An Unexpected Encounter ( Half Moon House, Novella 1) Read Online Free Page B

there?” The
word laboratory, coupled with that spectacle, conjured up images of
dangerous chemicals, burners, flashing powders and leaking
gases.
    “He’s building things. Machines.”
    “Machines?”
    “Big ones, all jumbled with ropes and pulleys
and engines. And small ones—the most cunning little wind-up people
and creatures.”
    Lisbeth pondered that as they moved from the
square into the city’s busier streets. An incongruous picture it
made, imagining Lord Cotwell’s large form bent, manipulating tiny
figures with those big, competent looking hands. It was much easier
to picture him lifting, pulling, and banging to create something
massive and metal. Such a vision fit the baron’s . . . scale.
    Though her father had been a big man, Lord
Cotwell was easily the largest male she’d ever encountered. He
dwarfed even her considerable height, and he might have been hewn
from a mountain, given the width of his shoulders and the rough
appeal of his chiseled features. He’d stalked up those museum
stairs, slightly rumpled, with a dark lock of hair falling across
his brow and she’d lit up brighter than her mother’s favorite
chandelier, aware of him in a way that she’d never before
experienced.
    But he’d frightened her half to death when
he’d bodily picked Aurelia up as if she were a feather. Old fears
and frustrated memories of her arguments with her stepfather had
swamped her. Lisbeth had always felt powerless in the face of that
man’s obstinacy and his unwavering belief in her inferiority—and
he’d never been able to physically intimidate her.
    She’d thought she’d already discovered what
had turned Aurelia into such a sad, solemn child. The death of her
parents was a natural explanation, but watching that display had
raised another fear—what if she was being neglected—or worse—in her
new home?
    Thankfully her worst suspicions had been laid
to rest after just a short time in the pair’s company. Aurelia
wasn’t afraid of her guardian. But Lisbeth knew what it was to need
help, reassurance and affection. She knew how much it hurt to reach
for it and find no one there. The urge to offer her own hand had
been overwhelming.
    Big, burly Lord Cotwell appeared to mean
well, but clearly had no idea how to handle his new ward. Good
heavens, he’d actually growled at her. Aurelia had been
unaffected, but the utterly masculine sound of frustrated intent
had poured over Lisbeth, setting her already sensitized nerves
afire and igniting a wish to help the man.
    And then the little minx had gone and uttered
that enormous falsehood—and given her the chance. Given her a
chance at a respite too, a place to be safe and useful while she
collected her thoughts and decided what to do with herself. Still,
she’d hesitated. It was a very large step, taking a position in
service, taking up residence in a gentleman’s household. Accepting
meant taking a leap over an invisible line, ending one life
irrevocably and embarking anew. She’d thought of the alternatives,
going back, or attempting to throw herself on the mercy of those
who had already failed her—and she’d leapt.
    Which left them all here, several days later,
all still in a tangle of problems, with no clear solution yet in
sight.
    She’d made a bit of progress with Aurelia at
least. She was neatly turned out today in a lavender-hued dress
that complimented her coloring. She’d relaxed a little in the last
couple of days, and this morning she definitely enjoyed the ducks,
keeping calm in the face of their squabbles and keeping them all
evenly fed. She did withdraw a bit when they attracted the notice
of a couple of young girls, but Lisbeth had kept back an extra
loaf, so they were able to share. Soon enough Aurelia was talking,
laughing and showing her new friends how to lob treats to the
smaller, less aggressive birds in the back.
    Afterwards, the girls chased a ball while
Lisbeth sank onto a bench and tried to sort through her own