Read Online Bewitched by Melissa Lynne Blue - Free Book Online

behavior gutted him. It had never occurred to him that she might get hurt in this little charade. He’d agreed to the ruse because he’d been curious about Colton’s bizarre request . Of all people , John should have known better than to tangle with matters of the heart . He knew what betrayal was. He never should have left Penelope’s side . He should have stayed and demanded an other moment alone with her .
    He paced a few steps to the left of the stairs, contemplating his options. If he barreled back in, insisting upon an audience with Penelope, it would imply a romantic interest he wasn’t prepared to follow up on. Rules of propriety were strict. If he wasn’t careful he’d find himself at the altar, or at the very least expected to offer for her. Christ. What was a man to do?
    From the corner of the brownstone, a flash of movement caught his eye . He snapped his head around and glimpsed a small boy, no more than ten, p eaking around the corner. The lad caught sight of John and instantly popped back behind the wall.
    Odd. Not to mention suspicious.
    John followed with long strides and caught the little scalawag attempting to hide b ehind a pathetically slim tree. The boy clenched his e yes shut as though to make himself invisible. His clothes were worn and he grasped a cloth sack in one hand.
    “What have we here?” John grabbed hold of the boy’s arm before he could scamper off again.
    Panic lit the boy’s wide gray eyes. He tugged against John’s hold and the bag slipped from his hand. An ornate candlestick and several silver spoons spilled into the snow.
    John held firm to the lad . “A thief, eh?”
    The imp said nothing.
    “What is your name?”
    The boy pursed his lips, refusing to respond.
    Without releasing the young brigand , John scooped up the lad’s would be loot. “Come along then. You have some explaining to do to Lord Landon.”
    Without knocking on the door, John threw the portal inward and hauled the lad into the high-ceiling entryway he’d just vacated. Lord Landon, Holbrook and Penelope still stood outside the door to the earl’s study. All turned startled gazes to John.
    “ My Lord, I believe I’ve found the reason for your missing letter opener. I c aught this lit tle scamp outside with a bag full of your fine silver.” John tossed the sack to the floor. The contents clattered loudly on the marble floor.
    “ Well, I’ll be…” Lord Landon quickly lifted the bag and Penny red inside.
    “Why it’s Simon, our delivery boy.” Penelope strode forward, eyes wide with surprise and confusion . “Are you responsible for all the things we’ve had go missing?”
    Wide frightened eyes flicked about the room as Simon no doubt searched for escape.
    John eased his grip on the boy’s shoulder. Something in Simon’s mannerism spoke of more than petty thievery, and moreover, a child this young did not learn to steal finery all on his own. “It’s all right, son,” John said softly. “If you’re truthful we may be able to help.”
    Simon glanced from John to Penelope and then back to John. “Me mamma is real sick. The coin from deliveries just ain’t eno ugh to pay rent, an’ the doctor. A nd I got three little brothers need ta eat.”
    John knelt, regarding the child seriously. “So you took to stealing?”
    Simon nodded. “Mr. Jeffries says if I keep bringin’ him the goods he’ll take care of us. Mama needs medicine and— ”
    From behind them Holbrook scoffed. “That is no excuse. This boy bel—”
    John whipped a silencing hand through the air. “Quiet.” To Simon he continued gently . “Who is Mr. Jeffries?”
    “Our l andlord.”
    “I see.” John stood then , facing Lord Landon. “With your permission, S ir, I’d like to handle this matter myself.”
    “By all means.” The earl swept an arm toward the door.
    “Are you certain that’s wise, milord?” Holbrook said under his breath.
    “Of course!” The earl boomed—it seemed the jovial man did nothing