The Mysterious Lord Marlowe Read Online Free Page A

me after what has happened, but, believe me, this is the first thing I’ve ever done that I feel truly ashamed of—and I had a compelling reason. I just cannot tell you what it is.’
    Jane gazed at him for a little longer, then inclined her head. ‘Perhaps I am foolish, but I do trust you, George. I trust you—and I am grateful for your help. I hurt my ankle when I fell through the tree and I can hardly walk.’
    ‘I knew it must be something of the sort when I found you here.’ A smile flickered at the corners of his mouth. ‘You must have jumped from the ledge to the tree. It takes courage to do something like that.’
    ‘My brother would say it was reckless and foolish—but I thought my life might be in danger.’
    ‘It might have been, had Blake found you himself. He was furious that we let you escape. For a few minutes I thought he would shoot us all, but it seems he may still have a use for us.’
    ‘Would you go to the law if you were not in such an awkward position?’
    ‘I could be hung for my part in the affair,’ George said. ‘Yet if I could be sure…What happened has left a sour taste in my mouth. I wish with all my heart I could go back to the start, but it is too late for regret. I am in this up to my neck. The only thing I can do is to help you get away.’
    ‘I cannot walk far.’
    ‘Lean on me—or shall I carry you? My horse is not far away. It will support us both until we can find somewhere to stop and rest while I take a look at your ankle.’
    ‘If you could find a horse I could borrow, I could go home. I have no money with me, but I will repay whatever you spend on my behalf.’
    ‘The hire of a horse would be little enough,’ George said. ‘I’m not sure it will be safe for you to go home just yet, Miss Blair—especially alone. Blake means to search for you.’
    ‘He cannot know who I am or where I live?’
    ‘I dare say your family will be looking for you—making enquiries, perhaps even offering a reward.’ George heard her indrawn breath and nodded. ‘It will not take Blake long to discover who you really are—and if you are sitting at home he may take things into his own hands. Once he has what he wants and takes himself off abroad, you should be safe enough, but until then…’
    ‘Until then my life is at risk? And my friend’s?’
    ‘I fear it may be so.’
    ‘What shall I do?’
    ‘I’m not sure. I’ve been thinking what to do for the best. It may be expedient to stay hidden for a while.’
    ‘What about you? Are you afraid that I shall betray you to the authorities?’
    Jane winced as she took a step forwards. George hesitated, then swept her up in his arms, carrying her to where his horse was tethered. He thrust her up into the saddle, then mounted behind her.
    ‘Press back against me and hang on to the saddle. I’m going to ride hard for a bit. Blakemight get suspicious and come looking for us. If he finds us, it will not be just you he murders.’
    Jane was silent as she obeyed, holding on tight as he put his horse to a canter, then urged the animal on faster as it gathered speed. George had not answered her question.
    It was obviously her duty to tell someone all she knew as swiftly as she was able. Mariah was in terrible danger, because Jane was certain that Blake was a ruthless man. If he discovered that Mariah’s fortune was tied up in trust and could not be released, he might decide it was best to kill her.
    She had to escape and get help for Mariah! Now that she was with George her own fears had become less acute and it was her friend’s safety that worried her.
    Riding through the darkness, her body pressed close to that of the man who had rescued her and now held her in his arms, Jane thought hard.
    Could she escape George—or would it be best to befriend him and ask for his help in tracing Mariah?
    * * *
    ‘Thank God you are back!’ Justin, Duke of Avonlea, exclaimed as he was admitted toAndrew Lanchester’s parlour and found him still