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brazen appraisal of Brant.
    “ Well…he is, June bug. Look at the size of him! Broadest shoulders I ever did see on a man.” Nana smiled adding, “And since he’s fast a sleep…I can size him up all I want to.”
    “ He makes me nervous,” Lauryn whispered.
    “ Darlin’, I suspect he makes every woman nervous.”
    “ No, Nana,” Lauryn stammered. “I mean…he makes me uncomfortably nervous.”
    “ That’s cause he’s a man, pumpkin. You’re used to boys. Men are different. And this one….” Nana paused touching Brant’s shoulder lightly. “This one is unique.” Then an impish twinkle flickered in the old woman’s eyes. “And to think…he’s already kissed you!”
    Instantly, Lauryn’s face went crimson. “Nana! He’s…he’s a complete stranger.”
    “ Many a great story starts with a handsome stranger, my darlin’.”
     
    Brant Masterson struggled to regulate his breathing so he appeared to be completely asleep. The women’s light, complimentary discussion was the most soothing, interesting event he’d experienced in months. It was hard for him not to smile at the discomfort of his new acquaintance, Miss Lauryn Kensington. Somehow he delighted in the knowledge that he unnerved her. And, she had given him hope. Hope that perhaps not all was lost to him when his sight had been taken. She obviously knew a great deal more than he did about Lauralynn and Brandon Masterson. Briefly, he thought of the feel of her body in his arms when he had embraced her and the soft innocence of her lips when he’d kissed her—the comfort it had unknowingly given him. Yes. Maybe this girl, this bloodline of Laura, could help him find his lost lady.

Chapter T hree
     
    Lauryn awoke with a start when the conductor announced the train was nearing Franklin. She didn’t even remember dropping off to sleep. Her attention immediately went to Brant who remained seated directly before her, his bandaged eyes seeming to be looking directly at her. It was odd, the way she could feel him staring at her when she knew he could not.
    “ At last,” Nana sighed, sleepily. “My sitter is completely numb from sittin’ so long.”
    “ Hush, Nana. For Pete’s sake.” Lauryn scolded in a whisper, noting the amused grin that spread across the handsome face of their companion.
    Nana chuckled delightedly as the train began to slow. Turning to Brant she asked, “Well, my boy…are you ready for the adventure awaitin’ on you at Connemara House?”
    “ Yes, ma’am,” he answered. “And I do apologize beforehand for being such a burden to you.”
    It was a difficult apology for him to make, Lauryn knew. Humility wasn’t the easiest virtue for the man to express, from what she’d gathered of him so far.
    “ We’ll have none of that, Brant,” Nana told him. “You know we’re completely delighted to have you with us.” She patted his knee reassuringly and rose as the train halted before the Franklin station.
    Lauryn stood as well, stretching slightly to ease the stiffness in her back. But as Brant stood, the train gave one final lurch and Brant lost his balance falling forward and knocking Lauryn back into her seat. As he caught himself awkwardly with the armrests at either side of her, his forehead met with her own in a painful collision, and she heard him swear under his breath. He righted himself almost immediately, and Lauryn knew by the tight expression on his mouth that his temper was barely restrained.
    “ I’m sorry,” she heard herself apologize unnecessarily.
    He shook his head assuring her that her apology was, indeed, unnecessary before he held a hand toward her, a gesture indicating he would help her to her feet. Tentatively she accepted his offer and he did pull her securely to a standing position once more. Again, his touch was unsettling. Lauryn was thankful she had put her gloves on so he could not feel the nervous heat of her hand.
    “ I’ll get the porter,” Nana informed them, looking around