Historical Romance – The Best Of The Year. Кэрол Мортимер

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ not,’ he said, ‘though you may wish to visit friends sometimes in town.’

      ‘Even so I would prefer something simpler. Lethbridge liked me to wear gowns that...I find immodest.’

      ‘Ah, I see.’ Hal nodded, looking at her gravely. ‘I do understand that you wish for no reminders of your past life, Madeline—but I hate to think you will be deprived of pretty things.’

      ‘I shall have all that I need,’ she told him and reached for his hand. She wondered whether to tell him of the jewels, but was prevented by Jenny coming up to her.

      ‘I am giving a small dance next week,’ she said. ‘You are in official mourning, I know, Maddie—but shall you feel able to attend?’

      ‘To attend, yes,’ Madeline said. ‘Of course I shall not dance, but to sit quietly and watch can harm no one.’

      ‘I had business with Adam today,’ Hal said. ‘Tomorrow I am at your disposal. If you would like to ride out, I am sure a horse could be found for you.’

      ‘You will come with me?’ Madeline found the prospect delightful. In town she’d ridden sometimes with a groom or her husband in attendance, but to take a horse out and gallop across green fields was something she’d not been able to enjoy since her marriage. ‘I think I should like that above anything, Hal.’

      ‘Then I will order the horses for eight-thirty if that is not too early for you.’

      ‘It is best to ride early in the morning,’ she agreed and smiled at him. ‘I can be ready by eight if it is not too early for you.’

      Hal laughed, amused and pleased by her enthusiasm. Her eyes had lit in a way he’d not seen since before they parted that never-to-be-forgotten day when she’d broken his heart.

      ‘Then the horses shall be brought at eight sharp,’ he replied. He reached for her hand, taking it in his own and kissing it. ‘My whole desire is to care for you and make you happy, Madeline. You must tell me what pleases you and what doesn’t—and do not fear to displease me. I am not Lethbridge and I vow I shall never willingly hurt you.’

      Madeline’s hand trembled in his. She gazed up into his eyes in a way that made Hal wonder what lay behind the sadness he could sense inside her. She laughed and made conversation with her host and hostess, and she was always willing to listen to whatever Hal had to say, but he could not help feeling that a part of her was held in reserve—as if she could not quite give her whole self.

      She had suffered far more than he could know.

      He must not ask too much of her. Hal had discovered much about her wretched husband, but he sensed that there was a great deal that Madeline had not yet told him. He doubted she could bring herself to confide the depths of the wickedness that Lethbridge had perpetrated on her, even to another woman.

      Sometimes, when he touched her, he felt a slight withdrawal in her, even though she struggled to control it. She did not pull away, but he’d felt her stiffen when he kissed her hand, only slightly, but enough for him to know that she was not yet ready to accept his lovemaking.

      When he saw the deep hurt in her eyes, Hal wished Lethbridge were alive so that he could strangle him with his bare hands. He could not bear to think of what she might have suffered and knew that if it took years—or the rest of their lives—he would wait until she was ready to accept his love.

      Hal would marry her as soon as it was acceptable in the eyes of the world, but he would not force Maddie to accept him in her bed—and when he thought the time was right, he would assure her that her happiness was his only concern.

      He knew that there would be times when he desperately wanted to hold her and touch her, but he sensed that somewhere inside Madeline was a wounded creature that must be coaxed and taught to trust again—like a puppy that has been kicked and beaten. That made him want to weep for her, but she would not wish him to pity her. She was still proud despite all that her evil husband had done to her.

      All he wanted was to make her happy and banish that look of sadness from her beautiful eyes.

      * * *

      Once again, an evening spent playing cards, some music and relaxed conversation proved so enjoyable that Madeline had been able to sleep well in her comfortable bed. It was a new experience for her to wake and be able to decide for herself which clothes she should wear, for Lethbridge had often sent her to change if her attire did not please his eye.

      She chose a dark-blue riding habit, which she had purchased, but never yet worn, knowing that its sober hue would not please her husband. Her hat was in the military style with a dark-blue curling feather pinned with a small diamond brooch. Her father had given the trinket to her in the days before he had gambled his fortune away and was a favourite, though Lethbridge had scorned it as being unworthy of his wife.

      She was ready well before the appointed time and went downstairs, pulling on her black leather gloves. As she approached the last stair, the sound of voices reached her and then Hal and Adam came from the front salon into the hall.

      ‘Perhaps you ought to tell h—’ Adam was saying, ceasing abruptly as he saw her standing there. ‘Good morning, Madeline. You are an early riser today.’

      ‘We are going riding together,’ Hal said and his eyes were admiring as they went over her. ‘You look charming, Maddie. I like the style of your gown. It is extremely elegant and the colour becomes you.’

      ‘Thank you,’ she said, feeling the warmth in her cheeks. ‘I have not worn it before and I am pleased you approve.’

      ‘You need no one’s approval, but I think it very elegant.’

      ‘My maid has packed a trunk with clothes I shall never wear,’ Madeline said, turning to her host. ‘She and Thomas will be glad of a place in your wagon, Adam—if there is room?’

      ‘Plenty of room,’ he assured her. ‘I’ve left word that they are to be given any assistance they require.’ He glanced at Hal. ‘Think about what I was saying, Cousin. I wish you both a pleasant ride.’

      ‘I am sure it will be,’ Hal replied. ‘I shall give your ideas some consideration—and thank you.’

      ‘You are welcome.’ Adam turned away, walking in the direction of the library.

      ‘Shall we go?’ Hal said. ‘I believe the groom has brought our horses round.’

      ‘Are you certain you have finished your business with Adam?’

      ‘Yes, of course. Adam put a suggestion to me that I think very generous of him, but I am not sure I can accept.’

      ‘You are good friends, I think?’

      ‘Yes, the best. We have been through a great deal together—during the war and when Mark was murdered.’

      ‘That must have forged a bond between you.’ Madeline arched one delicate eyebrow. ‘Was it another proposal of business?’

      ‘In a manner of speaking,’ Hal said. ‘If I cared for it, he has a place for an estate manager. I do not know if you are aware of it, but Jenny was a considerable heiress and Adam has a lot of property to manage. If I accepted his offer, he would make a house on one of the estates available СКАЧАТЬ