Sari Robins - [Andersen Hall Orphanage 01] Read Online Free Page A

blond buck’s morning coat was beautifully tailored (it had thelook of a Weston cut), his chapeau bras was perfectly seamed, and his Hessian boots were not even scuffed on the heel, they were so new. The man was probably related to someone deep in the pockets.
    The man’s eyes locked on Kane’s with intent. Some unknown fire burned in that light blue gaze. The man pushed himself away from the mantel and sauntered over. Kane leaned back, wondering how many drinks he would be able to milk from his quarry.
    “Lord Kane?”
    “Yes.”
    “Lord Russell Mayburn.”
    The name rang jarringly in Kane’s ears. Anyone related to the Marquis of Beaumont earned his instant enmity. That Mayburn was Beaumont’s brother made his company insupportable.
    “May I?” The man motioned to the chair.
    He’d rather have an appointment with his dreaded man-of-affairs. Kane turned sideways in his seat, adding vinegar to his tone. “I would prefer that you did not.”
    The impudent dandiprat sat anyway.
    Kane grunted. Today’s youth were devoid of respect for their elders.
    Mayburn motioned to a footman. “Brandy for two and cigars. Your best, mind you.”
    Kane frowned to himself. Perhaps one drink with the gent would not kill him. He shifted in his seat, pique rising with the idea that, in fact, bilking this particular dupe of a few drinks would be more satisfying than usual.
    After settling in with their brandies, Mayburn started, “I will get straight to the point, my lord. It is about Lillian.”
    So the man used her Christian name. Slut.
    He was probably another one of her admirers come to extol her virtues. Brandy or not, Kane was hardly about to sit through this. Gripping the leather, he stood.
    “I want to get her away from my brother,” Mayburn continued.
    Kane blinked, then lowered himself back into the chair. He examined the young man with new regard. That light in his eyes was fervor, and it seemed that Lillian was its focus. He could be a prodigious tool, this one, if wielded well.
    “Why would you wish to end their affair?”
    “Because she can do better.”
    “Meaning you, for instance?”
    “I would never allow her to remain a kept woman. She deserves to be married with full rights to such stature.”
    Kane sighed for effect. “Your brother uses her.”
    “Abominably. But she does not see it.”
    “You two are close?” Kane asked, already knowing the answer. Only a select few knew of the acrimony in the Kane family. Lillian was always one to keep her skeletons in the cupboard. To her disadvantage in this instance.
    “She is exceedingly dear to me. But my brother unjustifiably resents our relationship.”
    “She loves him, I hear. Perhaps it is for the best that they remain together?”
    “How can you say that?” Mayburn cried, slamming his fist onto his thigh. “She has no prospects with Dillon. She can bear no recognizable heirs. Deuced if I can understand why my father allows him to treat her so disrespectfully. But he has always indulged Dillon beyond what is defensible. If no one else will save Lillian, then I will.”
    “And how do you propose to do this?” Kane inquired, his mind racing to make the best use of this man.
    “I don’t know.” The gent sulked. “She has refused any opportunity to run away.”
    “So you came to the conclusion that…”
    The man blinked, his gaze as blank as parchment. “What?”
    Nodding encouragingly, Kane led, “That it is your brother who must be removed….”
    “To where?”
    Not the sharpest tack in the pile. “Away from Lillian.”
    “So instead of her running away, he leaves?”
    “Excellent notion.”
    Mayburn shook his head. “Dillon will never leave her. He has it too good. He gets everything he wishes from her.” His cheeks reddened. “Pardon.”
    Kane waved him off. “I know of these things and they do make my blood boil, but there is naught that I can do.”
    “But if he were gone—”
    “With your brother out of the picture, Lillian will