Read Online What a Lady Most Desires by Lecia Cornwall - Free Book Online Page B

his friend’s voice. “I haven’t found anyone who recalls seeing you during the battle, either.” His friend’s voice was tight, careful.
    â€œBut I was there,” Stephen protested. “Damn it Nick, what aren’t you telling me? What else has happened?”
    â€œThe tale has spread, I’m afraid. There are ­people talking about this, about you. At first I thought it would be a good thing, would bring out men who know you, who would speak up for you.”
    â€œAnd?” Stephen prompted.
    â€œThe men who remember you from Spain say you’ve been different here in Brussels—­secretive, silent, and unsociable.”
    It was true enough. He’d had his bloody heart broken in Vienna, and he hadn’t been inclined to join in with his fellows here, preferring to spend his time alone to brood over the loss of Julia. Still, he’d done his duty as carefully as he ever did—­he just spent his off hours alone. “What of it?” he snapped.
    â€œI’m simply the messenger, old friend. Look, perhaps it would be better if you were to leave Brussels and go home.”
    â€œHome?” Stephen asked, the word thick on his tongue. “I was a diplomat. I was posted to Vienna, then to Brussels. I fully expected another foreign posting would follow this. I haven’t got a home in England anymore.”
    â€œActually, I was thinking you might come to Temberlay Castle.”
    There was nowhere else. Well, there was Dorothea, of course, but he dismissed the idea even as it came to him. His sister was newly remarried, expecting a baby. She was at her husband’s family estate in Kent, and he could hardly impose on her new relations-­by-­marriage, especially now, injured and disgraced. Doe was a delicate creature, and he could not bear to go to her this way.
    He was the one who had cared for her when their mother had died, and again while she mourned her dead husband and child. He’d held her, sat with her, rocked her while she cried, spoon-­fed her when no one else could coax her to eat. He could not bear to make her return the favor—­not now, when he faced shame and darkness that could destroy her along with himself.
    No, he’d rather Doe didn’t know, that she assumed he was well and posted abroad.
    Where else could he go? Vienna was the last place he’d been happy. He’d fancied himself in love, had planned a lifetime of happiness with a woman who did not love him back. He’d left Vienna to return to war, the very opposite of love. He felt panic tighten his throat, make breathing difficult. He was blind and alone.
    He realized he was clutching the bedclothes in his fists, and slowly let go. “Is it so urgent that I leave Brussels immediately?”
    â€œFairlie has insisted you must be moved to other quarters at the very least,” Nicholas said.
    â€œBecause he believes I’m guilty?”
    Nicholas shifted in his chair. “He has gone to Wellington on your behalf, asked that your court-­martial be postponed until you have had time to recover, had a chance to gather proof. He’s trying to be fair, but as your commander, he’ll have to oversee the court-­martial. He can’t be seen to be assisting you.”
    â€œJust in case I truly am a coward, a thief, and a liar,” Stephen said, staring into the darkness. “And how am I to prove anything this way?”
    â€œCome to Temberlay Castle,” Nicholas said again.
    â€œMuch as I’d love to see the place, stroll the grounds, admire the art—­”
    â€œIf I’m going to help you gather evidence, then it would be better if we were quartered together, don’t you think? You need time to heal, and Temberlay is quiet, and away from gossip.”
    Hope stirred in Stephen’s breast, a restless mouse, coming out of hiding after days of fear. “You’re willing to help me?”
    â€œI was an