Feather Castles Read Online Free Page B

a tray.” He continued to gaze up at her, and she smiled and scolded gently, “Now this will never do—pray close your eyes, sir!”
    He didn’t want to close his eyes. He wanted to continue to watch her until every lovely feature was indelibly imprinted upon his mind. She was speaking again, her voice soft and so kind.… He could not seem to distinguish the words but, joying in the sound, fell asleep.

Chapter 2
    â€œTake him … back … to England?” Sister Maria Evangeline’s hand checked, the porridge slipping from the spoon she held as she stared across the rickety table at Rachel’s flushed but resolute face. “You are all about in your head, poor child! Indeed I do not wonder at it, after what you have endured!”
    â€œBut only think, dear ma’am. The poor gentleman saved us. He is much too ill to be left alone. And he is convinced we mean to abandon him; I could see it in his eyes.” Her own eyes softened as she thought of the soldier, and, noting that look, the good sister thought a small, triumphant, “Aha!” Wherefore, she said with harsh judiciousness, “He’ll be fortunate if that is the worst we do, for by rights he should be handed over to the authorities!”
    â€œOh, no! You would not! You could not, when he was so good!”
    â€œI have subjected you to enough of danger, child. I’ll not aid you in slipping a wanted murderer out of France.”
    â€œHe is not a murderer! One has but to look at him to know that!”
    â€œEvidently he is not given to gazing into mirrors, for he confessed, did he not?”
    â€œWell, not exactly. He—”
    â€œAnd while doubtless supposing himself to be at death’s door,” the nun swept on relentlessly. “It would not be the first time, love, that a wanted fugitive has hidden himself in the military.”
    â€œNo, but he was delirious. He cannot recall what really happened.”
    â€œConvenient,” grunted Sister Maria Evangeline dryly. “Were I—”
    She was interrupted by the sudden clatter of hooves outside, and a voice upraised in sharp command. The two women exchanged guilty glances.
    â€œOh, my goodness!” gasped Rachel. “Guy!”
    Sister Maria Evangeline dropped her spoon altogether and clasped her hands prayerfully. “The moment of truth is come, child!”
    Rachel reached out to grip those clasped hands urgently. “Dear ma’am, do not tell him what the soldier said. I beg of you. Promise me you will not—”
    There was no time for such a promise, however. The outer door burst open, and Guy Sanguinet stood on the threshold. He was a lean young man, his features regular and pleasant, if touched by cynicism. Although not above middle height, he was distinguished by an air of poised self-confidence. He was clad in a jaunty, high-crowned beaver hat and a driving coat that enhanced his shoulders yet lacked the superabundance of capes that were the mode. His brown hair was wind-blown, and his hazel eyes, filled with anxiety, flashed to the ladies who rose to greet him.
    â€œRachel!” Hastening to take her outstretched hands and grip them strongly, he broke into a torrent of French. “Do you apprehend that I have been out of my senses with fears for your safety? What in the name of the good God possessed you to rush off in such a way? You had but to ask it and I would have—”
    â€œForbidden me to go,” she interposed, smiling. “Is my sister well?”
    â€œ Mais oui —but of course. Do not seek to divert my vexation! What Claude will say of all this, I shudder to contemplate!” He turned to the nun and bowed. “Had I but known Miss Strand was safely in your care, dear lady, my mind must have been set at ease, to an extent at least.”
    A gleam in her eyes, Rachel murmured, “Oh, at least!”
    Sister Maria Evangeline darted a grim glance at her.