Read Online Straw in the Wind by Janet Woods - Free Book Online

opposite direction like a hare with the wind under its tail.’
    Her eyes lit up with amusement. ‘Adam Chapman racing a bullet might be a sight to behold.’
    He laughed. ‘Marianne has a good head on her shoulders; no wonder she loves you so dearly.’
    â€˜I know that now, Adam. For the first time in my life I’m happy and contented, thanks to Seth. I don’t want things to change. So yes, I want to believe that Marianne imagined that cry. If she didn’t, it means that the baby lived, and . . .’
    â€˜Have you an opinion on what might have been the fate of the infant?’
    Her face closed up and she murmured, ‘Not one I want to think or talk about. I’ve already said more than I meant to.’ Her lovely mouth twisted in a wry smile. ‘You have a sneaky way with you, Adam. You asked me two questions and despite my resolve not to, I answered all the questions you didn’t ask, as well.’
    â€˜Perhaps it’s because I’m a good listener and you needed to answer them. If there’s anything else you might have forgotten—’
    â€˜No, there isn’t!’
    It was said too emphatically, but he let it go, giving a faint smile. ‘You’ve been helpful. You know, Charlotte, you have more goodness in you than you give yourself credit for. Will you mind very much if your sister is found?’
    â€˜I don’t know. If she exists, and if you happen to find her, ask me then. It’s hard to be civil to someone you’ve despised all your life.’
    â€˜I’m sure you’ll manage if the time comes.’ He stood, picking up his hat and gloves. ‘Be sure that I’ll keep you informed through Marianne, who has been appointed by Erasmus Thornton to act on his behalf.’
    She shook her head. ‘I never imagined he’d have a conscience.’
    Gently he kissed her cheek. ‘Most people do. Captain Thornton is no exception and he’s in an awkward situation. It could be that Marianne has given him the incentive to act that he needed. People are often surprising.’
    Seth came from the study when they went into the hall. His glance went immediately to Charlotte’s face, and he relaxed, as if reassured by what he saw there. He moved to her side, and said, ‘You’re leaving already, Adam?’
    â€˜Yes, I have some enquiries to make, and my cab is waiting. Thank you, Charlotte, you were very helpful, and I hope it wasn’t too painful.’
    After they watched the cab leave, Seth smiled at her. ‘Well?’
    â€˜I wished you’d been in there with me.’
    â€˜I thought my presence would have been intimidating.’
    â€˜You never intimidate me, but you do make me aware of being cautious.’
    â€˜Adam is a family friend now. He is totally discreet, and there’s no need for caution.’
    Her eyes met his and she smiled. ‘I want to tell you something, Seth.’
    â€˜Is it that you love me?’
    â€˜Of course not.’ Her eyes mirrored her consternation in case he misconstrued her words. ‘I do love you though, didn’t you realize?’
    â€˜Yes, but say it again in cold blood.’
    An expression of shyness appeared in her eyes and she offered him a breathless little chuckle that charmed him. ‘I love you, Seth Hardy. There, will that do?’
    â€˜Perfectly. You’ve never told me that before, you know.’ Cradling her face in his hands Seth bowed his head and kissed her before smiling. ‘You taste of brandy. Can this account for your tongue being loosened?’
    She laughed. ‘Adam gave me the brandy because I nearly fainted, and he thought his questioning was the cause. However, the fault lies with you, since we’re expecting an infant in the spring. That’s what I had to tell you.’
    A smile spread across his face. ‘I’ll accept both blame and responsibility in equal proportions, but we