Read Online [Victoria Alexander] The Virgin's Secret (Harringt(BookZZ.org) by Mom - Free Book Online

keep an eye on one another than if we resided in the same house?”
    “How better indeed,” Quinton said under his breath.
    Gabriella scarcely heard him. The very idea of living in the same house with Nathanial
    Harrington—who danced as if he had been her partner always, and brought out a flirtatious
    demeanor in her she hadn‟t known she had, and made her wish, if only for a moment, that they were not on opposite sides—struck her as exceptionally dangerous. “I don‟t know…”
    “Mother.” The earl‟s brow furrowed. “I can‟t believe you‟re inviting a complete stranger to stay in our home.”
    “She‟s not exactly a complete stranger, Sterling.” Lady Wyldewood‟s gaze met Gabriella‟s. “I knew your mother.”
    Gabriella lifted her chin. “I know.”
    “Did you?”
    Gabriella nodded. “After my brother died, I found a packet of letters written to my mother. One was from you.”
    “I was so sorry to learn of her death, and then your father‟s.”
    “It was a very long time ago,” Gabriella said with a shrug, as if it didn‟t matter.
    The countess‟s expression remained serene, but there was the tiniest glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “You should have come to me directly about all this, you know, rather than resort to the clandestine methods you employed tonight.”
    Gabriella had the good grace to blush. “My apologies.”
    “I look forward to having a long talk with you about your mother. I suspect you have a lot of questions.”
    A lump formed in Gabriella‟s throat. She hadn‟t considered that Lady Wyldewood might want to talk about the mother who had died giving her birth. She rarely thought about her mother at all, and only dimly remembered a portrait her father had that, along with the rest of his furnishings and possessions, vanished among his relations after his death. The only thing his relatives had no use for was a little girl. She swallowed hard. “That would be most appreciated.”
    “It is decided, then.” Lady Wyldewood rose to her feet, and the others followed suit.
    Living with the Harringtons hadn‟t been part of her plan, but it would certainly serve her purposes. What better way to find the secrets of scoundrels than to live among them? Although, she amended the thought, Lady Wyldewood was very likely as genuinely nice as she appeared.
    “The hour is late and I for one would like to retire,” the countess said. “I will have a room prepared for you. You may send for your things in the morning.” She cast an appraising glance over Gabriella. “I assume you have more appropriate clothing?”
    Gabriella nodded. “But I should send a note now. The…lady I have been residing with is a very old friend…of my brother‟s.” Which was, at least, partially true. “She will worry if she finds me missing in the morning.”
    “Most thoughtful of you, my dear.” The countess nodded approvingly, then glanced at her
    daughter. “Are you coming?”
    “Yes, Mother.” Lady Regina followed her mother out of the room.
    “We should retire as well,” the earl said. “You will find paper and pens in Mr. Dennison‟s desk, although apparently you have already discovered that.”
    Gabriella smiled weakly.
    “Quinton?” The earl glanced at his brother.
    Quinton downed the rest of his brandy, set the glass on the mantel, and stepped to Gabriella.
    “Miss Montini.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “It has been a most enlightening evening.” His gaze never left hers, in precisely the same polished manner as his brother‟s had when he‟d kissed her hand. And yet, with this brother it was nothing more than overly practiced.
    “I look forward to many more.” He released her hand and started for the door.
    “Andrews will see you to your room when you‟re ready,” the earl said. “Good evening, Miss
    Montini.”
    “Lord Wyldewood,” she murmured.
    He traded glances with Nathanial, and the younger brother followed him out of the room. A
    moment