Read Online A Perfect Secret by Donna Hatch - Free Book Online Page A

helped place the tray. “First, eat. You were so chilled when you first arrived that we bathed you in hot water to try to warm you, but I’m afraid we failed to get all of the mud out of your hair. If you’re feeling strong enough, I’ll have Ann fill a bath for you.”
    “A bath would be lovely, thank you.” Her tears returned, this time in gratitude. “You’re very thoughtful. I wish there was something I could do for you.”
    “There, there. Don’t cry or you won’t be able to eat.” Lady Tarrington’s eyes shimmered.
    Genevieve made an effort to banish her tears. Lady Tarrington cleared her throat and blew her nose. Genevieve turned her attention to her breakfast tray. Her cup contained chocolate again. Sugar and cream sat in small containers and she added them both liberally to the bitter cocoa. After the liquid turned a shade of warm brown, Genevieve picked up the cup of chocolate. The sweetened drink slid comfortingly down her throat.
    Lady Tarrington smiled. “You like your chocolate sweet and creamy, as do I.”
    Shaking off her sorrow, Genevieve returned the smile. “If I wanted to drink something bitter, I’d have coffee.”
    “Exactly!”
    Genevieve held out the cup to her. “Would you like some?”
    “Oh, heavens no. I’ve had two cups already this morning.”
    Suddenly bonded by such a quirk, they chatted comfortably of inconsequential things while Genevieve finished her breakfast. Outside the windows, the sun’s glow painted stripes on the carpet.
    Lady Tarrington gestured to a chair where gowns draped over the back. “I’m too big to wear these now and thought you might wish to borrow them.”
    “How kind.”
    “We have lovely gardens if you desire to take a turn about them.” She smiled. “You’re invited to dine with us when you feel able. We welcome your company.”
    “Thank you, my lady.”
    Lady Tarrington’s smile radiated true warmth. “You are safe here. Won’t you please trust me with your name?”
    Genevieve hesitated. If Christian hadn’t told them her name, perhaps he’d chosen to help her, after all. Of course, he might not have decided yet what to do. “My life depends on no one knowing my name, my lady.”
    “I see. Are you … wanted by the law?”
    “Oh, no, I vow I’ve done nothing illegal.” She let out a helpless sigh. “Of course, I suppose trying to drown myself is illegal, but there is no reason for the authorities to be looking for me.”
    Lady Tarrington looked her over in an assessing way. “I believe you.”
    Why that meant so much to Genevieve, she couldn’t say, but some of the tension left her shoulders. “Thank you.”
    “You’re fortunate Christian found you in time to pull you from the river.”
    Genevieve’s heart stuttered to a halt. “Christian pulled me out?”
    “Yes, he did. He came home carrying you like you were a crystal doll.”
    She closed her eyes. “He put himself at great risk.”
    “It must be in the Amesbury blood. They all have a strong code of honor and an innate need to come to the rescue of those in need.”
    “Lady Amebury—”
    “Please, call me Alicia.”
    “Alicia. What a lovely name.”
    “My mother was French.”
    After all Alicia’s kindness, Genevieve had to offer her something of herself. “You may call me Jenny.”
    “So if you aren’t in hiding because you are a fugitive, why are you in hiding?”
    Genevieve hesitated, but Alicia’s gentleness and concern nudged aside her cautiousness. “Someone means to do me harm.”
    Lady Tarrington nodded slowly, her brows furrowing in concern. “Then of course you must stay until you find a safe place.”
    Ann appeared. “The bath is ready, ma’am.”
    Lady Tarrington—Alicia—stood. “I shall leave you in Ann’s capable hands. Let her know if you require anything, anything at all. She’ll make adjustments to the clothing that you require.” She eyed her critically. “You’re tiny; no doubt she’ll need to take everything in a great deal.