The Elusive Lord Everhart: The Rakes of Fallow Hall Series Read Online Free Page A

asleep again,” Delaney said on a yawn, her auburn hair in wild disarray. “I am positively the dullest traveling companion. Calliope, you must forgive me. I promised you a grander adventure than your sisters and mine would have in Bath, and so far I’ve given you nothing letter-worthy.”
    “This is already a grand adventure, for I have never been to Scotland or on the road that would take me there.” Calliope shook her head by way of reassurance. “I’ll have plenty of new sights to remark upon when I do write to them.”
    Even if their entire party had slept through the journey, Calliope would have preferred it to returning to Bath. Especially since Bath only reminded her of refusing Brightwell’s proposal. A clear reminder that some endings do not bring about wonderful new beginnings .
    “Besides,” she continued. “I can also inform my sisters that Griffin is a frightful snorer. The endless years of teasing and torment we will bring unto him are worth their weight in gold.”
    “A bear snorer, to be sure.” Delaney laughed, her violet eyes bright with mischief as she finger-combed wayward curls away from her glowing cheeks. “But I find the rhythmic cadence pleasing. If I were to walk past his cave on a winter’s day like this, I would be reassured by that sound, knowing I would come to no harm.”
    Closing the flap in the roof, Griffin scoffed, pretending a great offense had befallen him. “Wound this hibernating bear and suffer the consequences.” He reached out as if he meant to tickle his bride but then stilled as his gaze drifted to her middle. A resplendent smile transformed his face into an expression Calliope had never before witnessed on him. Instead of tormenting his wife, he took her hand in his and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “But not quite yet. Perhaps there is a reason you’ve been sleeping so much of late.”
    Delaney brightened like a flame and settled her free hand over her stomach before she beamed at Calliope. Immediate understanding dawned.
    A baby?
    “We aren’t certain,” Delaney said as if she’d heard the unspoken question. “I know how much the news would please your mother and father. For now, however, it should be our secret.”
    “Of course.” Calliope found herself nodding and grinning and then nodding some more. The perfect beginning . “Although I must mention that Mother’s happiness would exceed any that mankind has ever known if she were to have a grandchild before her younger sister, Augusta.”
    Knowing it was the truth, they all laughed.
    Then, in Calliope’s ever-wandering mind, a vision of herself sitting for hours upon hours, cuddling and reading to a little bundle, filled her with such joy that she began compiling a mental library.
    If truth be told, she’d had the list tucked away for years now—a list that hadn’t always been intended for a niece or nephew . . .
    “Calliope,” Griffin said, drawing her gaze away from the fogged window to see that he was now standing outside the carriage, extending his arm to assist her.
    She blinked and rubbed a hand over her eyes. “Have we arrived at Fallow Hall already?” Only a moment ago, they’d been having a conversation about a new baby. How could they have arrived so quickly?
    “You’ve drifted off on another of your journeys.” His brow furrowed. Mother had called them spells at one time, before a physician informed her that Calliope was nothing more than a daydreamer.
    Calliope shook her head. “It’s merely the effects of a long day’s ride and the chill in the air.”
    Stepping out of the carriage, she stopped short. There, on the stone landing, was none other than Lord Brightwell. His pale features and attire stood out in sharp contrast to the dark door behind him. The last time they’d all been standing together like this had been at Pamela’s wedding breakfast.
    “Brightwell,” Griffin said in greeting. “It’s good to see you again. I hope our spontaneous visit will not