Jo Beverly Read Online Free Page B

“Sir! I am distraught, but I have just given my last rooms to that couple. A brother and sister, you see.”
    “No room at the inn? How seasonally appropriate, but there is always one to be found.” Ash took a guinea out of his pocket.
    “Truly, sir. I have given up my own bedchamber to the lady—”
    Ash gave him the coin. “You’ll think of something. Now, take me to my great-aunts.”
    The innkeeper shook his head, but he led the way down a corridor. At a door, he paused. “You said your name was Dash, sir.”
    “I said I was here to meet Mrs. Dash, which, as I’m sure you recognize, is an entirely different matter.”
    The man’s face stiffened, but he turned to the door and knocked.

Chapter Four
    G  enova had accepted that they must take care of the baby for the night at least, so she’d requested that a mattress be set up in Thalia’s parlor for the pair. Then she ordered one of the three Trayce maids in the entourage to help the girl bathe. Another was to arrange the laundering of as much of the baby’s and nursemaid’s clothing as possible.
    Laundry was difficult in December, but Genova knew anything could be achieved with the promise of generous vails. It was Trayce money she was spending, however, so she went down to explain to Lady Calliope and Thalia.
    When she’d finished an edited account, Lady Calliope scowled. “What are we to do with these waifs, Genova?”
    She glowered out of shawls and rugs, her bald head covered by a fur-lined cap. Her abundant red wig lay on the floor nearby, looking for all the world-like a ginger cat.
    “Perhaps the parents will recollect their duty.”
    “If those two are married, I’m a stuffed goose!”
    Genova had come to the same conclusion. “But if ‘Mrs. Dash’ is trying to foist a bastard on ‘Mr. Dash,’ why would she think he’d take it? And how utterly heartless to dump her child on complete strangers.”
    “The world’s full of heartless opportunists. This promises to be a plaguey mess!”
    Genova soothed the old lady, knowing how hard this journey was for her. The most luxurious coach couldn’t smooth roads rutted and frozen by theweather, and even with her own sheets and pillows, Lady Calliope hated strange beds.
    “I suppose there’s nothing to be done tonight,” Lady Calliope muttered, “but—” She broke off because of a knock on the door. “What now?”
    Genova went to open it, praying that by some miracle it was Mrs. Dash, but she found Lynchbold, who looked uneasy.
    “Excuse me, ma’am. This gentleman claims to be a relative of the ladies and wishes to be of assistance to them.”
    He stepped aside and a man moved forward.
    Mr. Dash!
    Genova gaped at the man’s gall, and he seemed as shocked to see her. Had she spoiled some new game? She dearly hoped so.
    Before she could speak, Thalia said, “A relative? How delightful. Who?” She fluttered over to Genova’s side. “Ashart! My dear boy. Come in, come in!”
    Ashart!
    The man inclined his head to the gawking innkeeper and obeyed, removing Genova from his path.
    She would have loved to block the way again—and more effectively this time—but Thalia couldn’t be doubted. Nor could Lady Calliope, who was greeting the scoundrel with remarkable warmth.
    The wolf was the Marquess of Ashart?
    This man was owner of that decadently luxurious coach?
    That deceiving portrait must date from his youth. Even powdered, patched, and painted for the most formal court event, this man could never look so harmless.
    He kissed Thalia’s cheek and moved on to Lady Calliope. “Callie, my darling.”
    Callie! Lady Calliope’s sisters sometimes used that girlish name, but on this man’s lips it sounded unnatural.
    “What the devil are you doing here?” Lady Calliopeasked, not managing to sound severe. “Up to no good, I’ll be damned.”
    “Brought by the angels to succor you, dear heart. I happened to halt here and learned you were making an unplanned stop at this inferior hostelry.