The Lady Seals Her Fate (The Langley Sisters #5) Read Online Free

Alex had moved out of his brother’s house last year, and he enjoyed the independence of having his own lodgings.
    “I was about to retire when there was knock on the door, Mr. Hetherington. Miss Wooller has called and wishes to speak with you, sir.”
    Alex looked at his pocket watch. “Tell me she is not here at 2:00 a.m. alone?” Alex rose and made his way to the door, knowing even as the words left his mouth that in fact Hannah had done exactly that.
    “As to that—”
    “She is alone.” Alex sighed as he made his way past the butler and along the hallway to the front door in his stocking feet. “Please retire, Lawrence, I shall deal with Miss Wooller. Thank you.”
    She stood inside. Her bonnet was rich burgundy velvet, as was the long coat. He noted the color of her dress beneath and that it was the one she had worn this evening. She turned as he arrived and he could tell instantly that whatever had forced her out of her house at such an hour was serious. Her face was pale; eyes the color of emeralds looked at his then turned away, which was another indicator of distress, as Hannah Wooller never looked away. She met everything and everyone head-on.
    “What are you thinking to come here alone at such an hour?” He took her hands into his.
    “I had to see you, Alex. Can we talk, please?”
    “You do realize that coming here, alone, in the early hours of the morning, to a single man’s residence could be harmful to your reputation, don't you?” Alex took her arm, and led her back to his study. “In fact visiting anyone alone is foolish at any time of the day. Could you not have brought your maid?”
    “No one saw me leave or arrive; now please close the door, Alex.” She moved to sit before the fire.
    He gave her a look but said nothing. He didn't sit, instead standing by the hearth so he could watch her face closely. With Hannah, you needed to be focused, or she'd have you agreeing to something before you knew it.
    “How did you slip away from your house unnoticed?”
    “I waited until father had gone to bed and the household was quiet.”
    “Why are you here, Hannah?”
    She stripped off her gloves, and then released her bonnet. Her gestures were nervous, another surprise; she was rarely nervous.
    “I-I, ah, I have done something extremely foolish and I’m afraid I need your help.
    “It could not have waited until a more reasonable hour?”
    “It could not.” She shook her head.
    “Dear Lord.” Alex groaned. “Don’t tell me you finally told Lady Happer that she must let out her seams before they split and embarrass her in front of society?”
    “I’m afraid it is far more serious than that.”
    “If you have finally given in to your temper and murdered someone, I will help you hide the body, but only this one time.”
    “This is not a time for levity, Alex. I need your help.”
    “Then I will of course help you in any way I can,” Alex said, seeing her distress was genuine. He would do anything for her. God, was she sick? Had something happened to her father? The thought turned him cold.
    “I have never wished to marry a man who does not at the very least respect me, and as the years passed I have grown comfortable that I will now not find such a man, thus I will remain unwed.”
    “Of course you will.” Alex looked down at her. “You are intelligent and beautiful, Hannah, you will marry.” The thought of another man touching this woman was not a pleasing one.
    “I have tolerable looks, but my father frightens people, as does my past. I’m opinionated and thus not the best catch, even if my father is a wealthy man. Plus,” she said as he opened his mouth, “I am tainted by trade.”
    “Who said you are tainted!” Alex snapped, his anger rising.
    “Many people, but it does not bother me, and surely you have noticed that I am unpopular. Well, I was unpopular until my father changed that.”
    But it did bother her, Alex realized, it bothered her a great deal that society had