Read Online Her One True Love by Rachel Brimble - Free Book Online Page A

time would you like me to attend?”
    â€œMama has already reserved a table for four.” She giggled, her cheeks flushing. “Any later, we run the risk of missing people as they enter the tearoom. We do so like seeing who is out and about. I will send my maid to advise the Pump Room of two more places. Now, I had better return home before I get into trouble.” She rose from her seat and held out her hand. “Until tomorrow, Squire.”
    Matthew took her hand and bowed.
    Another giggle and she then clasped Jane’s hands as she stood beside her. Their voices faded into the background as they exited the room into the hallway. The moment they disappeared, Matthew gripped the mantel above the fireplace.
    Since when did he take tea with a coven of chattering women?
    He squeezed his eyes shut, the threat of an impending headache thumping at his temples. But how could he not? As dedicated as Jeannie was to Jane, the maid was even more naïve to city ways than her mistress. How was he to go about his business not knowing if they were safe? He opened his eyes and quietly cursed.
    How long would it be before others knew of their vulnerable, unchaperoned position? He couldn’t give a damn of other people’s opinion on the matter, but the risk to their safety scratched at his stomach like sharpened claws.
    Footsteps along the hardwood floor of the hallway pulled him up straight. The murmured voices of Jane and Simmons drifted through the open drawing room door before Jane appeared at the threshold. She briefly glanced at him before firmly shutting the door, closing them alone in the room.
    She stood with her back to him, her tension clear in the high set of her shoulders and her grip on the door handle. At last, she turned and came toward him, her gaze on his. “Jeannie managed to find some tea things in the kitchen. Would you like some?”
    â€œI would, thank you. I’d better then make my way to the hotel.”
    â€œWhere are you staying?”
    â€œThe Francis Private Hotel.”
    She visibly stiffened.
    He frowned. “Is that a problem?”
    â€œI didn’t expect you to be staying quite so close.”
    He arched his eyebrow. “Does it matter?”
    â€œOnly in that the hotel is within mere walking distance and, judging by your amused expression, the fact pleases you immensely.”
    â€œYou’re being unreasonable.”
    â€œAm I?” She swept past him and flounced onto the settee.
    â€œYes. I booked the hotel over a week ago. Days before I learned of your coming to Bath.”
    She plucked at something on her skirts. “I only have your word for that.”
    â€œWell, what other word is there? Do you really think I would intentionally put myself in your path when I am clearly not welcome?”
    She snapped her head up, her eyes bright with anger. “Yes, I do, actually. Why else would you agree to tea tomorrow afternoon? Katy can be one of the most tiresome people I know, yet you want to spend time with her when I gave you a clear avenue of escape. Why would you do that if not to cast your imagined authority over me?”
    He huffed out a laugh, annoyed she had so plainly seen through his agenda. “I thought you and Jeannie might welcome the company. That is all. If you do not wish me to be there—”
    â€œWhat is done is done. We will take tea with Katy tomorrow. Thereafter, you will go about your business and I mine. Agreed?”
    â€œAgreed.” Yet, the notion of tomorrow being the last time he’d see her for goodness knew how long struck the most inexplicable feeling of loss through Matthew’s chest. What in God’s name was going on with him?
    She gave a curt nod and gazed around the room, her shoulders slumping. “This room is depressing.”
    â€œIt is.” He pushed away from the mantel and took a walk around the room’s circumference before coming to a stop behind the settee. He glanced at