Realm 07 - A Touch of Honor Read Online Free Page B

will feel well enough to walk out with me.”
    “I shall do my best, Sir.”
    “I shall show you out, Baron,” Miss Neville said softly from behind him.
    John nodded curtly to Miss Satiné. “Until tomorrow.” With that, he turned on his heels to follow his betrothed’s companion through the narrow passageway.
    At the main door, the girl retrieved his hat and gloves. “I am grievous, Sir, that your hopes were dashed,” she said earnestly, and John noticed how sadness rested in her gaze. The girl would never practice the art of deceit.
    Resisting the urge to punch the nearest wall, he said tersely, “My hopes are none of your concern.”
    Miss Neville blushed thoroughly. “Of course, Sir. I have spoken from turn. Please forgive me.” Her gaze never faltered, however. It was the first honest moment he had experience since entering Miss Satiné’s quarters, and the knowledge twisted his gut tighter.
    Silencing his own misgivings was more difficult than silencing her empathy. “It is I who should ask your forgiveness, Miss Neville. When I arrived this evening, I meant only to assure myself Miss Satiné had recovered from what I had been led to believe was a serious illness. But, I am to face a new reality–that of future bridegroom. I have much to arrange before week’s end.” Pain knotted his entrails. “You could assist me by overseeing the packing of Miss Aldridge’s belongings, as well as that of the boy’s.”
    “Certainly, Sir.” She shifted fractionally closer, and John felt something unfamiliar stir within his chest. “Should I seek a letter of recommendation from Miss Aldridge or you, Sir?” she whispered.
    John eyed her carefully before asking, “Do you wish me to release you from your employment? I thought we held an agreement.”
    A flush of color returned to her cheeks. “I assumed…”
    “Do you not wish to return to England? Have you no one who would welcome you to English shores?”
    The girl’s expression spoke of an emotion John did not recognize. “My father traveled to the Ottoman Empire several years prior, where he became involved with Thomas Bruce, Lord Elgin. Since then, he has gone missing. I have searched for him in Constantinople, but to no avail. I accepted this position in hopes of my father remaining upon the Continent and my learning more of his whereabouts.”
    John’s frown lines met. “It is too dangerous for a woman alone in the city. I would prefer not to leave you behind. Return with Miss Aldridge as her companion. Meanwhile, when we reach London, I will ask my government contacts to open a search for your father. I have numerous contacts in the Home Office, which I can place at your disposal.”
    She stammered, “You…you would do…would act on my behalf?” Disbelief crossed her countenance. “How may I repay you?”
    “Continue to tend to my betrothed and the child, and I will consider any debt even. This is not an ideal joining, and I have use of an ally. I fear although I hold the longer acquaintance, you know more of my lady than I.”
    It was Miss Neville’s turn to scowl. “You wish me to spy on Miss Aldridge and report to you?”
    John was taken aback. He had not meant to instigate a wrangle. “Heavens, no!” he declared. He ran his fingers along the brim of his hat. “I…I am a bit of a blockhead when it comes to women,” he confessed awkwardly. God only knew, he had never been more uncomfortable. “Their means of communicating with just a gesture often passes my notice. Just…simply warn me if I have placed my fist within my mouth.”
    She smiled easily; it was the first time he had felt his shoulders relax since he had entered Miss Aldridge’s apartments. “I cannot imagine your desiring confidence, Baron, but I love the idea of playing matchmaker.” Somehow, John thought the lady would make a perfect intercessor. Anything of significance did not escape her notice, and Miss Neville possessed the type of character, which placed a person