Read Online Good Earls Don't Lie by Michelle Willingham - Free Book Online

did not appear to hear him. Slowly, she continued walking toward the second-floor landing. There was a balustrade at the end and the staircase continued down. She lifted one leg up, attempting to climb over the railing.
    “Stop!” he called out, not caring who heard him. He ran toward her, knowing she was trapped within a prison cell formed of illusions. When she hoisted herself onto the balustrade, he repeated, “Lady Penford, don’t move.”
    At that, she hesitated, looking back at him. Her eyes were unfocused, her face deathly pale. A long braid of fair hair hung below one shoulder, and her gray wrapper was falling open.
    He could seize her and force her back, but if she screamed, the entire household would awaken and believe that he’d attacked her. No—better to save that as a last resort. He was close enough to grab hold of her, if needed.
    It seemed that she was too far gone, that she would not heed common sense. Iain struggled to think of something—anything—that would keep her from throwing herself down to the first floor.
    “The wolves,” he said quietly.
    The moment he spoke of the imaginary wolves, she jerked back to stare. “W-where?”
    He moved beside her and pointed to the floor below. “Don’t you see them?”
    She began trembling and lowered her leg from the balustrade. “Oh no. You’re right. They’re down there, waiting for me.”
    He let out a breath of relief, not caring that he’d lied. One of the maids came running, and behind her was another young woman who resembled Rose. “What is going on, Mother?” she demanded.
    Lady Penford never looked at her daughter, but lowered her head. She gripped her palms together, but Iain didn’t leave the matron’s side. Her mind was in a fragile state, and he didn’t want to risk her trying to flee.
    “Lily,” the matron whispered. “I do not think you should have left your bedchamber. Not this late and certainly n-not with a gentleman in our presence.”
    Lady Lily regarded Iain with grave suspicion. She did not appear surprised that he was staying in the house—he guessed her sister had told her—and yet, she eyed him with a dark warning. From behind him on the stairs, the cat padded down and approached, weaving between his legs. The feline nudged his knee, and Iain picked up the animal, stroking its ears.
    “I was just telling Lady Penford that it was not wise to climb over the railing,” he told her.
    She gave a visible wince and hurried to her mother’s side. “Mother, please. You should let me walk you back to your room. It’s late.”
    “In a moment,” she promised. Her voice was weary, and she regarded Iain once more. He offered his arm to escort her back, but her expression turned confused. “Thank you for saving me from the wolves, sir.”
    “You are most welcome, Lady Penford.”
    “And why aren’t you wearing a nightshirt? Your attire is most improper.”
    “I had retired for the night when I heard you needed help,” he said. “There was not time to dress.” The woman was lucky that he’d been wearing trousers, to be honest. He far preferred to sleep without confining clothes.
    “Well. See that you put something on in the future. My daughter should not be exposed to . . . that,” she finished, taking Lady Lily’s hand.
    The young woman’s cheeks flushed, but she behaved as if he were fully clothed. She sent him a quiet look of thanks. “I’ll walk you back to your room now, Mother.”
    “And what of Lady Rose?” he asked.
    “She is sleeping soundly in her own room, you needn’t worry.” With that, she took her mother back, followed by the maid. The cat trotted behind both of them, leaving him alone on the stairway landing.
    Iain waited a moment to ensure that they reached their rooms safely. He was about to return upstairs when he heard a small voice. “Mr. Donovan.”
    He followed the direction of the sound and saw a door slightly open, near the end of the hallway. When he reached the room, he saw