Read Online Andrews Brothers 02 - The Rescue by Felicia Rogers - Free Book Online
Authors: Felicia Rogers
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wrapped his arm with hers and ushered her weakened form toward the main hall.
Engraved double doors stood open. Candelabras dangled from the high ceiling and light reflected on the shiny tiled floor. Whitewashed walls took on a yellowish glow. Couples formed a line and danced. Clovis lorded over them from his kingly platform clapping his hands and laughing at a jester who performed close by.
As soon as was prudent Farrah released Garrett’s hold and moved away. Clovis hadn’t noticed her presence and she was determined to keep it that way.
Backing away from the crowd, and seeking the obscurity of shadows, she encountered a solid object. She twirled and found herself staring at a broad chest. Lifting her gaze, she came face to face with the handsome stranger from the hill.
Thick black hair feathered back from his forehead. Beneath the candlelight his skin glowed like bronzed gold and his dark eyes twinkled. Did he recognize her in the dim light?
“I beg your pardon, miss.”
“It was entirely my fault. I should pay better attention to where I’m going.”
“Perhaps I should pay better attention to where I stand.”
Heat flushed her cheeks as he accepted the blame in a joking manner.
He bowed. “Andrew Ravenlowe, at your service.”
Internally she groaned. He’d revealed his moniker! She mulled it over. The name brought a measure of curiosity and she blurted, “Are you related to Rowena Ravenlowe, Countess of Ravenwood?”
“I am.”
She tapped her finger to her chin. “Interesting. Foolishly, I believed I knew all of her ladyship’s relatives.” She was digging, would he take the hint?
“I’m her son.” Farrah choked. The man, proclaiming an impossible status, patted her back, his brow furrowed with concern. “Are you all right?”
“Yes,” she croaked. Throat clear, she said, “You shocked me.”
“How so?”
“Well—” her response was interrupted by Clovis’ outrageous bellowing laughter.
“Lord Norhaven throws quite a party,” said Andrew.
“Hmm.” Should she return to her last thought and question the idea that he was Rowena’s son? Was such a relation even possible?
“Have you met his future bride?”
“Yes,” she replied, avoiding Andrew’s direct gaze and deciding to place her questions of his parentage on hold.
“Mother promised to introduce me, but her peers continue to keep her busy.”
“You’ve missed nothing.” And I should know .
“Indeed? My understanding was the new lady is a character of rare beauty. A little rough around the edges, but like a fine diamond she only needs a good polish.”
Her mouth agape she considered his expression for falsehood, but he appeared completely sober.
“Would you care to dance?”
Her heart beat rapidly in her chest as she held her hand out to accept his proposal. “I would love to.”
Curious guests scrutinized them as Andrew led her onto the floor. Farrah tilted her chin upward and ignored the looks. She planned to enjoy her last afternoon of freedom no matter what the cost. Besides after her impending death sentence, what more could they do? Whisper words behind her back? It was almost laughable.
The band struck the chords to a reel. The dance largely kept them at arm’s length, but when they drew together he winked and butterflies filled her stomach.
The song ended and Andrew escorted her to an empty sofa. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “I apologize.”
She snagged a drink from a passing tray and sipped, speaking over the rim, she asked, “Whatever for?”
“I did not realize who you were until we strolled onto the dance floor. Now I’ve gone and revealed my identity.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but they were joined by another couple. She pinched his thigh. He grunted and shifted, before heartily bursting out with, “We mustn’t dance another step, I can’t handle it.”
Taking the bait, she replied, “A rousing reel can be quite exhausting.”
“True, but I fear since my
Engraved double doors stood open. Candelabras dangled from the high ceiling and light reflected on the shiny tiled floor. Whitewashed walls took on a yellowish glow. Couples formed a line and danced. Clovis lorded over them from his kingly platform clapping his hands and laughing at a jester who performed close by.
As soon as was prudent Farrah released Garrett’s hold and moved away. Clovis hadn’t noticed her presence and she was determined to keep it that way.
Backing away from the crowd, and seeking the obscurity of shadows, she encountered a solid object. She twirled and found herself staring at a broad chest. Lifting her gaze, she came face to face with the handsome stranger from the hill.
Thick black hair feathered back from his forehead. Beneath the candlelight his skin glowed like bronzed gold and his dark eyes twinkled. Did he recognize her in the dim light?
“I beg your pardon, miss.”
“It was entirely my fault. I should pay better attention to where I’m going.”
“Perhaps I should pay better attention to where I stand.”
Heat flushed her cheeks as he accepted the blame in a joking manner.
He bowed. “Andrew Ravenlowe, at your service.”
Internally she groaned. He’d revealed his moniker! She mulled it over. The name brought a measure of curiosity and she blurted, “Are you related to Rowena Ravenlowe, Countess of Ravenwood?”
“I am.”
She tapped her finger to her chin. “Interesting. Foolishly, I believed I knew all of her ladyship’s relatives.” She was digging, would he take the hint?
“I’m her son.” Farrah choked. The man, proclaiming an impossible status, patted her back, his brow furrowed with concern. “Are you all right?”
“Yes,” she croaked. Throat clear, she said, “You shocked me.”
“How so?”
“Well—” her response was interrupted by Clovis’ outrageous bellowing laughter.
“Lord Norhaven throws quite a party,” said Andrew.
“Hmm.” Should she return to her last thought and question the idea that he was Rowena’s son? Was such a relation even possible?
“Have you met his future bride?”
“Yes,” she replied, avoiding Andrew’s direct gaze and deciding to place her questions of his parentage on hold.
“Mother promised to introduce me, but her peers continue to keep her busy.”
“You’ve missed nothing.” And I should know .
“Indeed? My understanding was the new lady is a character of rare beauty. A little rough around the edges, but like a fine diamond she only needs a good polish.”
Her mouth agape she considered his expression for falsehood, but he appeared completely sober.
“Would you care to dance?”
Her heart beat rapidly in her chest as she held her hand out to accept his proposal. “I would love to.”
Curious guests scrutinized them as Andrew led her onto the floor. Farrah tilted her chin upward and ignored the looks. She planned to enjoy her last afternoon of freedom no matter what the cost. Besides after her impending death sentence, what more could they do? Whisper words behind her back? It was almost laughable.
The band struck the chords to a reel. The dance largely kept them at arm’s length, but when they drew together he winked and butterflies filled her stomach.
The song ended and Andrew escorted her to an empty sofa. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “I apologize.”
She snagged a drink from a passing tray and sipped, speaking over the rim, she asked, “Whatever for?”
“I did not realize who you were until we strolled onto the dance floor. Now I’ve gone and revealed my identity.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but they were joined by another couple. She pinched his thigh. He grunted and shifted, before heartily bursting out with, “We mustn’t dance another step, I can’t handle it.”
Taking the bait, she replied, “A rousing reel can be quite exhausting.”
“True, but I fear since my
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