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

no longer be under his manipulative sway.” Kane leaned closer, and Mayburn leaned in as well. “She would then be, say, open to other, more constructive, influences.”
    Mayburn exhaled softly, excitement shimmering in his gaze. “That would be most excellent. For Lillian, of course.” He frowned, scratching his head. “But how to accomplish this? He does not visit the country, nor take the waters at Bath. In fact, he hardly ever leaves Lillian’s side.”
    Although he would not admit it to the young man, Kane had tried tricking Beaumont into leavingLondon. Or at least leaving Lillian for an extended time, to naught. Urgent messages calling the marquis to the country. Fake funeral announcements of relatives. Even illicit invitations from some of the most tantalizing specimens the demimonde had to offer. The bloody man was like a cork stuck in a bottle, unwilling to be removed.
    “It is her birthday today,” Mayburn pronounced, pulling Kane from his frustrated musings. “I was wondering what to give her.”
    “Arsenic, perhaps?” Kane muttered under his breath.
    “Wh-what?” Those dull eyes blinked. “Do not even jest about such matters! Lillian is the light of London. A fair creature of—”
    Clearing his throat, Kane interrupted, “A book, perhaps.”
    “Will you call on her today?”
    “No, Beaumont does not allow it.” Not since Lillian had told the meddlesome marquis about the encounter in the solicitor’s office. Kane really could not have been blamed for his outburst over the fact that his father-in-law, Lord Janus, would leave his entire estate in trust for a worthless chit. Well, it would bring any man to violence.
    “Interfering wench,” Kane muttered, recalling how Lillian had tried to stop him from throttling the solicitor who had imparted the wretched intelligence. Who could blame him for striking her? It was self-defense and only what she deserved, not a fortune to call her own.
    “Pardon?” Mayburn eyed him oddly.
    “I meant wretched interfering of him. Beaumont influences Lillian, turning her against me.” It was Lillian who had turned Lord and Lady Janusagainst him, convincing them to change their wills. She was the source of his current ill state. Because of her, he was denied his rightful legacy. Barred from the funds that were his due. It was her fault that he had been forced to enter into that funding scheme that was now falling to shreds. It was only because of the scheme that he had formed his liaison with the troublesome Cecilia Langham. Lillian was the linchpin to all of his problems, and his only solution, to marry Lillian off and siphon the funds, was denied him by the protective Marquis of Beaumont.
    Like lightning, an idea flashed in his mind. His heart began to pound and his face broke out in a sweat. It would solve all of his problems, tying them up in one neat little bow. Anticipation rushed through him, making him almost shake with excitement. He had not been this elated since his cousin Louis had died of the pox, making him a baron. The plan was inspired in its simplicity. He was even more brilliant than he had ever supposed.
    Trying to keep the enthusiasm from his tone, he declared, “I am grateful that you had the fortitude to approach me, Mayburn. Your concern for my daughter does you great credit.”
    “Thank you, Lord Kane,” the man stated warily, as if unused to such flattery. No wonder, the num-skull could not have much opportunity to attract it.
    “It has planted a seed in my mind. One that, I believe, with a bit of careful tending, can grow into the remedy that will be Lillian’s just due.”
    Mayburn straightened, looking quite manly, thanks to that Weston cut. “Really? You think it is possible?”
    “Yes. But there are some things that I need you to do for me.”
    “Anything, my lord, anything at all.”
    “You can start by telling me everything you know about your brother and his relationship with my daughter….”

Chapter 2
    “G ood day,