Spirited Away Read Online Free

on the steps, drenched to the bone.
    Jameson quickly composed himself. "Oh, my dear girl. I do so apologize for this inconvenience."
    He grabbed what appeared to be the heaviest bag. Gently grasping her elbow, he pulled her inside.
    "You must be Jameson."
    He followed her gaze down to a rather large puddle on the floor at her feet. She looked back up and dropped her rucksack on the floor. It landed with a heavy thud, followed by a squishy splat.
    "Everyone seems a little ... surprised to find that I'm a woman." Her eyes narrowed and she tapped a sodden hiking boot, awaiting his answer. "Know anything about it?"
    "Dr. Monroe, allow me to retrieve a dry towel for you."
    "Oh no, you don't. Is there a reason you kept my gender a secret?"
    Jameson felt his face blush. "My lady, I assure you—"
    "Everyone thought I was a man. Even the cabbie thought I was a man. Under usual circumstances, it's no problem, my being mistaken for a man." She frowned. "But you knew. The Northumberland coroner told you."
    Jameson's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the not-so-unexpected sight of His Lordship, who materialized behind Dr. Monroe, a wicked smile upon his face. Jameson knew the young lord was enjoying himself, and at his expense.
    Dr. Monroe turned to look behind her. Himself quickly disappeared, the white of his teeth the very last thing to go.
    "I extend my most gracious apologies, Doctor." Jameson gave her a low, proper bow. "I truly did not think the lack of information would be so bothersome." He drew the most solemn expression he could muster and met the young colonist's gaze, awaiting her forgiveness. As he'd hoped, it came right away.
    "Well, no harm done, I suppose." She took a deep breath and smiled. "I apologize. I'm usually not so cranky. I guess I'm just exhausted." She glanced around, then met his gaze. "So. When do I get to meet the lord of Dreadmoor?"
    "My lady." Jameson produced a dry towel and gave it as a peace offering. "Wrap this about you and let us be off to your chambers, shall we? His Lordship would no doubt be passing irritated if I allowed you to catch your death." He placed the towel in her hands and gently pulled on her elbow.
    "Come now, Dr. Monroe."
    Andi accepted the towel from Dreadmoor's steward. The steward with, apparently, only one name.
    "Thanks, Jameson." She wiped her face and hands, and squeezed some of the water from her hair.
    "About Lord Dreadmoor?"
    Jameson gave a solemn look. "I apologize, Dr. Monroe. Himself is indisposed at the moment. I will show you to your chambers where you can unpack and freshen up."
    Hmmm. Too busy to greet her. Oh well. Maybe he was old and sickly and had to remain in bed.
    Kirk had described him as eccentric. Since she didn't want to be rude and ask, she settled for seeking him out later. Eventually, they needed to talk.
    "Oh. Jameson. I've got to do one thing before I clean up." She squatted, unzipped her site bag, and pulled out the jacket to her rubber weatherproofs and a lantern. She pushed her arms into the coat.
    "I need to check the cutaway. Something I'm a little retentive about." Exchanging the wet hikers for her tall, waterproof Wellingtons, she gave him a reassuring smile. "I just want to make sure it's properly covered."
    Jameson nodded. "Of course. 'Tis located in the far end of the bailey. I'll call Will from the gatehouse to assist you."
    Setting her site bag off to the side, she stood, fitted her tool belt around her waist, and zipped her coat. She waved Jameson's offer aside. "No, that's okay. I know where the bailey is, and this will only take a few minutes."
    A puzzled look flashed across his stoic features, then quickly disappeared. "Then I shall accompany you. If you'll give me but a moment to—"
    Andi shook her head. "No, really. It's all right, Jameson. I won't be long. I just want to make sure everything is secure." She grabbed her soaked boots and waited.
    With a wary gaze, he nodded. "Very well, Dr. Monroe." He led her back to the door and