Read Online The Elusive Lord Everhart: The Rakes of Fallow Hall Series by Vivienne Lorret - Free Book Online Page A

trying to root her in place.
    “A long journey can make one overly tired, I suppose.” There was no need to mention her predawn jaunt through the manor or her encounter with Everhart. Nonetheless, she hadn’t slept a wink after she’d returned to her chamber. Why that man set out to provoke her, when he was always so agreeable to everyone else, was beyond her understanding.
    More than that, she hated that it bothered her.
    “Ah, yes. As does a long illness.” Pamela gestured for Bess to stop brushing and then lifted a bent wrist, as if in a silent command for assistance in making her way back to bed. “I tire so easily.”
    Poor Nell, already tucked away in the corner, strummed the harp strings. Noting the tiny strips of linen tied around the girl’s fingertips, Calliope felt even sorrier for her. “Then perhaps we could let the servants adjourn for a few minutes while we have a visit “—though what she really intended was a more serious interrogation about the letter—“before you are too tired and before I must leave. As we speak, Griffin is ensuring our carriage is in order.”
    “Even when mother was here, I had a difficult time enduring long conversations. They are so taxing.” Her cousin sighed and sank down onto the mattress. Bess fluffed the pillows behind her. “Nevertheless, I believe a lengthy visit is required. Since you are still unmarried , it can be of no consequence to remain as my companion here.”
    Calliope clenched her teeth.
    A dark cauldron of emotions roiled within her—hot prickles of irritation, a simmering tension at the pit of her stomach, and the sour taste of jealousy at the back of her throat.
    If the letter was truly from him , then this Casanova was playing with her cousin’s affections. The same way he had with hers, when he’d so easily dismissed his ardor for her and gone on to someone else. Several someone elses . The fact that Brightwell had moved on hadn’t bothered her quite so much before . . .
    Until now, when it appeared that both men wanted her cousin. And no one wanted Calliope. Which was a silly thought—one that made her annoyed with herself—considering how she was the one who’d refused Brightwell in the first place.
    Casting those thoughts aside, she focused on her task. All she needed to do was find the letter and read it for any clues to the anonymous author’s identity. In addition to his distinctive handwriting, the other letters had been postmarked from London with a WMO for the Westminster office. Of course, confirming the postmark and date might not identify him, but it would be another step to narrowing down the candidates to one area.
    “Alas, I am out of time,” Calliope said, hoping that her cousin might feel a sense of urgency as well.
    Pamela pouted. “You cannot leave. I haven’t discussed the letter with you. I believe I mentioned how I am the only married woman to have received one.”
    This Casanova’s heart was fickle indeed. Part of Calliope hoped this letter was merely a product of her cousin’s desire to be the center of attention. “But how are you even certain it was one of those?”
    “It started off with My dearest Pamela . . . the same as all the others.” Her brow furrowed in confusion and her gaze glazed over. “Although their names weren’t Pamela. So I suppose it wasn’t exactly the same.”
    It was common enough to begin any letter with such a salutation. Yet none of the other letters had started with My love , as Calliope’s had. My dearest Marianne had been the second. My dearest Petunia , the third. My dearest Beatrice , the fourth. My dearest Johanna , the fifth. My dearest Gertrude , the sixth. My dearest Honoria , the seventh. And now, potentially, My dearest Pamela . Most of the recipients had since married.
    Had one of them found Casanova and married him posthaste?
    “Was it signed?” If the signature were missing or torn away, that would be another clue.
    “Of course not, silly. He never signs