Loving Protector Read Online Free Page B

the colonel’s attention. Do you
really wonder at why he has asked to stay with his aunt? He wishes to be close
to me. It is perfect, as if my plan were meant to be.”
    Calista closed her eyes. She would not
think about the argument. Not whilst she had the chance to be alone with her
own thoughts.
    “I hope I am not interrupting you, Miss
Haywood.”
    Her eyes opened, and immediately looked
up into the colonel’s grey eyes. “Of course not, colonel. I was just taking the
air.”
    “And enjoying the peace and quiet?”
    “Yes. It is not often I have time
alone.”
    “I can leave.” He smiled wryly.
    “I did not mean that…”
    “No, I understand what you mean. Your
step-sister is … vigorous.”
    Calista laughed. “That is one way to
describe her.”
    “And very cruel to you.”
    “I am sure she does not mean half of
what she says.” Why Calista felt the need to defend Blanche, she did not know.
She supposed family was family. Plus, it was not in her nature to criticize
people behind their backs. If she had something to say to Blanche, she said it
to her face, as exhausting as that was at times.
    “I wondered if you would like to come
and see my house, so that I can share my plans with you so far.”
    “I am afraid my step-mother is out with
Blanche,” said Calista. As much as she would have liked to go with him, it
would not be proper for her to go out with him alone.
    “I have already considered that. My aunt
has agreed to accompany us, so you will be chaperoned. She has asked cook to
prepare us a luncheon.”
    “I …”
    “Are you not curious about my plans?”
    “Yes, yes, I am. And I should like very
much to see your house and hear about them. Thank you.”
    An hour later, they stood in the hall of
a crumbling mansion somewhere in the centre of London. “As you can see it is
great need of renovation, hence my presuming on your hospitality, Aunt Agatha.”
    “Yes, your uncle was most neglectful,”
said Lady Bedlington. She exchanged a glance with the colonel.
    “Harry has been working on the plans. I
hope to have several bathrooms installed, along with plumbing.”
    “It is a beautiful old building, even
without renovation,” said Calista. “I agree it is need of updating, but I hope
you will not change too much. The Corinthian columns in this hall are very
beautiful.” There were four columns of amber marble on each side of the hall,
set about six feet apart and leading to the sweeping staircase.
    “I promise I shall not make changes for
the sake of change, Miss Haywood. Though I would rather like to open up the
drawing room a little more, by combining it with a small sitting room. It is
upstairs. Perhaps you will let me show you.”
    “You both may go, Brook,” said Lady
Bedlington, “I will seek solace in the study with a glass of sherry. I find
stairs too much of a trial nowadays.”
    As far as Calista recalled, Lady
Bedlington did not appear to have any problems with the stairs in her own home.
    The colonel gestured for Calista to go
ahead of him up the stairs. “Unfortunately much of the wood on the banister is
rotted,” he explained. “So I will replace that as soon as possible. Do be
careful there.”
    As he spoke, the banister under
Calista’s hand crumbled, causing her to lose her balance slightly. She felt his
hands on her waist as he caught her and helped her to stay upright. Her back rested
against his muscular chest. “I apologise, Miss Haywood, I should have warned
you sooner.”
    “I am well now,” she said, realizing
that he still held her. He moved his hands away, yet she could still feel the
impression of them upon her waist and the warmth of his body against hers. She
continued to the top of the stairs, more gingerly this time. She hoped he could
not hear her ragged breath.
    “How long have you owned this house?”
she asked when she reached the top. She turned around to face him, trying to
keep her conversation calm even though she felt anything