A Sordid Situation Read Online Free Page A

circumstances I’d be inclined to agree with you.
However, this is an important dinner and I want the house to myself. My client
values their privacy. You do understand? There is to be no one here.”
    The cook nodded. “If that’s what you wish, sir. Everything will
be ready to go before I depart. All you need do is remove it from the warmer. I
trust you’re familiar with the layout of the kitchen?”
    “I am.”
    “Very good, sir. I’ll be finished up within the hour.”

     
    * * * *

     
    As the evening darkened, seven drew near. Eugenia felt her nerves
seize control. So far, everything had gone just as she had planned. Once again,
for the second night in a row, she partook of an early dinner and then retired
to her room for the rest of the night. She hoped that after their work was
done, the servants would do the same.
    The plan was to slip out the back door and into the garden when
the time was right. The trees and shrubbery would help obscure her from view,
just in case anyone inside the house happened to be looking out the windows.
She’d keep her head down on the street, and would acknowledge no one. It was
always easy to fall into the crowd in a city, and she was grateful for that.
    Eugenia took one glance in the full length mirror and sighed at
what reflected before her. She pinched her cheeks for color and did a half
turn, and then slipped into the black cloak, sliding the hood over her head.
The whole effect was striking. She was suddenly transformed into a woman of
mystery, a woman with a mission. Not to mention, the black silk was a wondrous
contrast to her pale, alabaster skin.
    Slipping into the hall, she stopped and listened for any signs of
life. The house remained silent, except for the rapid pounding of her heart.
    Taking each step one at a time, she carefully descended the
stairs to the lower level of the house. From there she passed the main hall
into the sunroom and out the back door into the garden.
    The cold, crisp autumn night air both exhilarated and renewed her
senses as she took in a deep breath. It was glorious. Once outside the garden’s
gate, she was free.
    Her pulse pounded, her heart raced, it was utterly thrilling in
the most devilish of ways!
    With her head low as she passed strangers, her hood drawn, she
felt wicked, much like a woman of mystery. This was new, this was now. She was
outside of her comfort zone and she loved every passing second.
    Her pace increased as she grew close to her destination and as
determined, in twenty minutes she was standing on the steps of Mr. Hawthorne’s
brownstone.
    The house was impressive but certainly did not hold a candle to
the grandeur of Collingwood. She pressed the bell and waited. Barely a moment
passed before the door swung open.
    “And how do you do?” asked Mr. Hawthorne, a rakish grin adorning
his lips. He stepped aside and motioned for her to come inside. “Do come in.”
    “I’m fine. Thank you for asking. And yourself?” She brushed past
him into the foyer.
    He looked handsome dressed in a red silk smoking jacket. It was a
style she would never have guessed he preferred. Mr. Hawthorne was a man of
many surprises.
    “I’m well, thank you.” He guided her down the front hall as she
held onto his arm.
    “Nice jacket, is it silk?” she commented, stirring conversation.
    “Yes, from the Orient. I picked it up during my last trip. I
spent a month there.”
    “The Orient you say? That must have been interesting…. Business
or pleasure?”
    “It was a mixture if both. I’m dipping my hands into a couple of
new ventures and the two mixed perfectly. I had the chance and grabbed it
without any regret. The experience was amazing and one that I shall never
forget. The traditions, the culture…. Their whole lives are so rooted in it,
yet it all makes perfect sense, the yin and the yang as they refer to it. You
should go there someday, if you desire it.”
    Eugenia clutched his arm as they walked into the dining room.
    “I’ve