The Scarlet Bride Read Online Free Page B

been so strong, so unafraid. Not anymore. She didn’t have any strength left in her achy and abused body.
    “My name is Simon. Simon Harrington.” His voice was deep and soothing. “Do you remember me?”
    She nodded, her eyes downcast. “I remember.”
    He took a seat across from her on the empty settee and leaned forward with his elbows on his thighs. “I didn’t mean to cause you any alarm,” he said gently. “I just wanted to see you settled.”
    Laura lifted her gaze. Suspicion welled. There was no hint of salacious intentions in his face, so why then did he come back? His moment as her rescuer was over.
    Did he expect something in return for his help? She’d told him that she was a courtesan. Might he ask for services as payment for his efforts?
    She blanched at the thought and hiked up her chin. Never again would a man use her in such a way. Never. He needed to know that her gratitude was the only payment he’d receive. “Miss Eva has provided me clothes, food, and shelter. I need nothing else.”
    The abrupt and dismissive comment didn’t change his expression. He continued to look at her as though she were a curiosity. His size didn’t help her unease. Still, he remained unthreatening. Were his motives truly pure?
    “What about your family?” He locked and unlocked his fingers and continued, “Can I send for someone for you?”
    “I have no one.” The last word lodged bitterly in her throat. She should be married and planning for children. Her dying father had been pleased to find her a suitable match, a husband of wealth and position who could provide her with everything she desired. How could he have known how his best-laid plans would end so horribly for his only child?
    “Isn’t there anyone who can take you in?” he pressed, frowning. Clearly he wouldn’t be satisfied until he explored all avenues for her.
    “Anywhere I go would jeopardize the safety of those who give me shelter.” She expelled a deep breath. “I cannot ask anyone to take that risk.”
    His face tightened. Perhaps he was feeling some regret for involving himself in her troubles. It was no longer a matter of dropping her off on a relative’s stoop and riding away.
    Laura had to relieve this stranger of his misguided desire to protect her. She would dig free of the darkness on her own.
    With the security of the school to shelter her while she healed both her mind and her body, she knew that one day soon she would no longer flinch at every noise, no longer need to accept the kindness of strangers, and no longer fear the twisted desire of the Earl of Westwick.
    Her eyes burned, and she looked away. With Miss Eva’s, Miss Noelle’s, and Sophie’s assistance, she’d learn to walk again on sturdy feet.
    Quickly composing herself, she faced him. “I will always be grateful for your assistance. You saved my life. But you may go now. There is no need to worry yourself any further on my behalf.”
    Mister Harrington sat silently for a moment, several emotions warring on his face. Finally he nodded and stood. “If you ever need anything, Miss Eva knows where to reach me.” With a brief nod, he left the room.
    Laura listened to his footfalls all the way down the stairs before succumbing to the grief she’d held back for such a long time. Curling into a ball on the settee, she cried for her father and her mother. She cried for the innocent squire’s daughter who’d been sold into a false marriage that left her ruined and abused.
    But mostly she cried for the girl who’d become an unrecognizable hollow shell, without light and life, and wondered if she could ever truly free herself of Sabine.

    S imon was certain he heard muted sobs when he reached the landing but knew his interference in her grief wouldn’t be welcome. He was a stranger. He had no right to comfort her or to inject himself into her life. Whatever ills she’d suffered were not his to correct. She was safe. He’d offered help and been rebuffed. He could do