She could walk away, she supposed, but would he cause even more of a scene if she did?

“Unless,” he walked around to face her, “that is your pleasure.”

Her mind buzzed in confusion. What did he mean? Whatever he was implying couldn’t be good.

“I can certainly understand the appeal to a woman of your station. The money and gifts you think you would receive.

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