Iron Horsemen Read Online Free Page A

“I’m not looking forward to my classes.”
    Genevieve stepped back. “Why not?” her eyes grew and held a glimmer of surprise.
    Had I said something wrong?
My foot hit the floor. How could I not admit that the noble kids would tease me? “Umm…”
    Her hand glided over the window sill. “I would be ecstatic if I could go to Eton.”
    â€œWhere do you go to school?” I asked. Hopefully we wouldn’t go back to subjects I’d rather not explain.
    â€œI don’t go to school. I have a tutor.”
    â€œThat is so much better than school.”
    Her hands clenched in fists and she stomped her foot. “I only get to study what my father decides, and he’s deemed certain subjects inappropriate for a lady. It’s frustrating.”
    My shoulders slumped. I’d upset her. “Sorry, I didn’t know you couldn’t go.”
    Of course there were no girls at Eton, just the future aristocratic leaders of Britain, and me.
    We didn’t say a word on the way down to breakfast. Genevieve held her lip between her teeth and her gaze fell far beyond the walls. My thoughts drifted to my father, my joints stiffened with every step, and my heart slipped deeper in my chest.
Where was he? Was he alright?
    The juice, eggs, fruits, pastries, and bread overwhelmed me with choices, delicious smells, and the tastiest treats I’d had since arriving in London.
    I devoured the pastries and fruit like I’d forgotten how to use a fork.
    Mrs. Hinderman took away my plate and said, “You look very dapper, Master Armitage. Let’s keep it that way.”
    Heat rushed to my cheeks, but I managed a smile. “Where is the baron?”
    The elderly lady supported her back with her hand. “Oh, he left with the rising sun. Didn’t say where he was traveling, but I’m certain he’s doing all he can to find your father.”
    I nodded and my smile stretched across my cheeks as I wiped my face. I could suffer through the day if my father would be waiting when I returned. Even with his strict manner and emphasis on my studies, he was my father. I wanted him back safe and sound.
    I stepped toward the front door. Mrs. Hinderman held my leather bag. She placed it over my shoulder and kissed my head. “Now you have a good day at Eton, pay attention, and put this business out of your head for a while.”
    How could I forget?
My head shrank into my shoulders to avoid her, but no one had been so tender since my mother’s passing. Mrs. Hinderman’s bright smile reminded me of a grandmother. “I’ll try.”
    â€œFinn will take you to school and bring you home.” She gripped my shoulders. “The baron was very clear that you should not go with anyone but Finn. It’s for your safety, do you understand?”
    I said, “Yes,” but that was before I’d thought about the question: Was I in danger? Would the men in long black coats come back? My legs twitched as if electricity pulsed through my veins. The baron wouldn’t let me go to Eton if it weren’t safe.
If I keep repeating that, maybe it’ll be true
.
    Finn sat on the driver’s perch of the steamcarriage. I nodded and stepped inside. Soon the carriage belched white smoke and cruised down the cobblestone streets.
    The world raced by and I tried to remain upright as the baron had the day before. I finally had what I wanted, to be on my own, free from my father’s stern looks. Now, though, all I wanted was to be forced to read some ancient Greek text.
    The carriage stopped before a red brick building. Lighter colored stones formed patterns while black segmented rainspouts climbed the walls. The old building had an eerie look, brightly colored by a morning rain. I opened the door and joined the stream of boys in black coats and white ties that filed into through the main door.
    Finn called from the carriage, “Try and have a good day,