Redemption of a Fallen Woman Read Online Free Page B

might happen and Jamie might come back but, as time went on, hope began to fade. Eventually we had to face the facts, of course.’
    ‘But you have not given up hope of obtaining the proof you need.’
    He shook his head. ‘No, I have not. As for the rest, it’s still hard to accept. I always thought I would know if he were really dead, that I’d feel it in my heart. I suppose that was just a form of denial. A foolish one at that.’
    ‘Not foolish at all, only human. There is not a day goes by that I don’t think about my father.’
    The empathy evident in her look and tone touched something deep inside him. These were things he had never discussed with anyone, until now. Being accustomed to keeping his stronger emotions out of sight this unwonted openness made him feel exposed and yet, paradoxically, comforted too. It also felt like dangerous ground. He needed to return to a surer footing.
    ‘I hope I haven’t come on a wild-goose chase.’
    ‘I think you will discover the truth eventually.’
    ‘I hope so.’ Harry sighed. ‘Besides, it is only just that the estate should pass to the rightful heir. I need to establish who that is.’
    ‘Of course.’
    Discovering the facts relating to Jamie’s death was only part of the problem, but Harry knew it would not be fitting to discuss such intimate details here. All the same, it was surprisingly easy to talk to Elena. Disarmingly easy. It behoved him to be careful. Whatever his view of the matter she was forbidden fare in every way. What might be regarded as acceptable attentions to a lady in England might well be regarded as familiarity in Spain where interpretation was much stricter. When marriages were arranged here it was not unusual if the bride and groom didn’t meet until their wedding day.
    That thought engendered others and he wondered what manner of man Elena’s betrothed had been that he would abandon a woman in that way. Did he know what he was losing? Had they even met? He could hardly ask her, but all the same his curiosity increased.
    ‘Tell me about your home,’ she went on. ‘In what part of England does it lie?’
    ‘The family seat is at Castonbury Park in Derbyshire. That’s roughly in the middle of the country.’
    ‘The Montague name is an old and respected one, I think.’
    ‘Our line goes back to the Norman Conquest. One of our ancestors came over with Duke William and was rewarded for his service with lands in England.’
    ‘Do you live in a castle, then?’
    ‘No, although there has been a house at Castonbury since the Middle Ages. The original one changed over time as bits were added to provide more living space. Eventually it was demolished to be replaced with the present house.’
    ‘It must be very grand.’
    He smiled faintly. ‘Grand enough, I suppose.’
    ‘Do you live there all the time?’
    ‘No, I reside in London for the most part. My work requires it. I visit Castonbury only occasionally now.’
    ‘Your work is with the diplomatic service.’
    ‘That’s right. It’s how I was able to obtain letters of introduction to your uncle and so begin my investigations about Jamie.’
    ‘I wish you good fortune with that.’
    ‘Thank you. I...’ He broke off, seeing the familiar figure of Doña Inéz advancing down the path towards them.
    Elena followed his gaze and her smile faded. Her aunt’s face suggested stern disapproval, but then it was habitual for her to look that way. Composing her own expression to impassivity, Elena waited.
    Doña Inéz acknowledged Lord Henry with a curt nod and then turned to her niece. ‘You must come into the house directly, Elena. Sister Maria and Sister Angela are come to give you instruction. They have received special dispensation to do so and should not be kept waiting.’
    Elena’s jaw tightened and she fought down the urge to refuse point blank and consign both the holy sisters and her aunt to perdition. However, to do so would be a serious mistake. She must continue to play