Love's First Flames (Banished Saga, 0.5) Read Online Free

his free hand to grip Richard’s arm, holding him to his side, and preventing him from leaping up and doing bodily harm to their aunt. “I’m sure you’re mistaken, Aunt Masterson, and I’d appreciate it if you’d never speak about our da like that again.”
    “You’d appreciate it, would you? You have no right to instruct me, Gabriel. I’m the one who will give you guidance into what should and shouldn’t be done. Mark my words, anyone who associates themselves with a McLeod will only know pain and ruination.”
    Gabriel tensed as though he were about to leap at his aunt in his own anger, only relaxing as the carriage rolled to a stop.
    “Ah, we are here at last. Enjoy the novelty of entering through the front door, boys, as it will be the only time you are granted such a boon.” She took the hand of the carriage driver and descended onto the sidewalk, fluffing her skirts around her before sauntering to her front door. She turned to look at them over her shoulder, glaring from the carriage door to a spot directly behind her, intimating their need to join her on the doorstep.
    Gabriel shook Jeremy awake and looked out the carriage. The carriage driver had moved away, taking the step with him. He glanced around and, seeing no other way to exit, sat on the floor of the carriage before hopping down to the sidewalk. He turned back, helping down first Jeremy then Richard.
    “Wow,” Richard whispered as he looked up at the large four-story redbrick home with large bow-front extending from the first to third level. A dormer window on the fourth floor sat on top of the bow-front. A wrought iron railing led to the front door, its intricate metalwork and flower petal design highlighting the home’s importance. Emerald green shutters lined each window. A dormant small garden sat in front of the house, to the side of the brick walk the three brothers stood huddled on.
    “Come along. I haven’t all day,” Aunt Masterson snapped.
    They moved together, coming to a halt directly behind their aunt as the front door opened without her raising a hand. Gabriel peered around his aunt to see a narrow rectangular room with white wainscoting, pale green walls and marble floors. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, and small pieces of ornate furniture lined the walls.
    “Ah, Adams, thank you for seeing to my needs, as always,” she simpered, moving into the doorway and into the hall, blocking Gabriel’s view. She removed her hat, black gloves and slate-colored wool coat, handing them into Adams’s waiting arms. She glanced into the silver-plated mirror set at her height, patting at her hair. “These . . . people will be with us for some time.”
    “I see, madam. Should I have rooms prepared upstairs?” He spared a second’s worth of a glance for the three McLeod boys, his thin lips turning down in disgust before smiling unctuously at Mrs. Masterson. No speck of lint marred the perfection of his black suit, the white of his shirt a startling accent. Pomade had been applied liberally to his thinning hair, and his brown hair glistened.
    “No. They will be most comfortable in the garden level near the kitchen.” She strode toward a double door opening into a large room filled with formal furniture.
    “He looks like a penguin,” Jeremy whispered. Richard bit back a smile as Mr. Adams’s shoulders stiffened. Gabriel squeezed Jeremy’s shoulder, pushing him to follow their aunt into the parlor. He gripped Jeremy to him and reached out for Richard, halting their progression in the large double doorway.
    Large fern fronds lent an exotic air to the room while the rich red wallpaper made it feel warm and inviting. Mahogany and black walnut furniture in the shape of settees, chairs and ottomans were placed throughout. The fabric appeared lush, and Gabriel itched to touch it, wondering if it would be velvet. Side tables with white and green marble inlay, holding pictures of the family, sat next to the chairs and settees.