Miss Charity's Case Read Online Free

woman, mayhap, but the sparkling glow in her gray eyes suggested she was not isolated in a bluestocking world. Her replies hinted at an intelligence he had forgotten amid the bibble-babble of London.
    â€œThank you for your caution. I shall do as you suggest,” Miss Stuart answered in her lyrical voice, which drew his gaze from the enticing curve of her bodice to her heart-shaped face. The frown she wore was not as flattering as the smile he had seen earlier.
    He shook that image aside and hardened his voice. “I recommend, as well, that you remind your duenna you aren’t within the haven of your home.”
    â€œMy sister and I are traveling alone, sir.”
    When Mr. Blackburn’s brows lowered over his eyes like clouds preceding a storm off the sea, Charity flinched.
    â€œWhat cabbage-head suggested that two young women should stay here alone?” he demanded.
    She held the book close to shield her from his volatile gaze. “A single night here shall not be enough to tempt either my sister or me into irresponsible behavior.”
    â€œI do not question your behavior, Miss Stuart, but that of the men in the common room. Their habits may not be as honorable as your own exemplary standards.” A hint of amusement seeped into his voice. “As I advised before, it would reveal superior sense on your part to retire to your room and stay there with your sister.”
    He was top-lofty to command her as if she were a member of his crew! Charity was sure he must be the captain of his ship, for he gave orders with the skill of long practice. In spite of her bristling, she knew he was speaking the truth. “Thank you again for your admonition. I shall retire,” she said quietly, “for we have a long journey tomorrow.”
    â€œLondon is a goodly distance from here, I can assure you, having just traveled from there.”
    Charity spun to face him and gasped when her nose nearly bumped into his cravat. He was following her! Was she being a block to lead him to her room? His guise as a gentleman might be only his way of allaying her suspicions. Sharply, she demanded, “How do you know that we are bound for London?”
    â€œWhere else would you be going on this road?” Mr. Blackburn chuckled, the sound like the rumble of distant thunder. “As I recall, you arrived with other travelers on the mail coach just in time to sample that questionable repast we had exacted upon us.”
    Despite herself, as they walked toward the narrow spiral of stairs, Charity found herself smiling. Mr. Blackburn was determined to captivate her, and he was succeeding. “It was quite horrible, but I daresay you shall remember it with pleasure once you are at sea.”
    He halted at the base of the steps and put his hand on her elbow. Startled at his impertinence and astounded at the flush of warmth that careered through her, she tried to pull away. His fingers tightened around her arm as he drew her a half-step closer, so close she could see the glitter of gold in his blue eyes. The warmth within her became icy fear.
    â€œWhat makes you think the sea is my destination, Miss Stuart?” he asked, his voice as devoid of emotion as his face.
    Charity opened her mouth to call for help, then shut it. Joyce might rush to her rescue, and Charity did not want to embroil her sister in this contretemps. Taking a steadying breath, she said, “It was no more than conjecture, sir, based on your comments.” She could not let him guess that she had been studying his face. “Although, I must own, few tars would be willing to set sail in such a storm as we are having tonight.”
    â€œYou are most insightful, Miss Stuart.” Slowly his fingers loosened their grip. “If I may offer you a last bit of advice …”
    â€œI bid you good evening.”
    As she turned to climb the stairs, he said to her back, “I would hide that quick wit when you are in Town. Others might not