Read Online Simply Irresistible by Kate Pearce - Free Book Online Page B

she could utter a protest, Abby was marched down the stairs and into Valentin’s study, where an unknown man awaited her.
    â€œThis is Lady Beecham,” Valentin said. “Now, what exactly do you have to say to her ladyship?”
    The man bowed to Abby. “I apologize for disturbing you, my lady, but my time here in London is very limited and I could not wait to make an appointment.” He met her gaze. “I’m Jeremiah Hodges.”
    Abby put her hand to her cheek as a thousand conflicting emotions ran through her. “Mr. Hodges? I am very pleased to meet you, even in such sad circumstances.” She extended her hand and he kissed her fingers. “How are you, sir, and what brings you to London?”
    After a quick glance at Valentin, who obviously had no intention of leaving, Jeremiah lowered his voice. “I’m staying at the Rose and Crown off Pultney Road. I would be honored if you would agree to meet me there.”
    Ignoring Valentin’s attempt to answer for her, Abby nodded. “I would be most happy to do so. When would be a convenient time?”
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    The next morning, accompanied by her maid and trailed by one of the Sokorvsky footmen, Abby made her way into the small but respectable back parlor of the inn where Mr. Hodges was staying. Her maid set about refurbishing the meager fire and drawing the curtains, tutting at the dust she shook out.
    Just as Abby had begun to believe Mr. Hodges had forgotten her, there was a knock at the door. It opened to disclose a young boy, who grinned at Abby and proffered her a folded note.
    â€œGuv said to give the pretty lady this, so I reckon that must be you.”
    Abby smiled and handed the boy a coin. “And you shall receive a sixpence both for your efficiency and your charming manners.”
    He winked, pocketed the coin and ran off before Abby was able to ask him whether he required an answer. Turning her back on her maid, she opened the note and read the short message.
    I am delayed in my bedchamber. If you wish to be completely private with me, come to room five and knock twice on the door. Do not bring your maid or footman.
    Abby took off her bonnet and laid her muff on the seat next to the fire. “Drat the boy for leaving so quickly. I need to answer this note.” She looked around the small parlor. “I wonder if the innkeeper has ink and paper.”
    â€œDo you wish me to go and ask, my lady?”
    â€œThat would be very helpful, Maggie.” She smiled at her maid. “If I’m not here when you get back, I’ll be using the necessary.”
    â€œYes, my lady.”
    She repeated the same message to the footman stationed outside the door, who blushed a fiery red and obediently looked anywhere but at her as she headed back into the main part of the inn. Gathering her skirts in one hand, she went up the stairs and located Mr. Hodges’s door. After a deep, steadying breath, she knocked twice.
    She was pulled inside the room so quickly that she barely had time to register there was a hand over her mouth and a hard body pinning her against his. She tried to shriek and bite the man’s finger, but he simply tightened his grip.
    â€œBe still. I wish you to see something, and I don’t want you to scream.”
    She recognized Mr. Hodges’s voice and stopped fighting as a man dressed in the simple clothes of a sailor with long black hair tied back at the nape and a full beard came out of the shadows behind the four-poster bed and stopped in front of her.
    â€œGood morning, Abby cat.”
    Shock made her sway back and forth in Mr. Hodges’s grasp as he slowly uncovered her mouth.
    â€œJames?”
    His smile was as sweet as ever. “No, love. James died in the fire. He is buried in the churchyard near Trade Winds. For our purposes, he no longer exists.”
    Mr. Hodges helped Abby sit down and went to lock the door. For a long moment she simply stared at James,