Forbidden Angel Read Online Free

the while refusing to look at her.
    “Do not move, Mr. Thornby,” Angeline said through clenched teeth. “Please explain to me what right Windsford,” her eyes narrowed on Edward, “or anyone else, for that matter, has to make decisions regarding the staff at Ashley Manor.”
    Edward dabbed at his forehead with his handkerchief and visibly swallowed. “Lord William gave him power to see to the affairs of the estate and Ashley Manor until Master James comes of age.” He smiled weakly. The smile left his face as she advanced on him, her hands fisted at her side.
    What had her father been thinking? “The staff and their welfare are my responsibility.”
    Mrs. Whitaker entered with a tray containing tea and freshly baked pastries. Edward almost fell on her with gratitude.
    Shirley Whitaker’s gaze flicked from Edward to Angeline. “Will there be anything else?”
    With some effort, Angeline sank into the chair and managed, “No thank you, Mrs. Whitaker.”
    When she again regarded Edward, he visibly trembled. As usual, she had frightened him, poor man. She took a settling breath. “Would you care for some tea, Mr. Thornby?”
    Edward accepted the cup of tea. His eyes closed when he took a sip. He took another, and visibly began to relax. Although Edward was only doing what he’d been asked, she would have a few words for Adrian when next she saw him.
    “Please continue, Mr. Thornby.”
    Edward set the cup down on the tea table and reached into the satchel for the now crumpled list. “Lord Windsford has made arrangements for most of the staff. For some, alternate employment has been found. Others are to be let go with a nice pension. A few will remain to care for the estate and keep the house running.”
    “What of Mr. Mansfield, Bunny, Mrs. Whitaker and Cook?” Angeline asked in alarm.
    “They have all asked to stay on. They, as well as a couple of gardeners, a groom, and one footman will stay. Any open accounts have been paid in full and one has been established on which to run the house. Should there be any repairs needed, money will be provided and the work done.”
    Her brow creased. She’d been handling the accounts for some time, and knew money was tight. Although the estate provided a comfortable income, and her father’s investments were sound, Elizabeth had spent money at an alarming rate, causing needed repairs to be delayed. Angeline had budgeted carefully to pay the accounts, and wondered where Adrian found the monies to do what he had.
    She had to admit to a sense of relief at the seeming ease with which he’d handled these issues. Still reeling from her father’s death, it would have been difficult to make such decisions. As it was, when the time came for her to return, she need only work with Adrian and Edward Thornby.
    “There are a few matters left to discuss.”
    She heard Edward’s voice through the slight miasma clouding her wits, and raised her gaze to meet his.
    “You will need suitable clothing for yourself and Master James, and a traveling companion to accompany you.”
    Angeline frowned. “Mr. Thornby, you were my father’s man of business as well as his solicitor. You know as well as I there isn’t enough money for all that’s been done. As for clothing, James is growing and he needs them, whereas I can make do.”
    “It’s all been arranged. You are both to have new wardrobes.” He closed his satchel with a decisive snap.
    After Edward left, Angeline went in search of Jimmy. She found him upstairs in the nursery. “Hello, sweetheart, what are you doing?” She took a seat beside him at the undersized table.
    “I’m looking at the pictures in my book.”
    She moved closer to see a picture of a large sailing ship.
    “Will you tell me a story about ships, Angie?”
    “I can do better than that. I will tell you of a true adventure.” His eyes grew large. “What would you say if I told you we are going to travel on a ship? Not quite like this one, as it won’t have