Read Online Unveiled (Undone by Love Book 3) by Kristina Cook - Free Book Online

The worried creases smoothed from his brow. “And what of Tolland and his ankle?”
    “Still smarting, I suppose, though he’s made no mention of it . But he limps when he thinks no one is watching.”  When Jane had gone to his study and asked him about visiting The Orchards, he had been overly generous and accommodating, promising to make the necessary arrangements himself. Yet his eyes had never once met hers.
    “Some escort he was, the fool.”
    Jane felt the heat rise again in her cheeks. She’d blushed more in Lord Westfield’s presence these past few days than she had in her entire life, no doubt.
    “Anyway,” he said with a wave of one hand, as if he were shooing away a pesky fly . “Perhaps you can join us for dinner another evening.”
    “Of course,” Jane replied.
    Madeline, obviously feeling forgotten, tugged on Lord Westfield’s sleeve. His niece , he’d called her. Jane’s brows rose suspiciously, for one only had to glance at the pair, standing beside one another with the same green eyes and the same strong, proud chin, to suspect a different relationship altogether. Perhaps she was his daughter.
    His bastard daughter .
    Just then Miss Crosley stepped into the room, interrupting Jane’s musings on the child’s parentage . The governess entreated her charge to go upstairs at once for her bath.
    “I won’t leave without saying good-bye, I give you my word,” Jane promised .
    With one reluctant glance back at Jane, Madeline obeyed . Jane listened as the pair’s footsteps faded and then disappeared altogether, and then she and Lord Westfield faced one another, silent, for what felt like an eternity.
    After a beat, he reached down and buttoned his coat with sharp, precise movements . “I apologize for my current state. I’m afraid I left in a bit of haste.” 
    “No need to apologize,” she answered as he straightened his cravat.
    “Will you sit?” he asked, his tone decidedly polite.
    “Of course.”  On shaky legs, Jane returned to her previous seat on the sofa . “I believe the tea is still warm. Shall I pour?”
    “Yes . Thank you.”  He reached for the cup she offered.
    “She’s delightful, my lord.”
    “What? Who?”
    “Madeline . Such a lovely child. Her liveliness must brighten your household.”
    “Liveliness ? Oh. Yes. An orphan, my niece. She had nowhere to go and I, ahem...”  He took a sip of tea. “She’s been with us since infancy. Miss Crosley does a fine job. Madeline’s a terribly bright child, but, I fear, in desperate need of a woman’s influence. Your cousin is very kind to her. Madeline is usually timid among strangers. I’ve never seen her take to someone as quickly as she has to you. You must have made quite an impression on her.” 
    “I...suppose so.”  A feeling of unease settled in her stomach . It was not prudent for her to remain alone in his company. “I’m sorry, my lord. I must go.”
    “Call me ‘Hayden.’”
    “An unusual name,” she replied, stalling.
    “My mother’s maiden name . Lady Caroline Hayden of Kent, before marriage. Her father was the Duke of Umberton.”
    “I see.”  Jane fidgeted in her seat . She couldn’t possibly call him by his given name. Despite their indiscretion, she’d only made his acquaintance what, two, three days ago?
    “And perhaps I should call you Jane,” he added.
    “Perhaps not,” Jane replied.
    “Tell me, how do you find Richmond Park?”
    “Extraordinary.”  She brightened at once, her mood lightened a measure. “I’ve never in all my life seen a house so pleasingly situated, nor so elegantly appointed.”
    “I agree, but then I’m prejudiced . I’m glad it pleases you.”  He leaned back in his chair and eyed her closely. “I think perhaps it could use a woman’s touch,” he said.
    “Whatever do you mean?”  Jane’s heart began to thump noisily against her ribs .
    “Richmond Park . It has been many years since the estate has seen a mistress.”
    “I must say, it