Read Online A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan - Free Book Online

of Willow Park. And if her existence in Little Haverton hadn’t been all that exciting, at least she’d been content. But then her past had returned with a vengeance to turn her carefully ordered world upside down.
    Now, on top of all that, she had Peter to contend with. Hugging herself against a sudden chill, she turned away from the window, only to find her attention caught and held by a portrait that hung above the sideboard on the far side of the room. Slowly, she drifted in that direction, her stare never wavering from the lines of the delicate face that had been so lovingly rendered.
    It was a picture of her mother, Victoria Knight, the late Lady Ellington. Though she’d been only six-years of age at the time of her mother’s murder, Emily could recall a laughing woman with violet eyes the same shade as her own and a gentle nature.
    Much like Deirdre, the former countess had been a good Samaritan, using her spare time to minister to the needs of the poverty-stricken denizens of London’s rookeries. It had been her work with these people that had led to her murder at the hands of street thieves, and the tragedy of her passing still affected all those who had known her, even after sixteen years.
    By all accounts, Victoria Knight had been a kind and generous person, loving and unselfish. A veritable saint.
    Dear Lord, had anyone ever truly known her? Was it possible that that innocent face had hidden a not-so-innocent heart?
    â€œEmily?”
    The soft voice at her elbow caused her to start and whirl about to find herself looking up at a concerned Deirdre.
    â€œEmily, you’ve been standing here for quite some time. Are you all right, dear?”
    Emily forced a smile to her face and quickly looked away, hoping her sister-in-law couldn’t read the lie in her expression. “Yes. Yes, I’m fine.” She gestured toward the portrait. “I was just thinking about my mother, wishing I could have known her better. Sometimes she seems so…distant to me. At least Tristan was older when she died. His memories of her are more clear than mine will ever be.”
    Deirdre joined her in studying the picture. “She was quite beautiful, wasn’t she?” She reached out to tuck her arm through Emily’s, drawing her close to her side. “According to your brother, she was just as beautiful on the inside. And she loved you both very much. You can take comfort in that.”
    There was a long silence, then Deirdre spoke again, her manner almost tentative. “Emily, dear, I don’t want to pry, but I can’t help but notice the strain between you and Peter whenever you’re in each other’s company.”
    Emily started to speak, but the countess forged onward, waving her free hand dismissively. “No. Please don’t make excuses. I don’t pretend to know what happened before he left for London that caused such a rift between the two of you, and I have no intention of asking, though it goes against my better judgment. However, I do want you to remember that he is here to helpthe people of Little Haverton, and if you could make some sort of effort, reach out to him just a little bit, then perhaps you could get past this initial…awkwardness.”
    Emily swallowed, casting her gaze down at the carpet as her heart seemed to suddenly increase its pace. “I rather doubt that, Deirdre.”
    The older woman turned and took a few steps away from the portrait, tugging Emily along with her. “Hadn’t you mentioned earlier today that you planned on visiting Lord and Lady Tuttleston at some point tomorrow?”
    â€œYes, I did, but—”
    â€œPerhaps if you would allow Peter to accompany you? He does need to speak with them regarding the break-in at their house, and they might be more comfortable answering his questions in your presence. You know how fond they are of you. And you might consider lending him your assistance in other