Read Online Hold Your Breath 02 - Unmasking the Marquess by K.J. Jackson - Free Book Online Page B

closer and turned the empty matching wingback chair to the chessboard. “My reaction was not what you expected, my lady. I apologize.”
    Reanna eyed him, then sat straight up once more, hands clasped in her lap. “So yes, chess. I would like to learn the game, and I understand that with your vast experience, you would be an excellent teacher.”
    His eyes shifted nervously back and forth from the gleaming chess pieces to her. “I am afraid I could not, my lady. It would not be at all proper for me—”
    “You are right, Ruperton, it would not be at all proper. Regardless, I would like to learn.”
    “But Lord Southfork…” The steward glanced about the room, obviously praying for an escape of some sort, or maybe just the floor to swallow him up. He looked back at the marchioness. “He would not look lightly upon such transgressions.”
    “His lordship is not present and is not likely to be so for some time,” she said with a bright smile on her face. “So I can see no harm in it. But if you feel that strongly about crossing the lines of propriety, even by my direct request, I shall have to make due with learning from Evans, whom I also intend to ask to tutor me. I had hoped to learn from both of you, on alternate nights, but I am sure Evans will be more than willing to teach me solo.”
    Ruperton’s ire visibly pricked at the mention of Reanna learning from Evans. “You will be asking Evans?”
    “Yes, I thought it best and less time consuming for both of you if I were to split up the instruction.”
    “That is very…thoughtful of you, my lady.”
    Reanna could sense victory in her grasp. “So you will teach me?” She offered him what she hoped was her most charming smile.
    Ruperton paused for an instant, then, decision made, he straightened up to his full taut self. “Yes, my lady, I will be happy to teach you, if you truly believe it is not too great a transgression.”
    Reanna beamed. “I do. Please, I would like to begin tonight, if that is all right with you.” She motioned to the chair across from her. “I believe the board is set up properly, but I could very well be mistaken.”
    A quick glance at the board, and Ruperton shook his head slightly.
    “It is wrong, then?”
    “I am afraid it is quite jumbled, my lady.” He sat on the edge of the chair, moving pieces on the board. “But easily remedied. You are a smart whip, my lady. I will have you in victory over Evans in no time.”
     

{ Chapter 6 }
    It was what Killian had been waiting for.
    The message had finally come from Baron Halstead, a fortnight prior, requesting a meeting in a week.
    Killian had made him wait an additional week.
    He was finally coming to beg for money.
    Sitting behind the wide walnut desk in his London study, Killian straightened the pistol on the dark wood, making sure the butt end kissed the outer edge of the desk, and that the barrel of the gun was pointed directly at his own chest. He had made Halstead wait for the past hour and a half in his drawing room, and when Ludwig reported Halstead was sufficiently agitated beyond patience, Killian allowed Ludwig to escort him in.
    Ludwig closed the study door, leaving Halstead standing, still angry in his agitation. Halstead took another step in, and Killian was immediately struck at how small he was—and old. His only memory of the man had been from when Killian was a child peeking through half-closed doors.
    Killian leaned back in his chair, motioning to the chair opposite him. “Baron Halstead, please come in, sit.”
    Halstead moved forward, his hawk nose tilted down at Killian, posturing a message of disgust at his disrespectful treatment thus far. His eyes were the same ice-blue color as Reanna’s. That, Killian did not remember about the man.
    “Lord Southfork.” Halstead gave a curt nod as he sat, wiry on the edge of the plain wooden chair. “Where is my dear daughter? I did expect to see her here.”
    “She is not in residence.”
    “No?”
    “She is