Read Online Sari Robins - [Andersen Hall Orphanage 05] by The Governess Wears Scarlet - Free Book Online Page A

father-in-law. I was married to his daughter.” They were only words, he told himself, as he pushed away the familiar grief.
    “Was?”
    “She died.”
    “I’m so sorry.” Her luminous eyes were filled with compassion.
    “Thank you. It was a long time ago.”
    “My parents died a long time ago, but that doesn’t diminish the loss or the fact that I miss them still.”
    Surprisingly, her empathy somehow allowed him both to feel the pain, but not to experience its ache quite as acutely. “Yes, well, I’m the only family that Benbrook trusts with the safety of his grandchildren, and he fears that he’s…not long for this world.”
    Raising her hand to her mouth, Miss West cried, “Those poor boys! First their parents and now this!”
    Steele felt a tad guilty about working on Miss West’s sympathies, but he would do whatever necessary to get the job done. “Yes, well, Felix and Seth are certainly in need of kindness. And you leaving right now…”
    Abigail swallowed as a fresh wave of mortification swept over her. “I suppose this whole misunderstanding is really my fault.” Her cheeks warmed, and she couldn’t meet Lord Steele’s eyes. “I jumped to some very unfair conclusions about you…I mean, you wishing to be with me…how absurd!”
    “Yes, well…Carlton certainly complicated things.” His face was unreadable. Abigail probably should be counting her lucky stars that the man wasn’t insulted.
    She cleared her throat, trying to move past the embarrassing faux pas. “Ah, Carlton…he may not be so pleased to have me stay on.”
    “As I mentioned, I think I’m going to find him another post. But that is my concern. You just worry about keeping those boys safe.”
    “Safe?”
    “Their parents’ deaths have left them shaken, and I’ve promised Benbrook that I won’t let anything happen to them. So I’m going to take extra pains where they’re concerned.”
    “That rule about the two adults accompanying them when they leave the house?”
    “Exactly. I want them watched and attended at all times by at least two adults. For the first few months that we’re together, I want to ensure that not a scratch touches them.”
    “But they’re boys…”
    “I know, but I insist on this arrangement.” He extended his hand. “So do we have an agreement? Youhelp me with the boys and I take care of everything else.”
    She stared at the graceful masculine fingers stretching toward her, appreciating how kind he was being about the whole misunderstanding business.
    Yet there was something that made her hesitate, a tiny ring of alarm. It wasn’t fear, more like…agitation. Lord Steele made her belly tingle. If that wasn’t bad enough, he seemed to further incite the passions the masked rescuer had recently ignited in her. She didn’t quite trust him, either. He was disarming, far too handsome for her peace of mind, and there was something unsettling about him that she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
    But that was ridiculous. She desperately needed this job and was fond of Seth and Felix already. What was there to possibly be concerned about? She dismissed the warnings in her mind as the silly remnants of her appalling embarrassment.
    Nodding, she slipped her small hand into his.
    His fingers held her firmly, yet were gentler than she’d imagined. And his skin was surprisingly smooth and very, very warm. Heat seeped from his palm to hers with such intensity that she felt a tingle race up her arm and rush into her chest. Looking down, she stared at their joined hands, realizing that she could hardly tell where his flesh ended and hers began.
    Their eyes met. A strange panic licked at her middle, and she quickly slipped her hand from his and stepped back. “Agreed.” She hoped he didn’t notice how breathless she sounded.
    He shook himself, as if startled. “Yes, well. I’m glad that’s settled.” Distractedly he motioned towardthe house. “If you will. I’m sure the boys must be ready for