Lord Heartless Read Online Free Page B

toward the rear of the manor where two neat plots of tilled ground stood just beyond the kitchen door. “Our herb and flower gardens are just behind the kitchen. Our staff prides themselves on fresh ingredients for each dish as well as fresh flowers in season for each room. Perhaps you took notice of the centerpiece at luncheon. That was done by Mrs. Nichols.”
    “Very nice. Your staff seems to have just as many talents as you, milady.”
    Juliet smiled at Lord Montague’s comment. “I’m very proud of our staff. If you’ll follow me, this path leads to the stables.” Pulling her skirts out of the way so as not to trip, she took a step downward only to find a tentative hand upon her elbow.
    “Allow me.”
    She glanced at Lord Montague and nodded. Falling into step, they continued on in silence in the direction of the brick structure surrounded by a stone fence at the base of the hill.
    “You have lived here all your life?”
    “I have.”
    He paused and she stopped. Head down, looking at his feet. “We are in a unique situation, you and I.”
    “Unique?” she questioned. “How?”
    Lord Montague took a deep breath. “You must forgive me, Lady Juliet, in light of the circumstances around your father’s death, I took the liberty of finding some information about you.”
    “Circumstances is the new fashionable word, is it?” Her lips pressed together. “Surely it was common knowledge my father lost his mind after my mother’s death and retreated to his cups. Isn’t that why he received an invitation to the club and why he was so often invited to play at cards? A fox will seldom prey on something hard to get.”
    “Is that what you think of me, Lady Gilbert?”
    She looked away. “My sincere apology, I’m afraid I have grown cynical of late.” She brushed a strand of hair from her face. “In truth, Lord Montague, you would have been remiss had not you or Mr. Black checked the circumstances.”
    “No apology necessary, my dear. You’ve probably had a very trying time.”
    She lifted a brow, dismissing his observation as she took another step toward the barn. “I’m afraid you must have found me boring.”
    Landon followed. “On the contrary, I find it interesting that you have yet to experience a season. Should you choose to have one, I would be more than happy….”
    She shook her head. “No. You need not go further.”
    Expression baffled, he asked, “Are you sure? Surely girls your age would find it divine to believe that men of London might swoon at your feet or tripping over themselves with an offer of marriage.”
    “Then you shall be mistaken. I am nothing more than a simple country lass. I do not wish to be on parade like a broodmare in a local bazaar.”
    Her remark brought a chuckle to his lips. “Simple is not a word I would use to describe you. However, your simile is quite good.”
    “Then that would be your first mistake.” Lord Montague was teasing her, the rogue. Still, the tiny bit of flattery lifted her spirits. “You jest, but thank you.”
    “All right, I shall cross off a season in London. Pray, is there a young gentleman holding you here?”
    “Are you asking if I have a suitor?” They sauntered slowly toward the path that would lead down to the stables.
    “I am.”
    A gust of wind swirled long forgotten leaves before them. He placed a hand on her arm and they waited for them to pass. His touch caused her heart to beat erratically as if caught in a surge of enthusiasm. “No, there is no suitor.”
    “I am glad,” he said.
    What could he be getting at? She had no other course but to ask. “Are you?” Her direct stare made him flinch and look away.
    No answer followed. Just as she thought, empty words. “This way,” she said, and they turned toward the stables.
    “Only one horse?” He looked over the paddock as a bay trotted toward them.
    “Just one. His name is Admiral.” She extended her hand to rub the velvet of his dark nose. “He carries us to the