Iron Horsemen Read Online Free

over her shoulder. A locket hung around her neck on a silver chain. She wore the high collar and long skirt popular with the noble women of London, but lacked their usual docile expression. She nodded to Lord Marbury but her eyes widened when she spotted me. She was so beautiful. I couldn’t stop staring. I turned away before anyone could note my fascination.
    Her soft voice carried an accent like a sweet melody. “Father, I was not lurking, mere curiosity drew me.”
    â€œGenevieve, Master Alexander shall be staying the night. Mrs. Hinderman has already prepared the Blue Room, please escort our guest there.”
    Genevieve bowed and I followed her out of the room. She led me to the second floor. Trailing her, the smell of rose petals caused my mind to slip. I studied the way her hair brushed against her back as I fidgeted with the strap of my bag.
    Once on the second floor her demeanor changed. No longer did she float, there was hardness in her steps and she appeared annoyed. “Did you hear him? I was not lurking. How dare he say such a thing in front of—” She stopped and turned to face me. “I am sorry about your father.”
    The words stuttered out of my mouth. “T-thank you.” Smooth, real smooth, why don’t I just spill something and fall down while I’m making impressions.
    â€œIt’s Alexander, isn’t it?”
    â€œYes, my father is sort of obsessed with the Greeks. He has high aspirations. I’m surprised my middle name isn’t ‘The Great.’”
    She laughed and I smiled. Maybe she wasn’t like the other nobles.
    We reached the end of the hall and entered the BlueRoom. It was indeed a blue room. Dark blue paper with gold accents covered the walls. The ceiling had been painted a lighter blue and the four-post wooden bed was covered in a blue spread; even the paintings depicted great ships or seaside landscapes. I couldn’t escape the blue. The only thing not blue was me.
    She motioned to a braided cord hanging by the bed. “Ring the bell for Ms. Hinderman if you need anything.”
    I nodded.
    Genevieve paused by the door. “I’m certain he’ll find your father. We won’t get to know the details, but my father has never failed her majesty.”
    I tried to smile, but the ache in my heart returned with a vengeance.

CHAPTER 4
LIFE AT ETON
    A shrill voice jarred me awake as Mrs. Hinderman said, “Good morning, Master Armitage.”
    Light stung my eyes as she threw open the curtains. I rubbed the sleep away and Mrs. Hinderman stood at the end of the blue bedspread.
    What could she want?
I grumbled, but her smile grew.
    â€œI’ve cleaned your school uniform, and breakfast will be served momentarily.”
    â€œI’ll be down in a moment.”
    The hem of her long skirt brushed the floor as Mrs. Hinderman swept out of the room. “Don’t be long.”
    I struggled to get my school uniform on, as I did every day. It was stiff, it was tight, and once bound in all the layers I could hardly move.
    Genevieve opened the door and I snapped up. “Mrs. Hinderman asked me to bring you to breakfast.”
    I pulled at the white bow-tie and starched collar. “Thanks, I’ll be there as soon as I can breathe.”
    She waved my hand away. “Stop tugging. You’ll tear off your buttons and wrinkle it.”
    â€œMy father said it was like a suit of armor, but it’s not, feels more like a strait jacket.”
    Her cute little chuckle, like a cooing bird, drew all myinsides up into my throat, choking my words.
    I cleared my throat, forcing everything back into place. “Do you think the baron will find my father today?”
    â€œI hope so. Maybe by the time you return from Eton, he’ll have news.”
    I wanted to believe her, but my thoughts shifted to the teasing that was certain to come from the aristocratic bullies at school. I heard their annoying voices already.