Read Online Mockingbird's Call by Diane T. Ashley - Free Book Online

meet my cousin, Amelia Montgomery.”
    â€œIt’s you.” Her eyes, so deep, so mysterious, shone in the light of the candles. “I never got to say good-bye.”
    â€œYou two know each other?” Benjamin’s shocked gaze met Jared’s sheepish one. “Have you been keeping secrets from me?”
    â€œWe rode the train together, but we were never properly introduced.” Jared raised his spectacles to the bridge of his nose. “Luke Talbot made sure of that.”
    Benjamin’s laughter turned heads in the room. “So that is the reason for—”
    â€œDid you finish A Tale of Two Cities ?” Jared interrupted Benjamin.
    â€œYes. I found it very thought provoking.”
    â€œOh no. Spare me.” Benjamin looked from one to the other. He rolled his eyes. “Please tell me you are not as bookish as Jared.”
    â€œI hesitate to disappoint you, cousin.” She answered Benjamin’s question, but Jared could feel her gaze on him. “I must confess that Mr. Stuart and I share a love of Charles Dickens.”
    Jared felt as invincible as a conqueror. “If you’re not going to dance with Miss Montgomery, perhaps you will allowme to?”
    Amelia glanced at her cousin, a question in her gaze. Benjamin’s lips curled slightly. “It doesn’t look like I have much choice.” He bowed and left them standing on the edge of the ballroom floor.
    Jared was finally thankful for the dancing lessons his parents had insisted on. He could partner Miss Montgomery without fear of appearing gauche. He placed one hand at her waist and held out the other for her to grasp before sweeping her into the midst of the other dancers. The feeling of holding her close was heady, but it also caused him to lose the ability to converse. He could feel tension tightening his shoulders as he searched his empty mind for something to say to her. Should he compliment her gracefulness on the dance floor? Or her pretty dress?
    â€œHave you found time to read Mr. Dickens’s book, Mr. Stuart?”
    â€œYes, it was one of my first purchases when I reached Knoxville.” Jared felt his tension easing. He could discuss books all day long. “Tell me, were you as horrified as I by the marquis’ brutal treatment of those in his power?”
    â€œYes.” Amelia shuddered. “I was not at all disappointed by his demise.”
    They spent the rest of the waltz discussing the themes of sacrifice and justice explored by Charles Dickens in his novels. So lost was he in their discussion that Jared was surprised when the orchestra stopped playing. He escorted her from the floor, reluctant to give her over to one of her other admirers.
    â€œGood evening, Miss Montgomery.”
    The deep voice brought Jared’s head up. He nearly groaned as he recognized Luke Talbot. He should have known the man would be here.
    Talbot’s dark eyes were fixed on Amelia. Jared doubted the man had even noticed him. “It’s such a pleasure to see you tonight, Amelia.”
    â€œHello, Luke. I’m glad you were able to come.” She took her hand from Jared’s arm and held it out to Talbot. “You remember Mr. Stuart, whom we met on the train.”
    â€œAh, if it’s not the midnight wanderer.” Luke’s voice was full of mockery. “Where is your nefarious partner?”
    Jared could feel heat rising to his cheeks. His ears grew so hot he thought steam might be rising from them. “Mr. Talbot.”
    Amelia’s brow wrinkled. “Must you talk in riddles, Luke?”
    â€œI’m referring to a small matter that occurred at the college last week.” Luke’s confident smile was turned to Amelia. “It’s nothing to concern your pretty head about.”
    Somehow, Luke had managed to once again place himself between Jared and Amelia. Jared watched helplessly as the self-assured man skillfully drew her away from those